If you head out to catch a show this week, proceed with caution as many of this week's openings feature spooky, eerie tales.

"Ghost Stories," Oct. 23-31, Children's Theatre, 237 S. State.

Adapted from old ghost stories and superstitions, Joanne Parker has created a story about a haunted book found in a bookstore.

Shows are Fridays and Saturdays, times vary. Tickets are $8 (802-532-6000 or www.tctheatre.org).

"Tartuffe," Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts, Oct. 22-24, Highland High School, 2166 S. 1700 East.

A production of the Moliere comedy about man who works his way into the good graces of another — in a guise to marry the man's daughter. It stars Josh Leger, Sahara Hayes and Bobby Cavalier.

Shows are nightly, 7 p.m., with a Saturday matinee. Tickets are $5-$7 (801-466-6700 or www.saltlakespa.org)

"The Tell-Tale Heart," Babcock Performing Readers, Oct. 22, Olpin Union Little Theatre, University of Utah.

Nobody can scare you like Edgar Allen Poe. Join Michael Bennett, David Bullock and Brad Nygren for some Poe spine-chillers. The free show starts at 7:30 p.m.

"Stellaluna," Oct. 19-Nov. 6, SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S. State, Orem.

This is a 60-minute musical based on the beloved children's book by Janell Cannon. This charming work with a good message features the puppet work of Nat Reed.

Shows are Mondays and Fridays, 7: 30 p.m. Tickets are $4-$6 (801-225-2787 or www.scera.org)

"Third," Westminster College, Oct. 21-24, Dumke Student Theatre, 1840 S. 1300 East.

"Third" is about a female professor who claims to advocate tolerance but ends up neglecting or rejecting certain groups and individuals. It stars Annie Brings, Garrett Schoonover, Elizabeth John and Duncan Kunigk.

Shows are nightly, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 (801-832-2457 or www.westminstercollege.edu).

"Crown of Lomiria," West Jordan Youth Theatre, Oct. 22-26, Sugar Factory Playhouse, 8201 S. 2200 West.

An original work by 15-year-old Brittny Millington, this play tells the story of another land where the main characters must decipher clues left by their parents while dodging an evil king.

Shows are nightly, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $3-$5 (www.wjyt.com).

e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com