The Haunting of Hill House comes to life on stage

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- A house that watches. A house that listens. A house that remembers. It's name is Hill House.

The production of The Haunting of Hill House, directed by Donald Emmerich, invites audiences into one of literature’s most iconic haunted homes . A place where eerie silence hides restless spirits and strange happenings echo through every corridor.

Based on Shirley Jackson’s classic gothic novel, the play follows two young women who respond to a letter from a professor researching paranormal activity in an abandoned family estate. What unfolds is a chilling mix of suspense, humor, and supernatural mystery.

Director Donald Emmerich told KTVZ News “We leaned into the era of 1960. All the costumes, all the music and everything sort of comes from that era. There’s an original soundtrack for this play.”

Carly Stobbe, who plays Theodora, said the show perfectly blends spooky fun with classic theatrical style. “The play is super campy. I really like… they’re called ‘stings.’ It’s just fun. Every single time the cast does one you hear the audience gasp or laugh, and I just love when the audience is a part of it.”

Beth Hamilton, who plays Eleanor, said the show delivers a little of everything. “You’re going to get equal parts laughs and equal parts jumps, equal parts intriguing, equal parts humorous, entertaining,” she said.

As the tension builds, the audience can expect the unexpected sudden noises, shadowy movements, and scenes that make hearts race. “There’s a lot of trickery. There’s a lot of build up around it,” “There is a moment that will have them jump out of their seats"

Emmerich said the play was designed as a spooky yet family-friendly experience that celebrates the best of the Halloween season. “This is a great spooky season show where you can bring the whole family. You can bring all your friends. There’s something in the show for everybody to enjoy with a little Halloween twist on it.”

With a nostalgic 1960s setting, a cast that thrives on audience interaction, and moments guaranteed to cause chills and laughter alike, The Haunting of Hill House promises a hauntingly good time for theater lovers of all ages.