Life as a grown-up not scary enough?

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) This gorgeously demented Tim Burton claymation feature might be his best film, or at least most beloved. A new 3-D version is playing at the Pacific El Capitan Theatre, 6830 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Today-Wed. (323) 467-7674.

The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967) Roman Polanski’s wry, witty tale of batty vampire hunters in the Carpathians. Also, Return of the Vampire (1944). Max Palevsky Theatre at the Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. Today, 7:30 p.m. (323) 466-3456.

The Woman in Black Two men meet in an empty theater, where one reenacts a tragic and supernatural story with surprising consequences. Glendele Way-Agle directs. Hunger Artists Theatre, College Business Park, 699-A S. State College Blvd., Fullerton. Today-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; Mon., 8 p.m. $18. Oct. 26, $5. (714) 680-6803.

Night of the Living Dead An original adaptation of the cult film classic. Maverick Theater, 110 E. Walnut Ave., Fullerton. Today-Tue., 8 p.m. $18. (714) 526-7070.

The Victorian Hotel Rogue Artists Ensemble, a collective of multidisciplinary artists and designers, premieres illustrator Angus Oblong’s “living cartoon,” set in a haunted hotel. Mark Valdez directs. Powerhouse Theatre, 3116 2nd St., Santa Monica. Today-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; next Thu., 8 p.m. $25. (866) 633-6246.

Dirk Based on a novel by the late Douglas Adams of “Hitchhiker’s Guide” fame, this oddball blend of sci-fi and detective noir gets high points for sheer weirdness, not to mention some really nifty computer effects. However, a long-winded adaptation relies overmuch on droning exposition, at sad cost to the magical microcosm that is clearly intended (F.K.F.). Road Theatre at Lankershim Arts Center, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Today-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; next Thu., 8 p.m. $25. (866) 811-4111.

Nights Errant Ten West’s play follows “two quixotic gadabouts” who find themselves stranded in a dark, deserted house, confronted with things that go bump in the night. Bryan Coffee directs. Sacred Fools Theater, 660 N. Heliotrope Drive, Hollywood. Wed.-next Thu., 8 p.m. $10. (310) 281-8337.

Night of the Living Dead Gangbusters Theatre Company presents Leon Shanglebee’s stage adaptation of George A. Romero’s classic horror film. Christian Levatino directs. Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Floor, Hollywood. Today-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; next Thu., 8 p.m. $15-$20. Free beer for adults with I.D. (323) 960-1056.

They’re Not Zombies Leif E. Gantvoort directs his horror-comedy. Theatre East at the Lex, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hollywood. Today-Sat., 8 p.m. $15. (323) 957-5782.

The Haunted Theatre Halloween weekend Theatre of NOTE presents “The Bomba Trilogy,” Christopher Kelley’s triptych; “A Lick and a Promise,” its late-night five-minute play series; plus a party with costume contests, refreshments and more. Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Today, 8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., 11 p.m. $12-$18. Both shows, $30 (includes Halloween party). (323) 856-8611.

Terror by Gaslight In this Halloween-themed production, an eccentric surgeon employs grave robbers to supply him with the cadavers he needs for his “anatomical museum.” Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 N. San Fernando Road, Newhall. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. $11-$14. (661) 799-2702.

Like Something Out of the Twilight Zone Jay Parker’s comic take on the sci-fi genre. The Lizard Theater, 230 W. Main St., Alhambra. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. Pay what you can. (626) 403-1177.

My Werewolf Staged in black-and-white film noir fashion, John Schneider’s horror story is set in 1940 in a fictional place called Wolf Creek, Mont. Sidewalk Studio Theatre, 4150 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. $20. (818) 558-5702.

The Curse of the Post Mortem Mambo The Outlaw Style Thrance Company presents Joshua Q. Lubarr’s horror spoof. Directed and choreographed by Jessica Schroeder. Studio Stage Theatre, 520 N. Western Ave., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.; Tue., 8 p.m. $20. Two admitted for the price of one Oct. 22. (323) 860-6503.

Frankenstein: Mortal Toys Automata presents a toy-theater version of Erik Ehn’s distillation of Mary Shelley’s novel. Directed and designed by Susan Simpson and Janie Geiser, the performances feature puppets based on 18th century American portrait paintings. The Velaslavasay Panorama, 1122 W. 24th St., Los Angeles. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 3 p.m., 8 p.m. $12. Reservations recommended. (323) 377-6049.

A Nightmare Halloween Bash Ian MacKinnon’s musical performance troupe the Discount Cruise to Hell presents an adults-only performance and party. Highways Gallery and Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica. Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m. $20. (310) 315-1459.

Halloween With the Golden Age of Radio Kevin Dulude (as Vincent Price) hosts an evening of old-time radio suspense programs, including Arch Obler’s “Visitor From Hades” and Andy Kallok’s “Voyage to the Unknown.” Special appearance by TV and film personality David Downing. Playhouse Theatre Players, 600 Moulton Ave., No. 103B, Brewery Art Colony, Los Angeles. Fri., 8:30 p.m. $10 ($5 for anyone in costume). (323) 227-5410.

Urban Death: Blood Transfusion! Zombie Joe’s Underground and Halloween go together like Jeffrey Dahmer and meat tenderizer, and this fearlessly enacted cycle of grim vignettes, some hilariously creepy, others simply ill, flies its freak flag with arterial elan (D.C.N.). ZJU Theatre, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m. $10. (818) 202-4120.

Usher Inspired by the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, this comic romp takes place on a dark and stormy night, when a school bus breaks down on a field trip. Presented by Showdown Stage Company. The Hub Theater, 5245 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 2 p.m. $7. (818) 508-0076.

Horror Marathon Screenings of Night of the Living Dead (1968), Re-Animator (1985), House by the Cemetery (1981), Castle of Blood (1964), Pumpkinhead (1989), Burial Ground (1981) and others. Max Palevsky Theatre at the Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. Sat., 7:30 p.m. (323) 466-3456.

Fright Night (1985) A teenager learns that his neighbor is a vampire. Also, Friday the 13th (1980). New Beverly Cinema, 7165 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Sun., 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Mon.-Tue., 7:30 p.m. (323) 938-4038.

X, The Man With the X-Ray Eyes (1963) The classic horror film screens with a live score provided by post-punk provocateurs Pere Ubu. Royce Hall, UCLA, 10745 Dickson Plaza, Westwood. Sun., 7 p.m. $20-$38. (310) 825-2101.

Ten Tops: Be Real Scary Open performance night featuring variety acts and Halloween festivities. Sign-up starts at 7:30 p.m. Sacred Fools Theater, 660 N. Heliotrope Drive, Hollywood. Mon., 8 p.m. $5 (free for those chosen to perform). (310) 281-8337.

Lost Angels Ballet The new company, which sets classical dance technique to modern music, presents “Burn & the Bathing Beauty,” a Halloween-themed performance. King King, 6555 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Mon., 9:30 p.m.; Tue., 8 p.m. $15-$20. (323) 960-9234.

Silver Lake Horror Music & Picture Show A night of horrific, terrifying, blood-curdling music and art, including performances by Gravy Train, Mika Miko and the Red Hearts. Ukrainian Cultural Center, 4315 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Tue., 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $15. (323) 665-3703.

In the Shadow of the Raven Actor Duffy Hudson portrays Edgar Allan Poe in his one-man show about the enigmatic life and death of the suspense-horror writer and poet. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Tue., 8 p.m. $20. (818) 726-2738.