Arts & Entertainment

Zombies Returning To Downtown Riverside

Prepare to be scared.

Zombies are an annual Halloween tradition.
Zombies are an annual Halloween tradition. (Shutterstock)

RIVERSIDE, CA — Zombies will converge on a downtown Riverside theater next month, recreating the horror classic "Night of the Living Dead" in a one-night-only performance to raise money for a nonprofit academy and raise the curtain on an annual Halloween tradition.

The "Spirit Walk" fundraiser show is slated for Oct. 19 in the intimate arena operated by the Riverside Community Players at 4026 14th St.

The event will begin with a silent auction benefiting the California Riverside Ballet, followed by a "full, live performance" of the 1968 George A. Romero cult classic, with a few twists and embellishments.

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"Set in modern times, the tribute to the classic film action begins with the dead already alive and a group of strangers trapped by a growing population of walking dead," according to the California Riverside Ballet. "As zombies continue to gather, tempers run short, panic reigns and rash actions must be risked."

Audience participation may be unavoidable.

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Youths from the ballet will be on stage with stock performers from the Riverside Community Players. The venue features a nearly year-round production schedule.

The show will serve as a curtain-raiser to the annual "Ghost Walk Riverside," which involves spine-tingling tours operated exclusively by the ballet, which relies on the tour revenue for operations.

This year's Ghost Walk will be centered at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, adjacent to the city's oldest Catholic church, on the nights of Oct. 20 and 21.

"Within the school courtyard, patrons will be treated to the sounds and sights of Halloween, including the kids' carnival, food & vendor court and beer garden," according to the CRB. "Within the walls, a thrilling scene will unfold."

This year's themes include "Mysteries in the Moonlights," "Eerie Enchantments" and "Shadows & Secrets."

Further information on the "Night of the Living Dead" performance is available at https://checkout.square.site/m...

Details on Ghost Walk are available at https://crballet.net/