This fall, step into a chilling world where Victorian Gothic horror collides with an unforgettable love story. The Body Snatcher, a brand-new play by Katie Forgette and directed by Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner, makes its world premiere in the Neuhaus Theatre, running October 3–26, 2025.
Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic short story, Forgette transforms the notorious tale of grave robbing and medical ambition into a deeply human narrative; one that explores the lengths a parent will go to save their child.
“I have always been fascinated by the divide between the living and the dead and whether death can ever be reversed,” mused Melrose. “One of my all-time favorite novels is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. I was less familiar with Robert Louis Stevenson’s short story The Body Snatcher, but thanks to Katie Forgette’s beautiful play, I have become a huge fan. It is rare to have a story scare you and move you at the same time, and that is what I love about it.”
Forgette, known for adventurous and character-driven works, shared her insights on the production, “I’ve always been intrigued by the world that Robert Louis Stevenson created in The Body Snatcher. Resurrecting. The hunt for bodies to keep up with the advances of late 19th century medicine. I wanted to retain the ambiance and history of Stevenson’s short story, but insert a plot that would include one of the most heartbreaking and indestructible of human compulsions–the compulsion of a parent to save their child’s life.”
A Celebration of Legacy: David Rainey’s 25th Season
This production also marks a milestone: Resident Acting Company Member David Rainey celebrates his 25th season at the Alley. Known for his powerful portrayals ranging from Scrooge in A Christmas Carol to Troy in August Wilson’s Fences, Rainey now takes on the role of Dr. Robert Noakes in this spine-tingling story.
Melrose continues, “Please join me in celebrating David Rainey’s 25th season at the Alley. Whether it is Scrooge in A Christmas Carol or Dr. Robert Noakes in The Body Snatcher or Troy in our upcoming production of Fences, David always brings humanity and rich detail to his performances, and we congratulate him on his remarkable tenure.”
Meet the Cast & Creative Team
Joining Rainey are:
Rolando Chusan as Dr. John Brook
Brandon Hearnsberger (Dial M for Murder, Sherlock Holmes and the Case of The Jersey Lily) as Fettes
Carolyn Johnson as Mrs. Keene
Sophia Marcelle (2023 Alley All New Festival) as A Young Girl
Alyssa Marek (2023 Alley All New Festival) as Elizabeth Noakes
The creative team includes Scenic Designer Yu Shibagaki, Costume Designer Ásta Bennie Hostetter, Lighting Designer Pablo Santiago, Sound Designer Matt Starritt, and Fight/Intimacy Director Adam Noble.
Accessibility & Ticket Info
Performances run October 3–26 in the Neuhaus Theatre. Tickets start at $45 and are available now at alleytheatre.org or by calling 713.220.5700. Discounts are available for military, seniors, educators, and students. Groups of 10 or more can save up to 20% off all performances.
Accessible Performances:
- Captioned Performance: Sunday, October 12 at 2:00 PM
- Audio Described Performance: Sunday, October 12 at 7:00 PM
- ASL Interpreted Performance: Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30 PM
Don’t Miss It!
From eerie graveyards to desperate acts of love, The Body Snatcher promises a theatrical experience that will both chill and move you. Join us in the Neuhaus Theatre this October—if you dare.
