3 out of 5 stars

Timed for the Halloween season, "Dreadful Episodes" provides a series of creepy, macabre and sometimes uproariously funny sketches in homage to the creepy, macabre illustrations of Edward Gorey. As in Broadway's short-lived "Gorey Stories" years ago, some episodes work better than others; as a whole the collection can feel random. Certain sketches are too slight to make any impact; others, notably a brilliant slow-motion pantomime of a cricket match turned violent, go on too long. But there is devilish fun to be had, especially whenever co-director and performer Mark Jaster arches a sly eyebrow -- few can do it better. — Adam Z. Horvath

At 59E59 Theaters, through Nov. 2, 2025; 59e59.org. (Review date: Oct. 21, 2025)