MONDAY, OCTOBER 30
FILM Local filmmakers who participated in the 48 Hour Horror Film Project will screen their creations at Landmark E Street Cinema. At 7 PM on Monday, view an encore showing of the top films of the 48 Hour Film Project’s 2017 summer competition, and at the 9:15 PM screening, watch nine of the films created the weekend of October 20. Screenings of these new films continue on Tuesday night. $13.75, 7 PM and 9:15 PM.
MUSIC It’s a Halloween tradition for bands to dress up as other bands in tribute. Jammin’ Java’s Rocking Horror Cover Show will feature tributes to Guns N Roses, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Green Day, and Mac Demarco. $10 in advance or $15 at the door, 7:30 PM.
BOOKS Local artist Gareth Hinds’ Poe: Stories and Poems, a graphic adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s writings, came out this summer. These gothic horror stories—such as “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Masque of the Red Death”—are perfect for Halloween eve. Check out Hinds’ presentation of his adaptation at East City Bookshop. Free, 6:30 PM.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31
THEATRE The world premiere of the new musical Mean Girls will run at the National Theatre before it moves to Broadway. The musical, with a book by Tina Fey and original music by Jeff Richmond (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), is based on the 2004 comedy film and tells the story of a teenaged girl who navigates the tricky social hierarchy of a new school. Through December 3. $48-$118.
HALLOWEEN The Whittemore House in Dupont is hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner Party to celebrate Halloween. In addition to dinner, guests are invited to explore the Whittemore House to find clues and solve a murder mystery. Sign up with friends or be matched up with a group of other attendees. $70 for one person or $125 for two, 6:30 PM.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
THEATRE Mosaic Theater presents the world premiere of Vicuña & The American Epilogue, a play by Pulitzer Prize-finalist and Tony-nominated playwright Jon Robin Baitz, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The Trump-inspired satire is the story of an Iranian tailor who makes a custom suit for a real estate tycoon preparing for a presidential debate. The play was originally produced during the 2016 election; this updated version features an epilogue forecasting the devastation of this reckless administration 12 years in the future and referencing the playwright’s own assault at the hands of a Trump supporter on the night of the inauguration. Tickets $20 to $60 (with pay-what-you-can on November 1). Through December 3.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS The National Portrait Gallery is celebrating Dia De Los Muertos at its Kogod Courtyard. The event will feature live music from Los Gallos Negros, a dance performance by the Maru Montero Dance Company, and art activities in keeping with the Day of the Dead tradition. Free, 5:30 PM.