Meadville Community Theatre’s next show is Shivers, to be performed March 13-22, 2026, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm.

“I just want to get the shivers so I can be normal like everyone else.” These words are spoken by a boy on a quest to find out what it truly means to be afraid in the new production premiering this weekend at Meadville Community Theatre.

The show “Shivers” is written by Geoff Hall who, along with Alicia Greathouse, are the directors. “This has been an amazing experience,” says Hall. “The opportunity to see something I wrote come to life on stage, and to have a hand in it is something new and very exciting.” Greathouse agrees, saying “These kids are so talented and seeing them take on original characters and develop them on their own is really impressive to watch.”

The story of “Shivers” is adapted from the Grimm Brothers Fairy Tale called “The Boy who could not Shiver or Shake,” and tells the story of a boy who has never experienced the shivers. Having no idea what it is to be afraid causes a commotion at home, after which he is sent out into the world on his own to find out what it means to have the shivers. After spending a night in a graveyard, he is taken to a local inn where he is introduced to the Queen who makes him an offer. Spend three nights in a haunted castle after which, if he is alive, he can marry the princess. Figuring it might be the only way he can get the shivers, the boys agrees and spends three nights which bring him face to face with ghosts and an evil sorcerer. Will he survive three nights, and more importantly, will he find out what the shivers are?

Bringing this story to life in a new theater space was quite the challenge; but the actors, who range in age from eight to 16, have worked really hard to bring it to life. “We have great actors and great parents, without whom we could not do this show,” said Greathouse. “They have worked really hard to bring this show to the stage and we cannot wait for an audience to see this.” The cast includes Connor Prall, Levi Papinchak, Owen Waters, Henry Duda, Patience Kinnear, Morgan Sleet, Mazzy Smith, Lennon Andrae, Leah Hyatt, Bailey Medvec and Lydia Green. “I tried to balance scary moments with laughs, and a lot of heart, none of which is easy for an actor to do,” admitted Hall. “But this cast and crew, the people on and backstage, have made this show better than I could have ever imagined it.”

Shivers is a family friendly show designed to entertain children as well as their parents. So come on out for the frights and the fun. It is going to be a great time for the whole family. Come find out if he gets the shivers, and maybe find some yourself.