Or ring in the Ides of March by paying a call on one twisted family this spring break.
JFI Productions (CreepLA) is extending the run of its long-standing immersive play The Willows with shows during the first quarter of the year. A surprisingly marked departure from the typical fall fare of horror experiences. No Proscenium revisited the show with a first-timer lens (hello, new writer Sabina here) to experience it as many will this weekend, as a Valentine's Day trial by fire.
The Willows' reputation precedes it with sheer shocking aplomb. Yes, I was told by NoPro editor Noah Nelson, before attending, that there's nothing I should know beyond the little I had been enticed by, which sounded like an exclusive invitation to meet with a family with dark secrets that seemingly didn't leave the manor walls. He affirmed that it was good I didn't know more and that it's essential to go in as blind as possible.
I've done a few of the major immersive theater shows during Halloween in LA, save for two of the more nefarious ones that didn't hide how extreme they could be. With The Willows, I was a little uncertain about what to expect and what I would or wouldn't be comfortable with. In my other experiences, jumping into an open grave to retrieve a macguffin was fine—even being dragged out of my tent by monsters was a walk in the park, but The Willows surprised me by being an alluring slow-burn psychological trip into madness.
My husband attended as my guest, as he has often followed me into so many dark and eerie locations to live out horror movie scenarios for fun, and we can attest The Willows was the most challenging one we've done in a powerfully creepy way. There's glamour, a touch of supernatural energy in the air, and blindfolds, so it fits the bill of a good time for many, but it will test you.
There's a requirement to dress up; black is strongly suggested, but wearing comfortable shoes is encouraged. Don't let that raise concerns of any sort of strenuous activities; it's a lot less of a genre adventure and more of an arthouse experience. Think dinner party by way of Ari Aster (Hereditary) or Zach Cregger (Weapons), as the Willows family might be out for blood and will do and say anything to push your boundaries. Why? Well, that's the thing we'll keep you in the dark about.
I will say that it felt like I was in a horror Nathan Fielder-type show at many points with its dark humor and participatory dares. The suspense and tension propel the nearly two-hour experience that will get under your skin and follow you home. That or a spirit or two from the real haunted location it recently moved to, LA's Beckett Manor. Maybe sage yourself after, too.
So if you're going to celebrate Valentine's Day at The Willows this weekend, brace yourselves; it's a dementedly delightful make-or-break date. If you survive, you'll be joining the whispers that continue to build the mystique and mystery at The Willows House, and you'll be eager to spread the word. Tell your friends, single or not, who are into Valloween or down for spooky spring break shenanigans, to consider a side quest stop at The Willows. It will be a night they'll never forget; my husband, Jonathan, and I sure can't get it out of our heads. Truly a mind-fuck of a party.
The Willows starts its spring run this weekend through early April. Tickets are $250.
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