Submitted Photo Cast members: Michael Merchant, Amy Jenkins, Dorian Garland, Nicole Swain, Connor Donovan and Dalyce Leslie, from left to right, rehearse for “The Haunting HIll House.”

Mouse River Players Community Theater will launch its 2025-26 season with “The Haunting of Hill House.”

Running Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-21, and Sept. 26-28 at the Arlene Theater in downtown Minot, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. The box office will open one hour prior to curtain, with theater doors opening 30 minutes before each show. Tickets may also be purchased online.

Adapted for the stage by F. Andrew Leslie from Shirley Jackson’s iconic novel, “The Haunting of Hill House” follows Dr. Montague (Michael Merchant) and a team of researchers investigating the supernatural reputation of the eerie and isolated Hill House. The ensemble cast includes Wardah Husain as Eleanor, Nicole Swain as Theodora and Dorian Garland as Luke Sanderson, the heir monitoring the investigation. Amy Jenkins portrays Mrs. Dudley, the stern housekeeper who refuses to remain at the mansion after dark.

As tensions rise, the group is joined by Dr. Montague’s wife (Dalyce Leslie) and her companion Arthur Parker (Connor Donovan), whose unorthodox approach to spirit communication sparks conflict — and awakens Hill House’s darker forces.

Director Tim Knickerbocker, in his fourth production with Mouse River Players, said the drama offers audiences a psychological suspense not often staged in the company’s history.

“While there have been several adaptations of the story in movies and TV shows, few have followed the original novel’s focus on psychological suspense in the audience’s minds,” Knickerbocker said. “This production is a chance for our patrons to get a little nervous.”

Knickerbocker cautioned parents that the show may not be suitable for young children. “I would hesitate to bring children under the age of 13 unless they have a strong constitution and don’t mind getting scared,” he said.