The calendar turning to October this weekend will mean Halloween is officially upon Pleasanton -- and the Museum on Main is ready for the occasion, with the final installment of its 2023 Ed Kinney Speaker Series.

"An Afternoon or Evening with Mary Shelley" will provide an interactive glimpse into the life's journey of the late British author best known for her eternal novel "Frankenstein", which shocked audiences upon its release more than 200 years ago. Scholar-storyteller Susan Marie Frontczak will portray Shelley on the Firehouse Arts Center stage next week.

"A performance about the author of 'Frankenstein' is timely for the Halloween season. Although often considered a monstrous creature, Frankenstein is a complex character who faces his own trials," said Rachel Brickell, director of education for the museum and coordinator of the annual speaker series.

Running monthly from January through October, the series presents actors embodying historical figures for live performances in the Chautauqua style, playing the character in the first-person for a scripted show and initial audience Q&A before answering final questions out of character.

"Teenage mother, behind-the-scenes supporter of social reform, romantic, and scholar, English writer Mary Shelley may be best known as the author of 'Frankenstein'. See how Shelley painted her own personal experience with a vivid imagination to build this original and enduring work of science fiction," museum officials said.

Frontczak will perform live twice next Tuesday (Oct. 3) at the Firehouse theater in downtown Pleasanton, with 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows. One week later, viewers can register to watch the presentation remotely on Oct. 10 via the webinar platform BigMarker.

The Shelley show marks the last speaker for the 2023 season, which was sponsored by the City of Pleasanton, Civic Arts Commission Grant Program, National Endowment for the Humanities, California Humanities, Alameda County Arts Commission and Best Western Pleasanton Plus Inn.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.museumonmain.org, at Museum on Main (603 Main St.) during regular operating hours Tuesdays through Saturdays or by calling 925-462-2766.