Sally Spectre the Musical

 Sally Spectre the Musical
News of Spite Productions
30^th Street Theater
October 22, 2025

Photo courtesy of Sally Spectre the Musical

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.  

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, Mykeal North, & Patrick Beckstead
Photo by Garry Kluger, courtesy of Sally Spectre the Musical

 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. 

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.

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 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.  

Sally Spectre the Musical is playing at 30^th 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