Palatine woman's annual Halloween show to die for

The year's 1955 and Jean Schonta's back from the dead working as a soda jerk at the Drop Dead Drive-in.

The Everly Brothers and Fats Domino croon in the background, while clips from "The Haunting" and "House of Wax" roll in the window.

The backdrop sets the scene for the annual Halloween show Schonta puts on for trick-or-treaters at her parents' Palatine house.

The 42-year-old Little City resident has amused kids and grown-ups alike for 10 years. They stand in the doorway for a minute or two while Schonta gets into character.

"I've always loved dressing up for Halloween," says Schonta, who typically entertains 75 or so trick-or-treaters throughout the night. "I just put on a little act for them."

Schonta's deceased coworkers at the Drop Dead Drive-in are the dolls she makes. This Halloween there were carhops Dora and Mae, along with a projectionist and soda jerk.

"The usher, Mr. Black, will show you to your seat, but it'll cost you your soul," she jokes with 10-year-old Joey Nottoli.

Past themes have included a haunted schoolhouse, saloon, graveyard and hospital. She's spent dozens of hours over the last month on the set, sewing costumes, building the candy counter and writing jokes. Schonta pays attention to the tiniest details, down to the cardboard soda fountains.

Schonta, 42, has Asperger's disorder, a high-functioning form of autism that affects the ability to socialize. She wasn't diagnosed until five years ago, and that was only because of the Internet research her sister did.

"She belies her disability," says Schonta's mother, Beatrice.

An accomplished artist and musician, she earned an associate's degree from Harper College after she graduated from Palatine High School. She works at Little City's design studio and is often commissioned to do house portraits.

"Kids would say she's smart but weird," Beatrice recalls. "She developed her own friends in the dolls she made and they all have personalities. You'll never meet anyone like Jeannie."

Two visitors Wednesday night included Kylen Sandquist, 16, and Ann Delaney, 15. They recently acted with Schonta in "Uncle Phil's Diner" at Palatine's Wood Street Theater Company.

"We come watch her every year," Sandquist says. "We're not even trick-or-treating, but we had to come check out the show. She was so excited talking about it."

Even as she wraps up one of the shows and hands out the real treats, Schonta never breaks character.

"I know you cats gotta split the scene," she tells the kids, "but remember that we were the ginchiest theater back in 1955. You dig?"