SPOTLIGHT

A SPOOKY SPECIAL

For young adults, Darren Shan is to humorous horror what J.K. Rowling

is to magical fantasy. The Brit, author of “Cirque Du Freak” and “The

Vampire’s Assistant,” will appear at the Newport Beach Central Library on

Tuesday to talk about the worlds he creates.

“Cirque Du Freak” is the story of a boy named Darren and his friend

Steve who are obsessed with seeing the acts of the Cirque Du Freak --

including a performing spider. Since spiders are Darren’s obsession, the

show is irresistible. However, the spider’s handler turns out to be a

vampire, and Darren is horrified when he hears Steve beg the man to make

him one too.

Warner Bros. has just bought the film rights for “Cirque du Freak” and

“The Vampire’s Assistant,” which continues the story of Darren.

“I was always interested in horror, both books and movies, and loved

giving myself nightmares,” Shan said. “Many of the books I write now are

rooted in delightfully chilling childhood scare sessions, when I’d keep

myself awake at night, imagining horrible scenarios.”

Shan, whose real name is Darren O’Shaughnessy, has said that he

considers Stephen King and Ray Bradbury to be his idols.

The event is co-sponsored by the library and the Tale of a Whale

Bookstore in Irvine.

FYI

Where: Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Cost: Free

Call: (949) 717-3801.

Someone cares for a comedy night

Someone Cares Soup Kitchen will hold a comedy night dinner twice on

Saturday to benefit the kitchen’s programs, which provide around 81,000

meals a year. Chef Leon Matthews will be in charge of the meal. The night

will include dinner and a performance by stand-up comedians.

FYI

Where: Someone Cares Soup Kitchen, 720 West 19th St., Costa Mesa

When: 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Cost: $50 in advance, $65 at the door

Call: (949) 548-8861

PLANNING AHEAD

‘RIGOLETTO’

Opera Pacific will present “Rigoletto” by Giuseppe Verdi as the

opening opera of its 2001-02 season.

Tuesday, November 6

RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY FAIRE

The eighth annual Religious Diversity Faire will be held at UC Irvine.

Thursday, November 8

NUMERICALLY SPEAKING

5: The number of Uncle Sam costumes -- their entire stock -- rented

out by Costume Connection in Costa Mesa for Halloween.