Creep LA brings the podcast LORE to life in their newest immersive experience
Aaron Mahnke’s hugely popular podcast, Lore, gets the immersive haunt treatment in Creep LA’s newest production, LORE: A Haunting Experience.
This past year I’ve really delved into the world of podcasts on the advice of my boyfriend. It took me awhile to find one that suited me, but once I did, it was game over. Now you might be asking yourself what does a podcast have to do with an immersive experience? Well, my absolute favorite podcast, Lore, has gained world-wide attention and not only is it coming to Amazon Prime Exclusive as a six-episode anthology series, the amazing folks over at Creep LA have made LORE into their own immersive horror experience. When I found this out, I was beside myself with glee because if anyone could pull off a Lore experience in the form of a immersive haunt, it was without a doubt going to be Creep LA.
In situations like these, when we hype up an experience in our head, the majority of the time that said experience is a let down. In terms of LORE: A Haunting Experience this was further from the truth. As someone who grew up on the East Coast (Boston, MA to be exact), we’ve had our fair share of spooky stories and urban legends, so it comes as no surprise that I would find myself becoming increasingly drawn to tales and experiences that surround those folklores.
via LORE
On Thursday, I drove to Los Angeles for my designated time and could feel my excitement and anticipation building as I readied myself for whatever was to come. Prior to entering the building, we were given bandannas that were to be placed around the bottom half of our face, this was to indicate that we were not allowed to talk at all during our one hour experience. With everything in place, the door in front of me opened and Lore began.
Photo provided by Hatbox Photography
Throughout the one hour duration, groups of eight people experienced different vignettes that corresponded to folklore and urban legends. These ranged from accusations of witchcraft, seances, vampires, evil dolls, and more. Each scene was designed expertly to allow guests to feel fully immersed in whatever story was unfolding.
For those not aware, my day job is an interior designer, so set design is extremely important to me whenever I go through haunts or immersive events. Each Creep LA experience I’ve gone to, I’ve never been let down and Lore is no exception. From the real foliage to the design of small houses to the ominous graveyard, my mind was blown as I ventured from one room to another. The level of detail and creativity that was put forth really showcased the talent and passion from all those involved in this production.
Visually, my favorite room was at the beginning of my journey, where we meet an individual who is obsessively searching for the truth which perfectly kicked off what was to come. My only critique would be that the ending needs a bit of an overhaul. For such a beautifully designed experience, the last vignette before the exit lacks the inventiveness that the rest of the experience has.
Photo provided by Hatbox Photography
In regards to the acting, all the performers were top notch and brought their A-game. My favorite moment of interaction had to do with a seance that was taking place and one of the characters who was sitting next to me. He stared into my eyes for an uncomfortably long time and when we had to all hold hands, he caressed the soft spot between my thumb and finger. Once all was revealed as to who he really was, his behavior made complete and total sense. There are so many interesting and complex characters to meet along the way, as well as alternate scenes, that you could visit Lore numerous times and and have a completely new experience.
In terms of if LORE: A Haunting Experience is scary, I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s traditionally scary. It’s more atmospheric and there is a feeling of dread and uneasiness that wraps itself around you from the moment you enter. Though what we are witnessing is a performance, a lot of the scenarios that we see played out happened at one point and their tales have carried on through centuries. That, in and of itself, adds a layer of eerie discomfort to the entire experience. One image that has stayed with me since going was of a moment when I was in the forest scene and a woman all in white opened her mouth so wide that it almost seemed unnatural. Fangs protruded from her teeth and she had a look of terror and hunger in her eyes. It’s not an image I will soon forget.
Photo provided by Hatbox Photography
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Overall, Creep LA’s LORE: A Haunting Experience is without a doubt one of the best events to go to this Halloween season. Tickets are $75 and though you may think that’s steep, let me reassure you that it’s worth every single cent of that $75. Fans of the Lore podcast will love having the opportunity to be fully immersed in the world that they have grown to love while those not familiar with the podcast or upcoming series will enjoy all the creepiness and macabre tales that so many urban legends evoke. Tickets are selling fast so make sure to visit www.creepla.com to purchase yours before they are gone.
Find more of Shannon’s rants and ravings on the horror genre at her website Nightmarish Conjurings.