Hallo-weekend

From staff reports

Halloween falls on Monday this year, creating a weekend full of events in local cities.

There are plenty of events set for those seeking spooky thrills and fun.

• Sweeney Todd, School Edition.

The defending state champion Franklin County High School Theatre Program will perform "Sweeney Todd, School Edition" tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Telford Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

The play is FCHS' One Act Play this season.

"Sweeney Todd" has become a worldwide success since being awarded eight Tonys, including Best Musical, for its Broadway premiere.

Stephen Sondheim's and Hugh Wheeler's ("A Little Night Music," "Pacific Overtures") theatrical treat has shocked and awed audiences across the world.

An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to 19th century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife.

The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice.

Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up.

The FCHS One Act Team will perform the play Saturday in the Region 8AAA One Act competition, to be hosted in FCHS' Telford Center.

FCHS will perform around 1:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The FCHS Theatre program has six region championships and is the reigning state AAA champion.

In addition to tonight's performance and Saturday's competition, "Sweeney Todd" will be on stage Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for the non-competition shows.

• Nosferatu.

The 100th anniversary of the silent film “Nosferatu” — the oldest serving adaption of Bram Stoker’s Dracula — will be celebrated Friday from 5-9 p.m. at the Lavonia gazebo.

The Lavonia Downtown Development Authority is sponsoring the event, which will include spooky music and Ammo Johnson teaching how to do Halloween-themed dances before the movie is shown.

DDA Director Barbara Busby said there will be a special treat for the first 100 people at the event.

The DDA warned that while “Nosferatu” is a silent film, some images may be disturbing for children.

• Chilling with the Villans.

Franklin Community Players will present the Chilling with the Villains Breakfast Saturday at the Lavonia Cultural Center with a breakfast beginning at 9 a.m.

The event will include villains from the world of Disney and more.

Villains include Maleficent, Beetlejuice, The Sanderson Sisters, Cruella, Jafar and Iago, The Big Bad Wolf and The Queen of Hearts.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling Franklin Community Players President Amy Burns at 706-491-1538.

Tickets must be paid for when reserved due to limited seating.

Tickets must be bought in advance for this event.

For more information on how to support the Franklin Community Players, visit www. franklincommunityplayers.com or facebook.com/fcplayers or call 706-491-1538.

• Treats in the Canon Park.

Canon will host its annual Treats in the Park on Depot St. Saturday at 6 p.m.

• Trick or Treating at the Gazeboo.

The Lavonia DDA will host “Trick or Treating at the Gazeboo” Monday from 3-6 p.m.

Businesses will be able to set up booths so children may trick or treat at throughout the event.

The city’s costume contest will return at the event, with first, second and third place winners selected in 0-3 years, 4-8 years and 9-12 years age categories.

The contest will be held at 5:30 p.m.

The event will also include music provided by Flash the DJ and balloon art by Mr. Twister.

• Royston Halloween.

Royston will invite costumed youngsters to the Wellness Park from Oct. 31 from 4-6 p.m. for Halloween activities.

The park is at 81 Skelton St. in Royston.