We’re back, with tips from our staff and Patron backers on what to see this week.
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New York City
Pip’s Island
I saw Pip’s Island a week ago and I’m still pumped about it. It’s a bright spot in the middle of Spooky Season. The art design makes it feel like an interactive, animated Wes Anderson film and the actors are all fantastic. You probably need to scrounge up a kid to go, but I think it’s worth going even without one if you’re interested in what a kid-friendly immersive experience looks like when it’s done right. — Cheyenne Ligon, NoPro NYC correspondent
NYCC
The undeniable allure of NYCC this year is driven in part by how little we know about the year’s activations, so far. What grand attractions will lure me away from the panels? What embarrassing selfies will studios encourage me to take? — Michael Andersen, ARGN.com
Found
This week, I’m really excited about “FOUND”. I’ve heard great things about it, and always love a good creepy doll or two in October. — Blake Weil, NYC Editor
Atlanta
Sleepy Hollow at the Serenbe Playhouse
I’m working on location here in Atlanta for the next few months, so I’m missing Spooky season in LA. I’m trying to make up for it as best I can with what they’ve got locally. I caught Sleepy Hollow at the Serenbe playhouse last weekend and it was pretty fun. It benefitted from some great atmosphere, being out in a real forest with torchlight. It’s very lightly interactive; more processional than immersive, though occasionally a character will address you directly. The live horseman is an impressive sight in person. It was a fine way to start the Fall. — Chris Tonick, Patron
Denver
Grim Rising
Many performers from last month’s revered Zabiti Circus are involved in this spooky production paired with themed food and drink. It’s more than just stilt walkers and aerial silks; these folks are building human pyramids, tossing bodies around like balls, and pulling off choreographed full body movements you never thought possible. — Danielle Look, NoPro Denver correspondent
SoCal
Cross Roads Escape Games/The Seance
The team at Cross Roads are so damn clever, and I’m excited to check out what they have up their sleeve now that they’re playing in the immersive theatre sandbox. — Noah Nelson, Founder and Publisher, NoPro
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After hearing about their work for years, I’m excited to finally try some of the rooms at Cross Roads Escape Games in Anaheim. Their new Seance experience opens in early October and it’s great to see more people mashing together immersive theatre with live actors and escape rooms. — Kathryn Yu, Executive Editor, NoPro
Dark Harbor
Very excited to check out the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor this weekend. — Jeff & Andy Crocker
There is a charm here that you don’t get with at something like Halloween Horror Nights (along with a lower cost and smaller crowd). There are a couple of cool effects or elements spread across the mazes, and then setting a few on the Queen Mary makes for a fun time. — Kevin Gossett, LA reviews editor
Knott’s Scary Farm
I am so excited to head down to Knott’s Scary Farm for the first time since college. Oh dang-has it really been 10 years? Anyway, I heard the mazes this year are next-level! I’ve also heard the boo-fet is worth it, so maybe I’ll grab some fried chicken while I’m there, too! — Briana Roecks, social media correspondent
LA
Haus of Creep
My pick of the week this week is mostly based on excitement in that we’re going to see Haus of Creep this week and I’m really excited to see a Creep LA sandbox. — MIKE LBC (Patreon Backer)
The structure is something of a one-on-one sandbox — new characters continuously pull you aside for special experiences. A unique production that made me want to return! — Haley E. R. Cooper, Co-Artistic Director, Strange Bird Immersive
For sure, hands down, no questions asked. — Jeff Heimbuch, Horrobuzz
The Nest
Even after having seen the first run back in 2017, this experience was still magical and poignant. I love how they expanded the story and the experience. — Cara Mandel, NoPro emeritus
The Nest remains one of the single best pieces I’ve seen. Even if you saw the first version, you can still enjoy the second. The puzzles and sets are different, and the narrative had changed enough to feel new. The Nest takes a story both tragic and beautiful and turns it into a journey of magic and wonder. The set is gorgeous, the acting top-notch, the story affecting, and the pathway unexpected. This show deserves to be extended, if not permanent. — Juliet Bennett Rylah, NoPro Reviewer At Large
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