BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Bloomington’s favorite musical mastermind returns to his alma mater for his annual performance of Dennis James Hosts Halloween on October 21 at 7:30 p.m. This year’s performance will feature a live radio reenactment and a pair of spooky and silly silent films featuring Laurel and Hardy and Buster Keaton.

 

James, an Indiana University graduate and a world-renowned cinematic organist, will provide the soundtrack on IU Auditorium’s 4,543 pipe organ for the films and live radio drama.

 

The live onstage portrayal of an old-time radio thriller titled “The Vengeful Corpse,” a part of the infamous Inner Sanctum radio series, will begin the evening. It is a chilling tale of suspense straight from the golden age of radio and will star student actors from IU’s Department of Theatre and Drama.

 

James will then perform solo as he provides his signature live organ accompaniment to two silent film comedy classics: Laurel & Hardy’s eerie (and hilarious) Habeas Corpus and Buster Keaton’s clever caper The Haunted House. Equal parts spooky and spirited, these Halloween favorites deliver laughter, nostalgia, and just the right amount of fright.

 

James has been thrilling audiences in Bloomington with his annual spooky spectacular for nearly 60 years dating back to when he first performed the soundtrack to the classic silent film The Phantom of the Opera at IU Auditorium as a student.

 

Engagements

 

Pre-Show Talk

Fine Arts Building Room 015

6:30–7:15 p.m.

Join Dr. Andrew Hopson, professor of sound design in the Department of Theatre and Drama, for a special pre-show talk exploring the history and artistry of radio shows. Dr. Hopson will discuss the traditions, techniques, and sonic storytelling that brought classic radio drama to life and continue to influence performance today. The talk will set the stage for the evening’s performance of Dennis James Hosts Halloween.

 

Costume Parade

IU Auditorium Stage

Before performance

Come dressed to impress, or fright! Ticket holders can join us before Dennis James Hosts Halloween for a festive Costume Parade celebrating the spirit of the season. Show off your most creative, spooky, spectacular, or delightfully unexpected Halloween look, and enjoy the chance to take part in a raffle for a home movie prize pack including a home projector, candy, and $50 to Pizza X!

 

Post-Show Talk

IU Auditorium Front of Stage

Stay after the performance for a special Q&A with Dennis James! Hear stories and insights from the celebrated musician and showman, learn more about the inspiration and history behind Dennis James Hosts Halloween, and discover what goes into bringing this one-of-a-kind performance to life. Audience questions are encouraged!

 

Dennis James Hosts Halloween is presented in partnership with IU Bookstore and Brightside Cafe. IU Auditorium’s 2026–2027 season is presented by Curry Auto Center, Cook, The Herald Times, Upland Brewing Company, World Arts Inc., Boston Scientific, and B97.