(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- North Jersey's award-winning improv comedy troupe, Howdy Stranger, brings its annual Halloween show to the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Audience members are encouraged to dress in costumes for fun or to enter the evening's costume contest for a chance to win a prize.
As haunted as it is hysterical, the first part of the 90-minute show features fast-paced improv games made popular by the hit television show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? but with a Halloween twist. Tensions rise in the second half when the performers become stranded during an unscripted zombie survival storyline driven entirely by audience suggestions.
“Every scene is created on the spot from audience prompts, so no two shows are ever the same,” says founder Ryan Huban. “The Improv Zombie Apocalypse is an extended elimination-style game. You help determine who the characters are and where they take shelter, then vote on who survives. The audience isn't just watching the show—they’re directing it!”
The cast features comedians Ryan Huban, Dreena Moran, Chris Fitzgerald, Josh Hurley, and Mallory Kinney with Mike Brown serving as host. The show is suitable for all ages, though parents should note that the live, unscripted format may occasionally include adult themes or language.
Tickets are priced at $25 for General Admission and $15 for seniors and children under 12. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the box office. Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) is located at 102 State Street in Hackensack, New Jersey.
Howdy Stranger is a professional improv comedy troupe and training organization based in North Jersey. Founded in 2008, the group is dedicated to bringing world-class comedy to New Jersey through monthly shows, educational workshops, and community events. The troupe has won the NYC Tournament of Improvisers, Summer Improv League, The Arena, and Improv Bowl XI.
Photos courtesy of Howdy Stranger
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@ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ
There are multiple performances including:
Wednesday, October 07, 2026
@ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
Princeton, NJ
Thursday, October 08, 2026
@ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ
Thursday, October 08, 2026
@ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ
Thursday, October 08, 2026
@ 6:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
Rahway, NJ
