“It’s close to midnight
And something evil’s lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight
You see a sight that almost stops your heart”
KENT, Conn.—It has been 44 years since Michael Jackson sang those words, creating a spooky video that still tops the charts every year at Halloween.
In Kent, trick-or-treaters can find something that “almost stops your heart” annually when South Kent School presents its Halloween interpretation of Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” on Golden Falcon Field.
The student zombies have been recreating Jackson’s moves for 13 years now. For the past two years, Kimberly Compton, parish administrator for St. Andrew’s Church and a passionate promoter of youth performances, has directed the choreography.
“These kids have been practicing since mid-September,” she said, “and they deserve credit for all their hard work. Faculty members have reported seeing the boys practicing regularly on their own, which just shows you how excited and invested they are.”
Rehearsals are held at the South Kent School gym after all other school activities have ended for the day. There, 20 SKS students join forces with 10 children from Kent Center School and four from Kent School.
Gino has already appeared in “Thriller” productions three times and is rounding out his record with a fourth appearance in his senior year. “He won’t be featured, but he will have a prominent part,” Compton said.
Compton said the dance they are preparing includes classic steps from Michael Jackson’s performance but is laced with original choreography and storytelling.
Compton promises some new elements this year, including special effects.
She has written and directed two plays at Kent Center School—“The Hang Up” and “Headspace”—and some of her KCS acolytes have expressed interest in doing more, among them Michael Pener and his sister, Birdie.
Birdie is one of the KCS dancers taking part in ‘Thriller” and Michael, who was part of the production crew for “Headspace,” is producing special effects. “It’s the first time we will have special effects for the number,” Compton said.
SKS faculty member Michelle Borsavage helps with logistics and organizing the boys for the production.
The performance will take place at 7 p.m. and will be the crowning element of a town-wide celebration of Halloween. Every year, Kent surpasses itself in staging ghoulish fun for residents and visitors alike. Stores stay open late to greet trick-or-treaters and the Lions Club traditionally gives out glow-in-the-dark necklaces to promote safety as little ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties” find their way along the dark street.
A Trunk or Treat is held near the entrance to Kent Green allowing residents and merchants who do not face Main Street to join in the fun. And 45 on Main will not hold a Halloween costume competition this year but is replacing it with a disco dance that promises to be a “graveyard smash.”
All events kick off at 5 p.m.
