BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – World-renowned cinematic organist Dennis James returns with a new twist of his annual family-friendly spooky spectacular Dennis James Hosts Halloween on Friday, October 28 at 7 p.m.

This year, James will provide the soundtrack on IU Auditorium’s 4,543 pipe organ behind a live reenactment from the original 1940 radio drama series Suspense featuring Bach’s Fugue in C Minor. Live actors, including students from IU’s Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance, will take the IU Auditorium stage to act out the suspenseful radio drama. This will be the first time live actors have ever been a part of Dennis James Hosts Halloween in his over 50 years of performing at the Auditorium.

James will still present a traditional silent film with live accompaniment in act two of his performance with the 1927 thriller titled The Unknown.

“We know it is officially spooky season whenever IU alum Dennis James returns to IU Auditorium for another amazing performance on our pipe organ,” said IU Managing Director Maria Talbert. “And this year is going to be extra special as we welcome live actors on stage. We are grateful to partner with IU’s Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance as they selected the talented actors that will grace our stage along with the accompaniment of Dennis to put us all in the Halloween spirit.”

B97 Costume Contest

All patrons are encouraged to arrive early for an all-ages costume party before the show with the annual B97 Costume Contest. Participants will get the special chance to strut across the stage in costume and win great prizes including tickets to Chimes of Christmas at IU Auditorium and Pizza X gift cards.

Dennis James Hosts Halloween at IU Auditorium is presented in partnership with Morgenstern’s Bookstore and Café and the Graduate Bloomington. IU Auditorium’s 2022–2023 season is presented by B97, Cook Medical, Curry Auto Center, The Herald Times, Upland Brewing Company, and World Arts Inc.

For more information on this performance and the rest of the 2022–2023 season, visit IUauditorium.com.