By Graham Denman
Howdy folks! Are you all looking for the best frightful events to do with your friends or loved ones this October? Well then, you’re in luck!
When I was invited to take part as press for Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery’s live action horror play extravaganza WICKED LIT, I was not sure what to expect. I showed up and was given a pamphlet shortly before I was guided into a beautiful yet creepy courtyard surrounded by REAL tombs where the first of many attraction of the night were to be held. I walked in feeling like I had just stepped into a scene straight out of Eyes Wide Shut. This was “THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH EXPERIENCE”, a place where Gothic masks and dance numbers between attractions took place. A beautiful, talented and singing Lenore(played by Bianca Gisselle) took center stage, or grass…and began singing beautiful music accompanied by a brilliant Cello player while masked men and women would interact with the audience.
Soon we were informed that if our pamphlet had a red sticker(mine did), then we would follow one of our masked guides to the first play of the evening, “THE NEW CATACOMB”. The sticker system was a good way to keep everyone with a group but before the end of the night which in all took about 4 hours, you would rotate and see the other plays which included “THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW” and H.P Lovecraft’s “THE LURKING FEAR”. I wont spoil each play for you because if I were to it would defeat the purpose of going. Wicked Lit is a non profit organization but I have to admit I was impressed with the production value. The acting, sound deign, costuming, lighting and everything else was exceptional and surpassed m y expectations. My favorite of the night was The New Catacomb. Every word spoken by it’s incredible lead actor Carlos Larkin who played Kennedy, had me completely glued. Someone give this man an Oscar, please. There were moments where your are left in the dark with nothing but a string to guide you through and believe me, that gets scary! In a good way though, don’t be a baby. The fun of Wicked Lit is NOT knowing what to expect and therefor I will not go any further in detail than telling you it IS scary at times but it is something that is fun for the whole family.
I was impressed at how well the organization of the evening played out. It’s a wonderful Halloween experience that all should enjoy and help keep alive. Everything snack ad water wise is two dollars but hey, they need to make money somehow. They are here for our entertainment and the dedication put into this event was nothing short of great.
The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow will no doubt cut your head off with fun as you are actually whisked away into the graveyards as you follow the plays actors from location to location. Be prepared to walk and stand but have fun with it! I sure did.
All in all, I’d say if you’re looking for a night out with our without the kids, or you just want to take a friend out for a good time then Wicked Lit is just the right thing.
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