10/21/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Haunted Uptown: An Improvised Ghost Tour Brings South Utica’s Historic Theatre to Life this Friday
UTICA, NY — Step inside The Haunted Uptown, an improvised ghost walk through South Utica’s most storied stage. Meet the restless spirits of actors, ushers, and audiences past — and help them find their final laugh.
These are the Uptown’s “resident” spirits: eccentric personalities who once lived and worked in the theatre and now find themselves trapped in a loop of performance, nostalgia, and unfinished scenes. Some are showbiz divas waiting for one last encore, others are old ushers still guarding their aisles, lovers who met in the balcony, or projectionists who can’t stop running the reels. Every spirit has a story to tell; and sometimes, it takes the audience’s help to find closure or rediscover their laughter.
Through improvisation, comedy, and a touch of theatrical illusion, the cast brings the building’s history to life in unexpected ways. No two tours are the same, and even the performers don’t know exactly what will happen until it does. The result is an experience that’s equal parts ghost story, live theatre, and community celebration, a playful haunting that captures both the magic and the melancholy of a space filled with memories.
“The Uptown is a theatre with a soul,” says UTCA director Devin Mahoney. “When you walk through it, you can feel the echoes of everyone who’s ever laughed, cried, or performed here. This show lets those echoes speak. And it turns out they’re funny, weird, and wonderfully human.”
Performances will lead audiences through areas of the theatre rarely seen by the public, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a century-old building that’s still very much alive. The show is designed for all audiences who enjoy a little mystery mixed with a lot of humor, perfect for anyone looking for a creative, unconventional way to celebrate the Halloween season.
Show Date: Friday, October 24 – 8:00 PM / 8:20 PM / 8:40 PM
Location: Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts, 2014 Genesee Street, Utica, NY
Tickets: Available at uptownutica.org
or at the door while supplies last
About the Venue:
Built in 1926, the Uptown Theatre has stood for nearly a century as a cultural landmark in South Utica. Operated by the nonprofit Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts (UTCA), the building is currently undergoing a multi-year restoration and revitalization to bring new life to one of the city’s most iconic spaces. UTCA produces live comedy, classes, and community events year-round, with a mission to make creative expression accessible to everyone.
