Sometimes, you get a feeling about something and, if you act on that feeling, you are rewarded - but if you don't, you end up wondering, for a very long time, if you should have acted.

Such was the case with Wicked Lit, the production of scary short plays from classic literature, which is being presented at the Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery in Altadena.

I acted, and I was rewarded.

You see, when a press release on Wicked Lit came to my email a few weeks ago, something about it struck a chord with me. Now, I get a lot of press releases, for a lot of events, and, sadly, I am unable to attend many of them, especially those outside the Santa Clarita Valley. But Wicked Lit was something different, well-suited to my "unique" sensibilities, and so I decided to attend.

And, if you enjoy short plays, classic literature, getting scared, or all three - or just need an evening doing something out of the ordinary to prove you've still got some "hip" left - I recommend you attend, as well.

Wicked Lit audiences experience three short plays, as they are led through the grounds of the mausoleum and cemetery by a story guide. Separate tickets give patrons access to either Production A or Production B. These are walking productions, which take place at night, and some scenes are staged outdoors.

Production A (continuing through Nov. 5) offers Charles Dickens' "The Chimes," H.P. Lovecraft's "The Unnamable" and Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado." Production B (continuing through Nov. 6) includes Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Body Snatcher," M.R. James' "Casting the Runes" and Mark Twain's "A Ghost Story."

Last Friday I, accompanied by another twisted soul, attended Production A - and we loved all three presentations. However, "The Unnamable," which took place outdoors, in the dark and chill of the night and in the cemetery, complete with special effects and surround sound, was our favorite. (But it did make me wonder what the nearby neighbors were thinking.)

First, let me compliment the production team, from top to bottom, on all three presentations. This is a professional operation, well-organized and well orchestrated. Costumes, lighting, sound and story guides were flawless. Beyond that, the actors were top-shelf and, considering the settings they worked in (cemetery, mausoleum), they were even more impressive.

In brief....

"The Cask of Amontillado": The rich costumes of 1849 Florence, Italy, and following the cast through a real mausoleum in the dead of night, truly bring Poe's work to life in a delightfully creepy way. William Joseph Hill, as Fortunato, Brian David Pope, as Montresor, and Bianca Gisselle, as Sylvia, take you back in time.

"The Chimes": You'll definitely see the familiar Dickensian themes in this one, but you will also experience a chilling and yet touching presentation - all while seated in a small chapel in the mausoleum. Richard Large, as Toby, carries the bulk of the work here, and is terrific. Eric Harris, as one of the goblins, is amazing, with his deep, booming voice vibrating the walls.

"The Unnamable": So, you are in a cemetery at night, which takes things to a whole new level, anyway. But the unexpected production touches in effects and sound will absolutely thrill you, as a beast stalks in the darkness. I swear, at one point, if someone would have touched me on the back, I would have squealed like a little girl.

Michael Prichard, as Howard, and John T. Cogan, as Joel, have incredible energy and projection, as they stagger around real headstones in the darkness. There are lots of scares and some chuckles, too.

While I did not get an opportunity to see Production B, I am confident it will offer the same high quality as the Wicked Lit shows we enjoyed from Production A last Friday.

Hey, maybe you can catch both. You've got two more weekends.

Wicked Lit is meant to be scary, and seating is limited. Shows will sell out. Be prepared to spend some time in the chill and dewy night air. And be prepared to do some walking on uneven terrain, illuminated by flashlight. All performances begin promptly at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $60. Visit www.wickedlit.org for information. Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery is located at 2300 N. Marengo Ave., Altadena, CA 91001. There is ample free parking on the grounds. Do not enter from Fair Oaks Avenue. Check a map before driving to the mausoleum.