Sally Spectre, The Musical
News of Spite Productions
30th Street
Theater
October 22, 2025
Sally Spectre, The Musical is pure Halloween
fun. This show is an intriguing
combination of macabre, dark, and silly humor.
Taking inspiration from Tim Burton, playwright / composer / lyricist David
P. Johnson, created a story that haunts its audience and leaves them with a
valuable message. He and his co-director,
Arden Teresa Lewis, have branded this musical with a consistent and sharp style
that keeps the audience fully engaged. The
opening number eerily introduces the premise and sets the tone and pace for the
show. The cast boldly takes this well-crafted
material and delivers strong and haunting performances. Every ghoulish detail is brought together for
a satisfying conclusion. 
Photo courtesy of Sally Spectre, the Musical
Sally Spectre (played by Helen Floersh) has been dead for fifty years, but does not know it. The hatchet that killed her when she was a child remains embedded in her head. She is protected by Bartholomew, a toy soldier (played by Mykeal North). He knows that “when the fool speaks reason,” the time is approaching for Sally to move on. When Nero (played by Patrick Beckstead) starts talking sensibly, Bartholomew knows that time is fast approaching. The Wraith (played by Bobby Bogner) arrives during the night to play Chinese checkers with Sally, causing Bartholomew to worry. The Wraith calls upon his assistants, Gustave (played by Richard J. Piatt) and Mabel (played by Marie Scott) to get Bartholomew, Sally, and Winky (played by Patick Beckstead) on the same page. The secret lies in the mirror that Sally is afraid to look into.
Helen Floersh beautifully
captures the youth and waif-like innocence that is perfect for Sally Spectre. As her protector, Bartholomew, Mykael North
is stoic and sturdy. This is
complemented by the characterizations of Patrick Beckstead, who plays one character
with four personalities. He transforms physically
and vocally for each of these distinct roles. 
Helen Floersh, Mykeal North, & Patrick Beckstead
Photo by Garry Kluger, courtesy of Sally Spectre, the Musical
Bobby Bognar is ominous
as The Wraith. His witty sense of humor balances
the darkness of his mysterious presence.
Richard J. Piatt and Marie Scott are constantly bickering as Gustave and
Mabel, delivering hearty laughs despite their spine-chilling appearances.
Sally Spectre, The Musical was a winner of the Hurricane Season Playwrights Festival in 2008. It went on to a workshop production at
Theatre West in 2009. In 2012 it was a
finalist for the Richard Rogers Award.
This level of focused development is apparent in the quality of this production. It is tight and consistent. The production design by Marco Rivera spares
no expense. 
Mykeal North, Marie Scott, Helen Floersh,
Patrick Beckstead, & Richard J. Piatt
Photo by Garry Kluger, courtesy of Sally Spectre, The Musical
Sally Spectre, The Musical is playing at 30th Street Theater through November 1. If you are in the mood for some spook-filled Halloween fun, this is the show to see.
Domenick Danza
David Johnson is legit. He’s a creative perfectionist that has enough self-awareness and discipline to deliver quality performance every time. This is true in his music and now theater. He’s had many years to tune this up and trust me he didn’t miss a single note…epic!
ReplyDelete