Castle on Charles presents first dinner theater - 'Macabaret,' - in two years

'Paul Bearer' as played by Todd Fernald, along with Phil Graves (Rob Ross). (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Castle on Charles in Rochester will present its production of "Macabaret," billed as an evening of song, music, wit, comedy and vaudeville-styled entertainment.

The play has been performed across the country and internationally.

"Macabaret" will run three consecutive nights Oct. 20-22 and will be accompanied by a three-course dinner catered by The Governor's Inn.

The show is suitable for ages 12 and up, according to Castle on Charles owner Herman Ejarque.

The collection of grim and ghoulishly funny songs is an offhanded homage to madness, murder, and death and has been described as what would emerge if the Addams Family and the Munsters joined forces to do a musical revue, according to a press release.

The evenings double-entendre hosts are Phil Graves, Victoria Bledsoe, Donna Shroud and Paul Bearer, with spooky sets by Denise McDonough. The original music and lyrics, written by Scott Keys & Robb Hartman, is brought to life by the piano of Kathy Fink.

The setting for this show is billed as 'belonging' at The Castle on Charles, an old Episcopal church built as a Castle, complete with a 40-foot tower with crenellations, Gothic lanterns, arches, iron chandeliers, a large stone fireplace, impressive woodwork and intimate stage seating and lighting.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with appetizers available and a cash bar. Dinner starts around 7:30 followed by the show, with dessert during intermission.

There is ample parking at The Rochester Public Library from where the path at the back right of the parking lot leads to The Castle.

All tables are front row. Tickets are $39 on Oct. 20, $44 on Oct. 21, and $49 on Oct. 22. There is a $2 fee per ticket using credit card. Tickets are available at www.CastleNH.com, or in person at the front desk of The Governor's Inn at 78 Wakefield St., Rochester. For dinner, there is a choice of Castle stew: Beef, Chicken, or Lentil Vegetarian, all served over mashed potato. Dessert is Warm Apple Crisp with Fresh Whipped Cream.