Oct. 15–18. Connor Thomas Rhoades directs local actors in Jeanine Tesori and (Ann Arbor native) Lisa Kron’s 2013 Broadway musical based on Alison Bechdel’s poignant graphic memoir about growing up in a funeral home, the discovery of her sexuality, and her relationship with her closeted gay father. “I can’t think of a recent musical—or play, for that matter—that has done a better job at finding theatrical expression for the wayward dynamics of remembering,” says the New York Times. 7 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sun.), Riverside Arts Center. $20 (students & seniors, $18) at horizonpa.yapsody.com. 

Oct. 15–17. Veteran tag-team stand-up comedy act by twin brothers Randy and Jason Sklar, U-M grads now based in L.A. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $25 (Thurs., $20) in advance at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door.  Special engagement; no passes, discounts, or coupons accepted. (734) 996–9080. 

Oct. 17, 23, 24, 30, & 31. Annual Halloween event to check out and learn about animals associated with the season (possibly owls, vultures, ravens, snakes, tarantulas, and rats) and hear Halloween legends tailored to adults. Donuts & cider. Age 18 & up only. 7–9 p.m., 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $40, preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org. (734) 929–9324.

Every Fri.–Sun. A haunted hayride, a ghostly mental asylum, and three more scary attractions, all bristling with scores of costumed monsters. Refreshments available from the Wiard’s Country Store. Recommended for ages 12 & up. 7:15–11:30 p.m., 5565 Merritt, Ypsi. Tickets $36–$65 in advance only at hauntedhousemichigan.com. (734) 390–9212.

Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

October 2–17. Brandy Joe Plambeck directs local actors in Joseph Zettelmaier’s new gothic drama. Deep beneath the famed Palais Garnier Opera House, a mysterious masked man recalls the events of his ghoulish life, which is nearing its end. Adult topics. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 7 p.m. (Sun.). Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (students, $20; seniors, $25), in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 926–5346, [email protected].

Oct. 8–11 & 14–18. Vincent Cardinal directs musical theater students in Irene Sankoff & David Hein’s award-winning 2017 upbeat musical set in the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the world, were diverted to the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. Despite culture clashes and language barriers, the local people encourage the stranded travelers with music and an open bar, forming lifelong friendships, and even sparking romances. 7:30 p.m. (Wed. & Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (10 Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. Tickets $34–$40 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0583.

Oct. 16–18 & 22–24. Marisa Dluge directs local actors in an original musical by NTG members Greg Pizzino and A.M. Dean. Part of NTG’s annual Black Cat Halloween series. 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsi. Ticket price TBA at ntgypsi.org & at the door.