MARYSVILLE – “Dark of the Moon,” a gothic exploration of Smokey Mountain lore that ranges from the fantastic to the mundane, runs Oct. 18-Nov. 3 at the Red Curtain Arts Center, 9315 State Ave. #J.

Although it is not a traditional musical, familiar folk tunes and hymns are performed by the actors.

Set in the backwoods of Appalachia, the play centers on John, a witch boy who seeks to become human after falling in love with a human girl, Barbara Allen. The tale blends the worlds of humans and witches to tell a compelling story of love and hubris.

It was originally written in 1939 as a dramatization of the centuries-old European folk song “The Ballad of Barbara Allen.”

The small village’s residents tolerate their supernatural neighbors, fighting their influence with religious zealotry, until John tries to join their community. The lovers are subjected to scorn and violence, in scenes that have earned the play an “R” rating from Red Curtain (content not appropriate for children under 16).

Layton Gaskins plays John, Tina Worthey The Conjure Woman, Jorah Atkinson is Barbara Allen, Jillian Ingram the Dark Witch and Esther Dovii the Fair Witch.

The show is co-directed by Scott B Randall and Joe Goins.

Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com; at the RCF box office by phone (360-322-7402); or in-person at the arts center Tuesday-Saturday from 2-6 p.m.

For details go to www.redcurtainfoundation.org.