BWW Reviews: A Ghoulish Good Time – Nightmare: Fairy Tales at the CSV
Last night, I got the opportunity to check out Nightmare: Fairy Tales at the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center (CSV). Located at 107 Suffolk Street between Rivington and Delancey, Nightmare is a Haunted House/multi-media attraction that takes you through the fairy tales of your childhood. Now, I know what you might be thinking. What's so scary about a childhood fairy tale? Hello! When was the last time you read Rumpelstiltskin? It's terrifying.
Kudos to Creator and Co-Director, Timothy Haskell, for what is a truly brilliant idea. Why not explore the more macabre side of humanity through the Brother's Grimm? Wow. Did our parents really read this stuff to us as kids?
In general, the production was awesome. I really liked how the cast found just as many moments of humor as they did fear. The sets were visually interesting and the lighting was dynamic. Going through Nightmare: Fairy Tales was like walking through a giant children's pop-up book...if that book was authored by Satan of course.
For our more squeamish readers, although Nightmare is very much a haunted house, the cast is pretty respectful of your space. Of course, you should expect people to jump out at you. That goes without saying. However, you are asked before you walk in if you want to be touched. If you say no, like I said, they pretty much respect that wish.
I was also impressed with the overall environment. You are immediately a part of the "experience" the second you hit the stairs of CSV. There are photos to be taken, a spooky beverage bar, Halloween music (splashed with 80s dance pop) and a second show on the second floor. The non-performing staff was also extremely helpful. Although the CSV looks like Wednesday Adams' prom night, I would have to say that the Haunted House is pretty intense. It might not be an appropriate outing for your littlest ghouls.
I did have one criticism of the event. When you are inside the House, there really wasn't a clear way out. It was quite a struggle to get from one vignette to the other. I wound up behind a production flat more times than I care to admit. I may not be the most coordinated reviewer here at BroadwayWorld.com; however, I can't be the only person who did this.
Overall, Nightmare: Fairy Tales was fun experience. Not for younger patrons, it is worth the price of admission. Running now through November 5th, tickets are available through http://hauntedhousenyc.com.
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