TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
The Woman in Black - $30 - General Seating - Run Time: 1hr 30 minutes - No intermission
The Haunted Hall - $25 - General Seating - Run Time: 45 Minutes - No Intermission
A Dual October Season of Ghost Stories and Candlelit Piano at the Historic Ames Memorial Hall
Salem, MA — This October, one of the North Shore’s most historic and atmospheric performance venues will come alive with two extraordinary immersive experiences as the Ames Hall Gothic Series arrives at Ames Memorial Hall at the Salem YMCA. Audiences are invited to experience The Woman in Black, a chilling theatrical production, and The Haunted Hall, a candlelit solo piano concert series - two distinct events united by atmosphere, artistry, and the haunting beauty of the season.
From spine-tingling ghost stories to intimate candlelit performance, the Ames Hall Gothic Series transforms the historic hall into a destination for suspense, music, and imagination throughout October and early November.
A Historic Hall Reawakened
For more than a century, Ames Memorial Hall has stood as a landmark of culture, community, and artistic expression in Salem. Built in 1889, the hall has welcomed generations of audiences, performers, and civic gatherings.
Today, under the stewardship of the North Shore YMCA and its Creative Arts Department, Ames Hall begins its evolution as a vibrant hub for innovative live performance. The Ames Hall Gothic Series honors this legacy by presenting works that highlight atmosphere, storytelling, and immersive artistic experience.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
A Spine-Chilling October Event Featuring North Shore Theatre Talent While Supporting Creative Arts Scholarships and Programming at the North Shore YMCA
This October, one of the North Shore's most historic and atmospheric theatres will become the setting for one of the most celebrated ghost stories ever brought to the stage. The Ames Hall Gothic Series proudly presents The Woman in Black, running throughout the first three weeks of October in the historic Ames Memorial Hall at the Salem YMCA.
Filled with suspense, mystery, and theatrical ingenuity, The Woman in Black has captivated audiences around the world for decades. Now, this legendary thriller arrives in Salem in a production that promises to combine world-class artistry with the haunting beauty of one of the region's most treasured performance spaces, creating a truly all-sensory theatrical experience unlike any other on the North Shore.
Directed by Alexandra Dietrich
Leading this ambitious production is Alexandra Dietrich, a distinguished director whose reputation for artistic excellence, inventive storytelling, and emotionally compelling productions has earned admiration throughout the regional theatre community. Dietrich's vision for The Woman in Black embraces both the elegance and terror of Susan Hill's classic tale, creating an intimate experience that draws audiences into every shadow, sound, and unsettling moment, keeping them on the edge of their seats.
An Exceptional Cast of North Shore Theatre Professionals
The production features an accomplished cast of celebrated North Shore performers.
Tyler Twombly stars as Arthur Kipps, the troubled solicitor haunted by a devastating encounter from his past. Bringing both emotional depth and compelling vulnerability to the role, Twombly guides audiences through a chilling journey into memory and fear.
Portraying The Actor is veteran performer Gary Ames, whose commanding stage presence and remarkable versatility make him uniquely suited for the role. As Kipps's theatrical collaborator, Ames serves as both guide and storyteller, helping unravel the mystery at the heart of the play.
Adding an eerie and unforgettable presence to the production are Stanis Ames and Ariel Sargent, who share the role of The Woman in Black. Their haunting portrayals bring the legendary specter to life, creating a chilling embodiment of grief, vengeance, and supernatural terror that lingers long after the final curtain.
Performance Schedule — The Woman in Black
October 2, 9, 16 — 7:30 PM
October 3, 10, 17 — 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
October 4, 11, 18 — 2:00 PM
Theatre That Gives Back
More than a thrilling night at the theatre, The Woman in Black serves a meaningful purpose within the community.
All proceeds from the production will directly support Creative Arts Programming and scholarship opportunities at the North Shore YMCA.
Revenue generated through ticket sales will help ensure that children, teens, and families throughout the North Shore have access to transformative experiences in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and creative education, regardless of financial circumstances.
THE HAUNTED HALL
A Candlelit Solo Piano Concert Experience
Following the theatrical production, Ames Hall transforms into an intimate candlelit concert space for The Haunted Hall, a solo piano series presented by the Ames Hall Gothic Series.
Blending classical artistry with Halloween atmosphere, the concert invites audiences into an immersive world of seasonal works and hauntingly beautiful repertoire performed entirely by candlelight.
Featuring Eleena Gelfgatt
The Haunted Hall is performed by internationally acclaimed pianist Eleena Gelfgatt, an award-winning classical pianist and educator with over 20 years of teaching and performance experience.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the National Music Academy in Kyiv, Ukraine, and has performed throughout Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Her honors include the National Stravinsky Award in Ukraine and an honorary award in Jerusalem. In 2018, she made her Carnegie Hall debut and continues to perform across New England at major cultural venues.
A Candlelit Musical Experience
Set entirely by candlelight, The Haunted Hall transforms Ames Hall into an intimate sonic environment where music, space, and atmosphere converge into a deeply immersive experience.
The Haunted Hall Schedule — 20 Shows
Friday, October 23 — 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 24 — 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 25 — 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Thursday, October 29 — 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
Friday, October 30 — 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 31 — 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
Sunday, November 1 — 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Join Us This October
As autumn deepens in Salem and Halloween approaches, audiences are invited to experience two distinct but connected artistic journeys—one through suspenseful theatre and one through candlelit music—within one of New England’s most historic performance spaces.
Together, The Woman in Black and The Haunted Hall define the Ames Hall Gothic Series: immersive, elegant, and unforgettable.
Ames Hall Gothic Series
Ames Memorial Hall
290 Essex Street
Salem, Massachusetts
Tickets on sale July 2026
For more information and updates: tinyurl.com/amesgothicevents
Producer: Jay Gould, Creative Arts Director