As a child, I spent several birthdays on the Queen Mary. Not because I wanted to, but because the train show was on board and my dad was a vendor and hardcore train fan. I don’t remember much about my visits except that on one occasion, my parents booked a room on the ship. I remember being cold and uncomfortable and crying. Lots and lots of crying, so much crying that they had my grandmother come pick me up and I stayed the night with her.
Cut to years later, I find out that the Queen Mary is haunted. Perhaps that was the cause of my discomfort, but either way, this notion is one that has drawn people of all ages to the antiquated ship for decades. The fact is that The Queen Mary has now been docked at the Long Beach Harbor longer than it has sailed. The amount stories surrounding her, both happy and sad, seem infinite. She’s seen moments of celebration, and times of incredible sorrow. Nothing makes you as acutely aware of that than Aiden Sinclair’s spectacular performance in Illusions of the Passed.
Over the course of this 90 minute show, he invites audience members to participate in illusions that harken back to the seance and spiritual movements of the early 1900’s. His incredible story-telling encourages your imagination to run wild as you contemplate the history of the famous ship and the souls that still reside within her.
Before the show begins, you are invited into the Revenant Room Lounge to relax and unwind. The hallway leading to the lounge is lined with photos and names of those who have passed on board, as well the when and how. Artifacts in glass cabinets are found throughout the room, including a doll in a box that is rumored to knock, as well as stand up and sit down on her own. The host at the check-in desk mentioned that she greets the doll with a “hello” and “goodbye” at the beginning and end of each day. Other items include artifacts recovered from the Titanic, and personal effects from passengers of the Queen Mary throughout the course of her lifetime. The items in these cabinets rotate through the Revenant Room Lounge and stage, as Aiden uses them in the show.
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The modest bar in the Revenant Room offers some of the best cocktails found on the ship, each inspired by souls said to haunt her halls. The bartender is both knowledgeable and friendly, and happy to tell the story behind each of the delicious cocktails, which are allowed in the theater.
Once the doors to the theater are open, you are ushered through what appears to be a cargo hold, filled with vintage luggage, and a wedding dress that is evocative of the attic scene in The Haunted Mansion. The juxtaposition of these items entices you to think past the “ghosts” of the ship and to consider their lives instead. In fact, it would be safe to say that is the overall message of Illusions of the Passed. You continue on into the small, intimate theater, with seats in rows facing the stage.
For the next 90 minutes, Aiden delights and mystifies, bringing his personal experiences to the stage as he tells the story of the ship. The show is different every night, which makes sense given the unpredictability of the subjects, and the sheer scope of stories to be told. The level of engagement you can expect to experience in the show varies depending on your interest and willingness to participate. That is to say, Aiden relies on volunteers to step up to help him tell stories and perform his illusions. If you prefer to merely observe, that option is offered to you as well.
Illusions of the Passed is great for both believers and non-believers in ghosts. Whether you believe in spirits or not, the magic that Aiden performs is indicative of his respect for the souls that remain on board, and the passion he feels toward the stories and lives of those who have visited the ship is contagious.
The show is part of a perfect evening out that includes free parking and early entrance to the ship (4:00 pm) to dine, explore, and do some hall-haunting of your own. With planning, you are able to take a couple tours, enjoy a meal, and imbibe in a cocktail or two in the lounge before the show. This show is recommended for ages 13 and up as the themes discussed may be a little heavy for younger audiences.
Illusions of the Passed runs Fri-Sun throughout September and Thurs-Sun the last week of September through October aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA.
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