Delusion has returned for the 2025 haunt season with more haunted magic in the new production, Harrowing of Hell. If you have never been to Delusion, let us explain. Delusion is a groundbreaking, interactive, haunted play that builds its stories based on a specific location. This year the production takes place at the storied Variety Arts Theatre in the heart of Los Angeles. Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, Harrowing of Hell tells the tale of a cult known as Pagan’s Path that is obsessed with with the metaphors in the classic piece of literature, believing them to be the key to the afterlife. Visitors are led through the circles of Hell to test their worth.
Creator Jon Braver once again flexes his knack for world building with Harrowing of Hell by dropping guests into a labyrinth of mythos and intrigue. Sporting winding passages and sudden pockets of spacious rooms, The Variety Arts Theatre location offers the creative team an epic canvas on which to spin a yarn.
Let’s start with the Variety Arts Theatre location. Amazing. Parking was a breeze thanks to a reasonably priced lot directly across the street from the venue. Once checked in, we were treated to a comfortable, expansive, and atmospheric place to vibe before our designated show time.
The cavernous lobby of the Variety Arts Theatre has been transformed into the waiting room for Hell. A red glow permeates the space while motionless figures watch from below. Not one, but two bars offer cocktails, mocktails, and water. Off in the corner there is a merch counter for those needing a keepsake to mark their journey.
This is also the spot that you would check in for your chance to go behind the scenes if you purchased the VIP ticket. Our advice is to pay the extra money and go behind the scenes. However, you need to see the show BEFORE the tour. More on that later.
VIP ticket Check in table.
We are summoned to the second level. At the top of the stairs we are treated to a remarkable collection of artifacts from previous Delusion productions. The Blue Blade, Lies Within, Reaper’s Remorse, pieces of each production are here to study and enjoy. There was even an up-close magician to entertain as we waited for our name to be called.
Our show time comes and our name is called. After shutting off all phones, watches, and any other tools of distraction, we begin. Our intimate group is instructed to stand on a carpet in corner of a room and the magic happens. A figure glides down the stairs before us and sets up the esoteric premise. We are on a journey through Hell. To enumerate each scene would be a disservice to the show. I will instead note the high points with notes.
Harrowing of Hell recaptures the epic scope of previous shows with a classical story and unique location. As the diligent cast works double duty by performing and managing their audience, we are guided through immersive sets slathered in first rate set design, sumptuous lighting, and an original score that haunts the mind. Still there are some notes.
Harrowing of Hell is a short show. We guessed no more than 35 minutes. While that is a substantial run time for a haunt, this is supposed to be something more. This is a haunted play. This is Delusion. This is the gold standard of immersive experiences. Previous productions have offered multiple moments of interaction or one-on-one scenes. Comparatively, Harrowing of Hell only offers a scant few.
Short run time aside, there are moments of jaw-dropping magic. The opening scene uses projections in such a beautiful and creative way, that I was left speechless. Additionally, Harrowing of Hell features one of the single most impressive creature effects in any of the Delusion shows. I refuse to spoil it, but this is as good as the Ember Man from Lies Within. Not as surprising, but more technically impressive and creepy.
Harrowing of Hell is a better show than last year’s Red Castle but we are still in want of the fine mix of spectacle and intimacy that Delusion is known for. Our advice is to make a night of it and grab the VIP package. Get there early and enjoy the show. Then register for the VIP behind the scenes tour that takes you through two key moments so that you can really appreciate the spectacular creative forces behind this unique creation.
Among the best haunted experiences in the world, Delusion continues to invite everyone to play their part.
