The vanguard of immersive horror theatre is back. Delusion returns this year at a new location in the heart of Los Angeles with an all-new show entitled The Red Castle. Writer-director Jon Braver’s schtick is that he finds a spectacular location, and then builds a story from his fantastic world of horror, fantasy, and mystery that takes place there. This year, we are at The Stimson House. We are to discover the sordid tale of Dr. Frederick Lowell and love lost through death. While still a worthy installment of the Delusion franchise it is not the most outstanding. There are some wonderful moments here, but the show only occasionally takes flight like previous iterations.

We approach the rather striking Red Castle. Its peculiar crimson tone and foreboding presence loom as we made our way down the driveway to check-in. Once inside the gates, we see the back house with an indoor lounge. There was merchandise available and a full bar for those needing a dose of courage. There was also a magician on hand entertaining the crowds.

Further into the lounge was a place designated for the VIP ticketholders called Ward D. Here, devoted Delusionals will find a swanky, low-lit hang space that is festooned with references to previous shows.  Parking and most arrivals are timed unless you purchase the VIP package that allows theatergoers all-night access to the grounds along with their show. If you buy the upgrade, plan to come early and hang here for the surprises that await.

Our showtime is called via phone text and we were invited to group behind the house. The ground rules are given; Tuen all cellphones and electronic devices off, no pictures, respect the performers and follow their directions, DO NOT talk unless directly addressed… Essentially, you are experiencing interactive theatre. Don’t be a jerk.

We were then guided to the garden alongside the house where the show begins.  A rich voiceover invites us to close our eyes and enter the world of Delusion. We are the prized patients of the brilliant Dr. Frederick Lowell. Shunned by his peers for unorthodox methods, the good Dr. has taken his patients to The Red Castle to hide in exile. It also seems that we have a particular talent that Dr. Lowell is hoping to utilize to bring his wife back from the grave after a tragic accident. Questions abound, but we will soon uncover the horrible truths within the towering home.

Along the way we meet up with the doctor’s other patients. It seems that the doctor is missing and his patients have been running amok on the grounds. We must find Dr. Lowell’s daughter for help while dodging the dangers of the inmates who seem to be running the asylum. Will we survive the night in a house of madness? Perhaps. But as with any Delusion show, we have to keep our wits about us to keep track of the evolving story while sometimes literally running for our lives.

The Red Castle is a worthy addition to the Delusion universe but it lacks the jaw-dropping theatrics featured in other shows. There were no major stunts and only a handful of lighting queues. The most prominent effect featured this year is the cast. They fully engage the guests and provoke interaction to the point of convincing us that we are in another world. They, along with the pristine sound design and score, really get guests to give in and play their parts.

Braver has a remarkable talent for creating a story that is rich with gothic romance, horror, and impenetrable mystery. It’s a world that you want to live in. This is a show, unlike anything else in Los Angeles that must be seen to be believed. The Red Castle is definitely something you need to grab a ticket for and fast.

TICKETS

This is an intimate, almost one one-on-one piece of immersive theatre that is unlike anything offered in Los Angeles right now. Hence, the price is a little high. The show utilizes flex pricing, meaning ticket prices are higher on more popular nights. Baseline cost starts at $109.99 for weeknights and $114.99 for weekends. If you really want to go all out, you can purchase the VIP Experience which tops out at $174.99. What’s the difference? A regular ticket allows you entry to Delusion and the outdoor courtyard only at your designated show time. The VIP EXPERIENCE allows ticket holders the ability to arrive at any time before their performance and to stay in the VIP Lounge as long as they like. There is also the option to become a part of the show with the WARD-D Experience. venture beyond the veil of the show and prepare to showcase your mad talents. A quick costume change into mental asylum garb and off you go, awaiting actual patrons of the play as they move through a deranged scene that features you!

For additional information, including event specifics, ticket pricing, and more, please visit www.enterdelusion.com

GRAB TICKETS HERE.

NEW This Halloween Season: VIP: WARD D – PLAY YOUR PART:

Access to Delusion: The Red Castle at your designated showtime and the VIP WARD D “Play Your Part” Experience. Become a part of the distorted adventure and play your part in Delusion’s latest interactive masterpiece. Play the role of Dr. Frederick Lowell’s most deranged patient, found sleepwalking around the grounds of the Red Castle.

Private bar in the VIP Lounge filled with surprises (What’s in the attic!?) Head to the VIP lounge for your private bar where you might stumble upon a few hidden surprises and performers.

CHOOSE YOUR PATH: This year patients will have the opportunity to make choices that will ultimately alter the path of the story. No two experiences will be the same! Work with Dr. Lowell and the characters to unlock hidden abilities in order to move the story forward and unravel hidden secrets.