Have you noticed that with the arrival of fall everybody has something of pumpkin flavor to share? Pumpkin coffee is one thing, but pumpkin scented dish soap just stretches the limit. Well, thankfully there is one decidedly pumpkin-free option this fall and it hails from the theatres in the 209, which are bringing in a bevy of entertainment options to keep the fall malaise from setting in.

Fall is all about piles of red and golden leaves and sitting in front of a toasty fire. But fall wouldn’t be fall without a touchy of the spooky and creepy and luckily the good people at Playhouse Merced recognize that and are bringing “Night of the Living Dead” to the stage just in time for Halloween. George Romero’s horror classic “Night of the Living Dead” has been inspiring nightmares since its 1968 debut and Playhouse Merced plans on recreating some of that classic horror along with a comedic twist with their live action play about the “undead.” The story finds seven strangers finding refuge at a farmhouse after they are set upon by zombies. Playhouse Merced will open the show on Oct. 23 and it’ll run through Nov. 1. Contact

for times and tickets.

Hamlet famously declared that the play’s the thing, but in the 209 for fall it might aptly be said the musical is the thing.

The first musical to come into the 209 will be “The Drowsy Chaperone” at Sierra Repertory Theatre. Drowsy may be in the title, but there’s nothing sleepy about this musical, which won five Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway. The show opens with The Man in Chair, who seeks to cure his sadness by listening to a fictional recording of the 1928 musical comedy “The Drowsy Chaperone.” As he listens the show comes to life in his apartment, complete with glitzy sets and costumes, and show-stopping musical numbers. The audience gets immersed in the life of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day. Thrown into the mix is a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not so bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone. “The Drowsy Chaperone opens Oct. 16 and will continue through Nov. 29. Contact

for times and tickets.

The Gallo Center for the Arts will take audiences back to a time when beehives ruled and every teen wanted to get on “American Bandstand.” “Hairspray” tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a large girl with big hair, a kind heart, and a passion to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and is quickly transformed into a teen celebrity. She then successfully sets out to vanquish the program’s reigning princess, win the heart of the super handsome Link Larkin, and racially integrate the television show. The show is presented by Modesto Christian Performing Arts and will be on stage Nov. 14 and 15. Contact

for times and tickets.

Days after “Hairspray” has made its final bow, “Elf the Musical” will take the stage at the Gallo Center for the Arts. This modern day Christmas classic, based on the 2013 New Line Cinema hit movie, tells the story of Buddy the Elf and his search for his father in New York City, only this time its set to a musical score. Along the way, Buddy’s enthusiasm and good heart help revive the Christmas spirit in those he befriends. The show features songs such as “World’s Greatest Dad,” “Sparklejollytwinklejingley,” and “The Story of Buddy the Elf.” The show will only be in town for performances on Nov. 17 and 18. Contact

for times and tickets.

They’ll be plenty of famous names and faces in the 209 this fall as a host of performers make their way to the region’s stages.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what Rob Lowe is thinking, and really who doesn’t, then the Gallo Center for the Arts has the show for you. “An Evening with Rob Lowe” will be a chance to delve into the entertainment world that the 50-year-old actor has weathered for more than three decades. Lowe will share anecdotes about his successes, disappointments, relationships and one-of-a-kind encounters, along with a cause near and dear to his heart, support for cancer survivors through organizations such as the Cancer Hope Network. “An Evening with Rob Lowe” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22. Contact

for tickets.

When it comes to crooning country tunes and playing slightly eccentric if not downright odd characters on television and in the movies, Dwight Yoakam has the market cornered. For his upcoming show at the Turlock Community Theatre, Yoakam will be focused on the talent that shot him to stardom — his voice. The country superstar will be performing some of his biggest hits as well as songs from his newest recording “Second Hand Heart.” Over the course of some 21 albums – totaling more than 25 million in sales worldwide – Yoakam has continued to passionately sing, write, and play music brimming with hard country and rock & roll. Yoakam will perform at the Turlock Community Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8. Contact

for tickets.

Speaking of crooners, the Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton is bringing songbird Natalie Cole to town for show Dec. 4. The daughter of Nat King Cole, she found her own niche in the musical world as a R&B; artist in the 1970s. She rose to fame with the hits "This Will Be,” "Inseparable,” and "Our Love.” Her biggest success came in the 1990s when she re-recorded standards by her father, “Unforgettable... with Love,” sold over seven million copies and also won Cole numerous Grammy Awards. She has sold over 30 million records worldwide. The show is set for 8 p.m. and will be a collection of her hits as well as holiday tunes. Contact

for tickets.