Review: It Must Be Halloween When WICKED LIT Is Back At Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery!

It would not be the Halloween Season in L.A. without WICKED LIT, presented by Unbound Productions Executive Director Jonathan Josephson, Artistic Director Paul Millet, and Producing Artistic Director Jeff G. Rack. The company's 7th annual immersive theatre event takes place inside and on the grounds at Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery in Altadena, California, running from October 2-November 14, 2015. The mission of Unbound Production is to re-imagine timeless stories for new audiences by creating immersive, theatrical adaptations of literature. And, I think, to put the fright back into Halloween!

"We are also very proud of the fact that our shows continue to broaden in terms of theatrical diversity, both in terms of manner-of-storytelling, as well as the international impact of our source material and the makeup of our creative team," said Josephson. "Last year, one of our plays was inspired by a Mexican folktale, this year, one of our plays is inspired by a Japanese story and will feature an all Asian and Asian-American cast. Another one of our plays was adapted from a lauded female author from Australia by the wonderfully talented Susannah Myrvold." Congrats to all for bringing such a wide range of unique, creative voices to their productions every year.

WICKED LIT 2015 audiences will experience three short plays as they are led through the grounds of the mausoleum and cemetery by Story Guides who are introduced at the pre-show gathering place during "The System" which was conceived, written and directed by Debbie McMahon, based on the short story The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Fether by Edgar Allan Poe. The play features Alan Abelew, Kevin Dulude, Kyle Fox and Mark Ostrander. This presentation is performed pre-show and during the evening's two intervals, framing the entire evening and tying together all the characters and stories to be seen.

"The System" begins when two British reporters arrive to interview the good doctor in charge of the asylum around us. And at every integral between travelling to the 3 plays, it becomes very apparent that we have no idea who the real doctor is and who are really his patients! Be prepared to interact with many of the actors who will stroll around the audience asking questions which you will need to answer, but do your best to avoid Nurse Racher, played in drag by Kevin Dulude whose evilness and loud hisses set the mood for the entire evening.

All three plays are presented at the same time in different locations with the audience split into three groups and escorted by The Story Guides to each play's location. These Guides also let you know when and where to move as actors take off in various directions during each play. Be prepared to walk quickly, often up and down stone staircases or across dirt paths in semi-darkness.

"The Fall of the House of Usher" was adapted by Paul Millet from the short story of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe, and directed by technical wizard Jeff G. Rack, features Michael Prichard as a mummy-like, mute Story Guide. This macabre tale of desperation and ambition is staged inside the iconic mausoleum on the Mountain View grounds. The story begins when Nathaniel (Devon Michaels) receives a desperate and mysterious letter from his friend Roderick Usher (Carlos Larkin). When Nathaniel arrives, he is drawn into a nightmare world that brings a family's horrifying past into an even more twisted and perverse present, highlighted by an awesome storm sequence and ending with spectacular lighting effects on an outside mausoleum wall containing a rose window. And don't miss the light show within the various mausoleum rooms you are led through as you are rushed outside as the "house" begins to "fall." Tanya Mironowski portrays Roderick's mentally-challenged sister Madeline Usher to spooky perfection.

The World Premiere of "The Grove of Rashomo" was adapted by Jonathan Josephson from "In A Grove" by Ry?nosuke Akutagawa and is directed by Darin Anthony. It takes place on the grounds of the cemetery where you are escorted by the Story Guide (Robert Paterno) through a newly-constructed Japanese gate made specifically for this production. As you walk through the rows of stone headstones, you are informed that Masago, a maiden, is missing and her samurai, Takehiko, is dead. Just wait until you discover where his body is located! Spooky! As her mother investigates the brutal crime, she encounters numerous versions of what happened on that fateful night in a haunting cedar grove, accented by magic stones and amazing lighting effects. "The Grove of Rashomon" is a reimagining of the iconic short story that inspired the Akira Kurosawa film Rashomon where the story of what happened is told from three different points of view. The production features Sachiyo K. West Liang, Hisato Masuyama, Robert Paterno, Alpha Takahashi, Kazumi Zatkin, with swing Eric Keitel.

The World Premiere of Edith Nesbit's "The Ebony Frame" was adapted by Susannah Myrvold and directed by Jaime Robledo. You are led to the site by the quick-moving Story Guide Jane (Tina Van Berckelaer), the servant to Henry (Joe Fria) who just inherited a lavish home from a relative he never met. Even though he is engaged to a woman (Angie Hobin) who adores him beyond words, he senses something is missing. And what is it about that painting above the fireplace that is so captivating? Could it be the beautiful woman (Deborah Dominguez) who appears and disappears from it is his lost love from three centuries past? Be prepared for lots of stairs as you must rapidly follow the characters around, with the action finally leading you to an outdoor Satanic wedding led by Kevin Dulude as the horned Satan, and then to a spectacular fire from within Henry's mansion as his world falls apart.

Be advised WICKED LIT 2015 is a walking show, often in dark places. Patrons must be able to comfortably walk a minimum of 2,000 steps and climb up and down stairs in order to experience this production. The stories contain mature themes, theatrical violence, and sexual situations, so the production is recommended for audiences ages 16+. The running time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including two intervals, starting promptly at 7:30pm.

The very popular behind-the-scenes "Backstage Experience" that was introduced last year for an additional fee also takes place this year. Audience members are escorted back through the areas where the plays have taken place, meeting with the actors, designers and show creators along the way. This is definitely the place to ask questions about and gain insight into the technical wizardry you have just seen.

REMAINING PERFORMANCES AND TICKETS:
Wednesday-Sunday, Oct 28-Nov 1
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 5-8
Thursday-Saturday, Nov 12-14

All performances will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $35-75, see website for details.
Backstage Experience passes will be available for an additional $25.
For more information, go to www.wickedlit.org or call (323) 332-2065.

Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery is located at 2300 N. Marengo Ave. in Altadena CA 91001. There is free ample parking on the grounds.

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