“I’m an actor in Haunted Theater. What role I’m playing is something I’m actually not allowed to give out. It’s classified,” said 22-year-old film major and Freehold resident Kevin Kurczeski.
Brookdale Haunted Theater is an award-winning, self-guided haunted maze that is designed and operated by more than 100 Brookdale students, staff, alumni, community members and volunteers.
“I hope to see some impressive scary costumes and props,” said Andrew Shestak, a 19-year-old student from Elizabeth who plans to go to Haunted Theater this season.
Haunted Theater is designed so that visitors walk at their own pace and while being frightened often admire the sets, props, effects and costumes along the way. This year’s 20-minute indoor tour revolves around the theme “Wide Awake” and features creatures from horror, phobias and the stuff nightmares are made of.
Recommended for those ages 8 and up, Haunted Theater runs weekend evenings through Nov. 2. Prices are $20 to $25. For more information, visit Brookdalehauntedtheater.com.
Kurczeski isn’t the only one preparing for this special time of year when the air is crisp, the leaves are bright, and the smell of pumpkin spice seems to drift from every doorway.
“I’m not trick-or-treating this year, but I’m going to a Halloween movie night with friends,” said Brookdale student Emily Rivera. “It’s still about the spirit of dressing up, laughing and just enjoying it.”
Multiple holiday-inspired have already haunted the campus this Halloween, including a Student Life and Activities sponsored pumpkin-carving competition, a Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Trunk or Treat, a scavenger hunt, club-sponsored Halloween parties and a visit from paranormal investigator Chris Moon.
All over campus, people are talking about classic horror movies, such as “The Shining,” “The Conjuring,” and “Nightmare On Elm Street,” or the new ones in theaters, such as “The Conjuring: Last Rites” and “The Strangers, Chapter 2.” But there are other options as well. “Shrek 4: Shrekily Ever After’ is something I’ve been really excited to watch with my friends this year,” said Jessica LaMarr, a 20-year-old psychology major from Middletown.
“I’ve already seen a number of scary movies this year, some of which weren’t really that scary. I saw ‘Weapons,’ which was pretty good, but not quite scary,” said 50-year-old film professor Chad Anderson.
“I really want to go see ‘Good Boy.’ It’s a horror movie but from the perspective of the dog. It’s not one of those ones where the dog talks. The dog’s not the monster; it’s just focused from his perspective, Kurczeski said.
Many Brookdale students celebrate the holiday at parties on other college campuses, in classmates’ homes and at clubs or venues.
Another popular holiday haunt is Freight Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure located in Jackson. Between haunted houses, the scarers walking around and the rides, there are plenty of attractions for attendees to enjoy.
“Yeah, I love going with my friends,” said Chris Santos, a 22-year-old Rowan student from Jackson. “It’s a tradition my friends, and I have gone every year. We love just walking around with all the events going on and having a good time.”
Running through Nov. 2, Fright Fest rates start around $40 a night. To find out more, go to sixflags.com/frightfest or contact the hotline at 732-928-2000.
“I love exploring haunted and abandoned places, especially this time of year. I plan on hitting a couple different places this season, for sure,” said Alex Chmiel, a 20-year-old liberal arts major from the Highlands. “To do it this time of year adds an extra level to the whole experience.” Among local spots rumored to be haunted is the Seabrook-Wilson House in Port Monmouth.
As Halloween draws near, excitement is bubbling in neighborhoods across Monmouth County. Children (and adults) talk about costumes, adults prepare candy bowls, and everyone feels that familiar spark of October magic.
With pumpkins on the porches and costumes flying off store shelves, excitement is building as families prepare for Halloween night. For many, the final days before Oct. 31 are filled with decorating, pumpkin carving, costume planning and deciding which neighborhoods promise the best candy.
“I’ve been counting down since the start of October,” said 8-year-old Mia Thompson from Middletown, clutching a sparkly witch hat. “This year I’m going to be a glow-in-the-dark witch. I can’t wait to go trick-or-treating with my friends!”
“We love seeing the kids have fun,” said Amanda Willis, a mother of three from Red Bank. “We’re planning to walk with them this year and make sure everyone stays safe crossing streets… It’s one of those things that brings us all together. The kids put up the fake spiders, my husband takes care of carving the pumpkins, and I’m in charge of the candy.”
For some, the costume-making process is as exciting as the candy itself. Some children are going all out on costumes and creativity. “I’m going as a robot made out of boxes and tin foil,” laughed 10-year-old Daniel Reed. “My dad helped me tape it together. It’s kind of hard to move, but it looks awesome.”
“It’s one of those holidays where everyone from toddlers to grandparents gets together to join in on the fun,” said Matt Jenkins, a local teacher and father.
Journalism students Nikita Ostrovskiy, Jalissa Williams, John McGrath and Nicholas Ward contributed to this story.
