'Broomstick' takes us into the the season of witch

Photo by Bruce Silcox

I like spooky things. Ghost stories. Horror movies. Misfits records. It's a way to process and come to terms with the everyday horrors of living in the modern world, while getting that rush of safe fear that comes when you know it's "only a movie."

Broomstick, now playing at Open Eye, takes us deep into the spooky. John Biguenet's one-woman show centers on a nameless witch, who has welcomed us to her home on a creepy evening to talk about old times. 

The conceit allows Biguenet to bring out bits and pieces of witch lore, while slowly deepening the main character into something unique. We move from familiar children's stories, such as a riff on Hansel and Gretel, to darker topics, including dead lovers, cursed neighbors, and suspicious townfolk who barely tolerate this solitary woman.

These deeper moments, in turn, allow Broomstick to dig into the Witch's position in her community. As a single woman, she lacks traditional power, so instead uses whatever guile she can to stay ahead. She also isn't afraid of long-simmering vengeance, such as bringing blights on men (and women) who have wronged her, even to the point of using witchy powers to sink a boat after her lover is claimed by the sea.

Cheryl Willis uses all of this to create a vivid, memorable character. The Liverpudlian offers a master class in holding the audience in rapt attention, as she moves from story to story. Her accent places the action in the British Isles, though it really could take place anywhere where differences are mistrusted.

Lighting, sound, and Joel Sass' amazing set complete the spell. Odd sounds, brilliant cues, and a set that brings a witch's hovel to life all make for an enveloping experience.

Broomstick is a perfect piece of Halloween-season theater, full of scares and chills. It also is a terrific study of a character finding her way through the world in any way possible, and a showcase for a talented performer.

Broomstick runs through Oct. 31 at Open Eye Theatre.

Also, if you are interested in more scary theater, the annual Twin Cities Horror Festival is fast approaching. This curated festival, in its lucky 13th incarnation,  has presented some amazing (and often quite bloody) work in th3e past. This year's festival is again at Strike Theater, and runs Oct. 23 to Nov. 3.