NIGHTMARES ON CONGRESS STREET PART IV

The classics stand out among these pieces broadcast on Maine Public Radio's fourth Halloween program, especially "The Monkey's Paw," here both horrifying and sad. Poe's "Cask of Amontillado" is chilling, if overacted in places. New piece "The Cabin in the Woods" is scary, but it and a long "it's really happening" broadcast about flesh-eating zombies are unconvincing even as fiction. Humor is best served by "The Cremation of Sam Magee." Sound effects and music are atmospheric, even frightening; introductions by a cackling host recall "Tales from the Crypt." The acting overall is good, though overreactions and forced chatter in group scenes seem amateurish. This is a mixed effort, with one excellent piece. W.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]