BWW Reviews: WICKED LIT 2014 Presents 3 Moody and Atmospheric World Premiere Adaptations of Classic Horror Literature

Each Halloween season, Unbound Productions presents adaptations of classic horror literature as an immersive theatre event that takes place at Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery in Altadena, California. Yes, that's right - you spend the evening surrounded by dead people with much reverence and respect paid to each vault and tombstone, especially those lucky enough to become part of the show.

This year, the 6th annual WICKED LIT event runs from October 3-November 8, 2014 and features world premiere adaptations of Las Lloronas (The Weeping Women), inspired by the Mexican folktale "La Llorona" and actual events, adapted by Jonathan Josephson (Unbound Productions Executive Director) and directed by Paul Millet (Unbound Productions Artistic Director), Bram Stoker's Dracula's Guest (the previously unpublished first chapter of the novel Dracula), adapted by John Leslie (Theatre 40 Company Member) and directed by Jeff G. Rack (Unbound Productions Producing Artistic Director), and The Monk, inspired by the 1796 novel by Matthew Gregory Lewis, adapted by Douglas Clayton and directed by Debbie McMahon.

The evening's entertainment begins with a pre-show, and then interstitial breaks between the three plays, inspired by the German Wulpurgisnacht festival, conceived and directed by Charlie Mount and Aurora Long. Taking place in the courtyard of the vast mausoleum vaults, it was a quite entertaining metaphysical magic show, complete with the Germanic Franz Mesmer (Dustin Hess) as emcee (right out of Cabaret it seemed) and his lovely gypsy assistants. We were treated to various acts of prestidigitation as well as mind-reading answers to questions written down by audience members, often to looks of astonishment from the writers among us.

When you arrive, you are handed a color-coded program that divides the audience into three groups with whom you will walk around to see all the plays. Costumed characters escort you through various parts of the mausoleum and cemetery depending upon which play you are seeing, never crossing the path of another audience group. While each of the plays is staged in different areas, you can often hear sound effects or dialogue from the other plays, which enhances the spookiness of the experience - especially when it is howling wolves or shotgun blasts.

The first play I saw as a member of the yellow group was Matthew Gregory Lewis' The Monk. While not terribly scary, the many locations chosen were perfect for the story being presented. Matilda has journeyed to Italy to seek the help of a clergyman who is known not only for his skills as an orator but for his ability to help those oppressed by the church. To what lengths will she go to secure her future - and at whose expense? This stylized , lyrical production examines the faces of sin in all of its many forms. Imposing and dynamic Eric Harris is quite a presence as Ambrosio, the Monk, but it is Wendy Worthington as the Sister who steals the show with her gritty voice and nasty demeanor. Michael Perl is the dashing Lorenzo pursuing the gullible Matilda (Ember Knight).

Mexican legend inspired Las Lloronas ("The Weeping Women") took us on a trip through the catacombs with each stop offering the story of a desperate mother who murders her children by drowning them in a river. But what compels her to commit such an atrocious act? Fear? Insanity? Spite? Beginning with the legend's historical origins in 16th Century Mexico and ending in modern day Los Angeles with a story that was based on actual events, each woman's tale was enhanced by exquisite dancing (choreographed by Angie Hoben) and extraordinary lighting effects (kudos to lighting designers Ric Zimmerman and Hilda Kane). The narrator, white-suited El Diablo (Joe Camareno) with long nails and orange eyes, seemed to delight in the misfortunes of the women forced into their brutal decisions, offering audiences five different perspectives of this haunting cautionary tale

Bram Stoker's Dracula's Guest was originally written to be the first chapter of the groundbreaking horror novel Dracula, We meet plucky Brit Jonathan Harker (Eric Keitel) who has travelled to Romania to meet with a mysterious Count about selling his vast estate. He is only a few miles from his destination in the Transylvania mountains, but on Walpurgisnacht, no one in the village is willing to leave their home and get him up the hill. Why is that he wonders? As we are escorted into the cemetery, we soon find out when evil spirits rise and attempt to overpower poor Hacker and his reluctant driver, Johann (John T. Cogan, oozing sheer terror of the night). The dramatic sound effects designed by Drew Dalzell and Noelle Hoffman along with the special effects by Jeff G. Rack were so compelling, you could not help but think werewolves were on the attack and vampires could pop out anywhere at any moment as you sat in the misty darkness surrounding by tombstones.

This year's plays were not especially scary, but they were incredibly moody and far and away more brilliantly technical than in the past with majestic lighting and sound effects throughout. With her obvious attention to detail while recognizing the needs to actors on the move, resident costume designer Christine Cover Ferro perfectly matched the wardrobe to each character over several time periods.

Unbound Productions, especially its creative team, is to be commended for transforming the grounds of the Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery into the perfect setting for this Halloween-themed evening. No doubt, as they have in the past, the shows will sell out this year so order your tickets soon.

WICKED LIT 2014 will run six weeks with additional midweek performances added, increasing the capacity to nearly 3,000. Due to mature themes, theatrical violence, and sexual situations, the production is recommended for audiences ages 13+.

The running time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with two intervals.
Behind-the-scenes "Insider Tours" will be led after every performance for an additional fee, allowing a small number of guests to get insight from the creators of the show while touring the Mausoleum.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES AND TICKETS:
Wednesday-Sunday, Oct 22-26;
Wednesday-Sunday, Oct 29-Nov 2
Wednesday-Saturday, Nov 5-8

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

Tickets range from $35-70, see website for details.
Insider Tours will be available for an additional $25.
For more information go to wickedlit.org or call (323) 332-2065.

Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery
2300 N. Marengo Ave. Altadena CA 91001
Ample free parking on the grounds.
Please consult a map before driving to Mausoleum and be sure to enter on Marengo Ave.

This is a walking production that takes place at night. Please wear comfortable, soft-soled shoes. With some scenes being staged outdoors, please dress accordingly.

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