Halloween and holiday shows light up LI stages

Holiday entertainment onstage often can be a bit predictable — not surprising since classics like "The Addams Family" and "A Christmas Carol" have endured for years (and sold hundreds of tickets). But not so fast this season. Along with the stage adaptations audiences love and expect, some alternatives are on the schedule at local theaters. A popular Broadway musical has been reincarnated as a holiday show, a cult movie from the 1950s has been turned into a quirky piece of nostalgia, and a Long Island playwright has written an edgy, dark comedy spoofing made-for-TV holiday specials. Here are some highlights from both sides of the divide.

"THE ADDAMS FAMILY"

Sept. 18-27: Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company, Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts, 176 Second St., St. James; Oct. 2-4: Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company, Twin Oaks Theatre, 457 Babylon Tpke., Freeport; Oct. 3-Nov. 1: CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale

Wednesday Addams has grown up, and she has a boyfriend who is far too "respectable" for her parents’ liking. When he comes to dinner with his parents, comedy and chaos rule as wacky family dynamics threaten to ruin the romance. Sing along — "They’re creepy and they’re kooky … the Addams family." Snap, snap!

INFO

• Lighthouse: $35 advance, $40 door, $32 seniors; 516-272-6597, lighthousetheatrecompany.com
• CM: $44-$48, seniors $42-$46; 631-218-2810, cmpac.com

"FRANKENSTEIN"

Oct. 9-11, 15-18, 23-25 and 31, Manes Studio Theatre of Long Island, 141 S. Wellwood Rd., Lindenhurst

There are hundreds of variations on the timeless story of the mad scientist trying to unlock the secrets of life. In Tim Kelly’s adaptation of the Mary Shelley classic, the creature is less a terrifying monster and more a tragic figure who wants to be loved.

INFO $40, $35 seniors, $25 students; 631-226-8400, studiotheatrelongisland.com

"PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE: POST MORTEM"

Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and Nov. 5-7, South Shore Theatre Experience, 115 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst

Filmmaker Ed Wood returns from the grave in Jes Almeida’s adaptation of his 1959 cult classic, often cited among the worst movies ever made. Scenes from the campy, low-budget film are re-created, and the ghosts of Bela Lugosi and Vampira also make appearances, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of the cinematic chaos that resulted.

INFO $27; 631-669-0506, southshoretheatre.com

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL"

Nov. 7-Dec. 27: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson; Dec. 11-13: Hampton Theatre Company, Quogue Community Hall, 125 Jessup Ave., Quogue; Dec. 11-13: Minstrel Players, Houghton Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport

The beloved Charles Dickens tale is a ghost story at heart, but it is also a story of redemption as the cruel miser Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to visit with his past, present and future. The play is based on the Charles Dickens book published in 1843, but the message of social responsibility and compassion is as relevant as ever. Hampton Theatre is doing a live radio play, while the others are staged productions.

INFO

• Theatre Three: $45, $36 age 65 and older and students, $30 ages 5-12; 631-928-9100, theatrethree.com
• Hampton Theatre: $18; 631-653-8955, hamptontheatre.org
• Minstrel Players: $20, $15 age 65 and older and 17 and younger; 516-361-7232, tickets.minstrelplayers@gmail.com

"DR. SEUSS'S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!"

Nov. 12-Dec. 27, John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport

The musical theater version of the Dr. Seuss classic tells the story of the mean-spirited Grinch as he tries to ruin Christmas for everyone in Whoville. The family-friendly show includes the popular song "You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," but it’s the heartwarming message of how the Grinch discovers the true Christmas spirit that makes the show a winner.

INFO $93-$103; 631-261-2900, engemantheater.com

"IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS"

Nov. 21-Dec. 27, CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale

Based on the 1954 holiday classic starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, the musical sticks pretty closely to the movie's story of two Army buddies who come back from World War II and form a song-and-dance act. They follow two attractive sisters to Vermont in search of romance, managing to work the title song and other hits like "Blue Skies" and "Sisters" into the action.

INFO $44-$48, $42-$46 seniors; 631-218-2810, cmpac.com

"MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS"

Nov. 27-Jan. 3, The Gateway, 215 S. Country Rd., Bellport

The Tony-winning musical "Million Dollar Quartet" reimagined a legendary 1956 jam session, when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins got together at Sun Records to sing hits like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Blue Suede Shoes." So why not bring them back? Producers have conjured a new show, where the four legends gather in the studio again to swap memories and perform some holiday hits including "Jingle Bell Rock," "Blue Christmas" and "Santa Baby."

INFO $74.50-$114.50; 631-286-1133, thegateway.org

"NO CABBAGE PATCH DOLL FOR YOU, SUZIE"

Dec. 11-19, South Shore Theatre Experience, 115 S. Wellwood Ave, Lindenhurst

All is not merry and bright in East Meadow florist Christopher Hackert’s dark comedy about a father who "forgot" to mail his kids’ letters to Santa. Let’s just say things don’t go well when Santa starts delivering the gifts. The edgy spoof has some adult language, so leave the little ones at home.

INFO $27; 631-669-0506, southshoretheatre.com