I really miss this. I hope they bring it back. I went for many years. It was always entertaining and fun to go with friends.

Wicked Lit! Went last year for the first time and then twice this year to see both Production A (The Unnameable, the Chimes, and Cask of Amontillado) and Production B **new** (Casting the Runes, A Ghost Story, and The Body Snatcher). I brought a bunch of people with me to see Production A this year. It was amazing as always... Note to newcomers - if you are meeting people at the event, make sure that all members of your group receive the same color sticker on their program. You want to stay together in the same group. Also note that they have coffee, hot apple juice (which they insist on calling cider), and a few candy bars. $2 each or 2 items for $3. Bring cash, a jacket as you will be outside for a time, and comfortable shoes for walking and standing for short periods. The plays are immersive as you walk following the characters and story progression through the creepy and eeriliy lit long hallways of the mausoleum... and through the cemetery across the street. Most of the acting is great. Last night was unusual because they had BOTH productions going on at the same time. I was concerned that we would be running into each other in the corridors and we would lose the integrity of the individual plays with competing noise in the background. They actually handled it really well and there was only about 5 minutes when I was distracted by noise from another play. Production B was very good for the most part. I will not forget the images from Casting the Runes and The Body Snatcher. The Ghost Story however, started out GREAT but then the second half was kind of ridiculous. What annoyed me most was the fact that because it wasn't as long as the other plays and they all had to end at the same time, the guide read us "The Raven" as we walked back. Now, I take my Poe seriously and want it done right or not at all. This guy read it from the folder, lost his place a few times, used a voice that I assume was supposed to be funny (and wasn't). It just wasn't done well. If they HAD to fill up that time, (and I hope they read this review) they should have the poem read at the original site and read seriously by someone who can do it properly... by candlelight... with some thunder, rain, and lightning in the background. I was not only disappointed, but mad that it had been done so poorly. I could have read it better (and not from a folder). All in all, it's still a Halloween favorite and the location is fantastic and used well. read more

Wicked Lit - Performing Arts Near Me - Altadena, California

I have attended several productions here at Halloween time over the years but this year it was a let down. I have no issue with going down to only two plays but both plays were a little too similar (both Irish taking place in the same era). They use to divide the groups up into three but now just divided up into two and the groups were too big for the spaces. It was hard at times to see what was going on. I missed traveling thru the Mausoleum for the experience, instead this time we were basically held in to seperate areas. I missed the pre-show, it really help to set the mood and that is one thing that was so missing. The mood was not set, even being inside the mausoleum. Having the museum tour guides be the ones guiding us kept reminding us we were there to see plays. In the past the guide who led you to your starting point was setting the mood and the feeling of immersion that this was happening and you were no longer in Altadena. Really missed that feeling. If they plan on continuing with only two plays the groups need to be smaller, standing for long periods on the hard mausoleum floor made for an uncomfortable experience. read more

This was my first time at Wicked Lit and I absolutely loved it!! The actors and production are amazing! The event takes place at a cemetery/mausoleum. Perfect backdrop especially for Halloween. I am certainly looking forward to next year to say the least. *Tip- there's lots of walking on grass and gravel, make sure to wear soft souled shoes, also bring a sweater. It gets chilly at night. **Free parking. read more

Wicked Lit - Performing Arts Near Me - Altadena, California

Amazing Location! Dark literature brought to life through a great cast of actors while strolling through a beautiful mausoleum. This is a must do evening if you are into Halloween! Take a great partner for the show, it will make for a Perfect night. Dress warm and bring a Jacket, it gets chilly!! read more

Two pigtails up! I totally recommend this event! Especially for those who love cemeteries/mausoleums, Halloween, or the theatre! This is a very fun way to celebrate October and all things spooky. For the Cask of Amontillado we were led through the eerie corridors of the mausoleums to see scenes performed in various hallways and rooms of the old, dark 1923 building. And for the Unnamable we walked by flashlight into the graveyard (established in 1882), to watch scenes complete with creepy fog, lights, and sounds of ghostly creatures. The costumes were very authentic. The guides were all in character and wonderfully entertaining. I'm hoping they have different plays each year, so I can go again next October. Suggestions for the operators: it would be nice if your guides would remind people not to step on the headstones, as well as on top of the graves when possible. I guess people don't know this already. : / It would also be nice to have a few bathrooms open as an alternative to the porta-potties. 5 stars despite any tweaks that need to be made, because this event deserves to be supported. I hope it thrives and becomes a Halloween tradition. read more

I unfortunately have to concur with Brenda & Kid. We visited Wicked Lit last year and it was an incredible production. The technical productional values their team put on was some of the best I have ever seen outside a theater. The entire event was experience from the moment you arrived to transitioning between the different shows. It felt truly immersive and entertaining. They added little other activities to do between shows and excellent MC's to keep the groups moving. The separated groups were also smaller then this year. The event was truly a unique experience. This year; it started out with a line outside a door until they were ready to start the show. There was absolutely no experience outdoors or pre-show entertainment to get you into the mood. You entered the doors, were then checked-in; separated into two groups and then went into your show. Each show was basically like being in a theater; then being in an immersive theatrical event. Each of the performances were much more narrative play based then visually compelling. The story lines were simple/basic; nothing overly creative/unique. The only redeeming fact of the event is the Actors/Actresses were very talented and did the best they can with the produced content. I felt all of them were excellent. They did reduce the ticket price this year due to the reduced show. For us driving 40+ miles and arranging child care; it was nowhere near worth our time. I would much rather pay the higher ticket price and have a rememberable event. I understand they ran into location issues/restrictions; it's time for a new location. It needed to be communicated clearly that this is nowhere near the same show as prior years; so guests come in with the correct expectations. We knew there was a change to the format, but didn't expect such a substantial difference. The show/venue was at most 15% of last year. read more

I have been meaning to make a review on this for a while! This theater company somewhat travels around in location, but they are always awesome! They put a lot of effort into giving you something different. At their current location, they are in a mausoleum, and that alone is pretty creepy! We even went into the cemetery for one of the plays! We walked with the actors, as if we were an invisible audience that the characters were unaware of. Pros -- Different, unique, you are actually moving around instead of sitting on your butt in a seat. Cons -- A little pricey, but hey, i think it is worth it since they are in a pretty exotic venue. Can you name any other theater that does performances in a mausoleum? read more

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My time to see a Wicket Lit production, and I'm a fan. From the moment I entered the parking-lot staging area I was completely immersed in this creepy world. It was fun to walk around the grounds and through the buildings. The sound and light atmosphere elements were really engaging. I also really enjoyed the age range of the actors. So much live theatre seems to be 20-somethings but this company is very diverse. I hope they'll be back again next year! read more

Wicked Lit - Performing Arts Near Me - Altadena, California

My husband brought me here for my birthday and it was such a fun experience. It's interactive theater, where you move around to see different scenes. There were three mini-plays and in between, there was a small performance which tried to wrap everything together. I liked most of the plays, but I think they spent a lot of time drawing you into the story only to be resolved in less than five minutes. The last play was in the mausoleum which was very spooky and eerie, but I had a hard time following the plot. All and all, a very fun and cool experience and something to be repeated each year since the plays change around Halloween. read more

I am not the most cultured person, most plays and musicals bore me, but I decided to try to combine my love for the eerie and get a little culture in my life. My original choice was "Delusion," but they are not in production this year, so Wicked Lit was my plan B. After reading their website, I forwarded the link to my "petrified" bride and asked if she was interested. Her response? "Sure." Rohlinism: When someone sends you information and asks if you are interested, actually read it before responding in the affirmative. Somehow my better half failed to read that the venue was the Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery. A couple of weeks before the event, I happened to mention the venue and her response "You didn't say anything about a mausoleum!" Oi Vey! The night of the event we arrived about 20 minutes before the start of the show, gave my name at the desk, received our color coded programs ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wicked-lit-altadena?select=o2P368TCET3s1Dl5YDM5uw ) and our backstage pass. The dot on the program indicated your viewing group for the event. We walked over to the staging area and arrived just in time for the first act of "The System." It is an adaptation of the Edgar Allen Poe short story "The System of Doctor Tarr & Professor Fether." Dressed in 19th Century attire, two journalists ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wicked-lit-altadena?select=yFAebMd5lF82iaI6KjxlQA ) start by interacting with guests. They were quite intrigued by cell phones. At one point, they asked me about my iPhone and when I proved to them my "device" could take pictures, I was called a "witch" and they shunned me for the rest of the evening. A short time later Dr. Maillard and Nurse Racher appeared and introduced us to their "system" for rehabilitating the insane. You come to learn that all the inmates are the actors in the performances you are going to watch. There are four short acts which allow the production crews to reset between performances and provides some humor and entertainment for the guests while they wait (instead of the guests just doing nothing). After each act of "The System," a performer will call your group and you will follow them to one of three plays in different parts of the mausoleum or graveyard. In between presentations, there is a tent ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wicked-lit-altadena?select=RNxF71M1HmQypU3XLn4LYQ ) you can visit and get more information regarding "The System." When it was time, our group was led to the back of the mausoleum ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wicked-lit-altadena?select=1kc0xcZNzQqEnaLutJigpA ) by Jane, who is one of the characters in "The Ebony Frame." Jane was played superbly by Tina Van Berckelaer, she possessed a very dry and cutting wit. Without going into details, "The Ebony Frame" is a tale of romance and tragedy. It was my wife's favorite production of the evening and kept her the most engaged. Seeing the second presentation required us to cross the street ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wicked-lit-altadena?select=ZDmWij_xjfv7u8x45p3zVg ) and enter the cemetery. This is was stage for "The Grove of Rashomon" which was told from the unique prospective of the missing daughter's mother. It is a tragic tale of murder and betrayal. This was probably the hardest of the three productions to follow if you are not familiar with the story and I could feel my wife getting fidgety during the presentation. Finally it was back to the front of the mausoleum ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wicked-lit-altadena?select=Cr3LVUYPD-kLu49B1KTeDw ) for the third presentation, "The Fall of the House of Usher." Probably the creepiest of the three presentations (my favorite) based on the short story by Edgar Allen Poe. It deals with a family of nobility and the cursed house they are forced to dwell within. Once the fourth act of "The System" was complete, the artistic director / playwright Paul Millet met with us, led us on a tour of the mausoleum (the graveyard was closed) and gave some very interesting information on the production of these shorts. The production stage manager Heidi Marie also gave us some insight into her job, before we took a walk through the first floor ( http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wicked-lit-altadena?select=CCJtFJzsim1GfeF8w1I__w ) of the mausoleum. My only criticism is I don't think the tour was worth the extra $25, I would have liked more interaction with the performers and in an ironic twist ... Laina said she would have loved to have seen more of the mausoleum. I am glad that I took the tour, I was just counting on some interaction with the performers and some photo opportunities (there are no photos allowed during the performances). Otherwise, I would have taken a few more pictures of "The System" in between the other short stories. This is not a haunted house, so unless you have a fear of being around the dead, you are not going to get scared, but you will be very entertained! read more

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I have been to Wicked Lit for the last three years and I have to say that it is a highlight this time of year -. Each year is different so it hard to review the shows specifically but the setting is sublime -- It is the Mountain view Cemetery in Pasadena -- and it is beautifully creepy. It takes place at night and there are three different litereary-inspired shows that take place in designated areas throughout the night -- the graveyard, the chapel, and inside the seemingly endless indoor mausoleums. The acting is professional and you are so close to the action you feel as if you in the show. Be prepared to be haunted, delighted and sometimes, terrified. It is a perfect Halloween treat for those who do not like monsters or gore a' la Knotts Scary Farm. read more

Scary stories? Strange and unusual characters? In a cemetery/mausoleum??? Around Halloween??? AT NIGHT?!?!?!? My scaredy cat side said "Nooooooo!" My adventurous side said "GIMMMEEEEE" (and won). Seriously, this is one of the prime examples of why I love LA. You get to experience multiple interactive plays in an impressively creepy setting.... Why haven't more people done this?!?!?? I have to admit, while we were walking through a dark cemetery and there were really disturbing monster noises in the background, I thought to myself, "Darn you Lovecraft- you are one messed up dude to think of these things"... and then I maniacally cackled when a ghostly and ghastly apparition rose from behind a headstone!!! My advice is to dress warmly and wear comfy shoes, since you'll be walking around in the cold darkness. Also, they only have port-a-potties, so I'd hit up the restroom before leaving for the evening. Maybe even do a little pregaming to get in the "festive" "spirit". Seriously- add this to your list of "Celebrate Halloween" activities! It's better than walking around Hollywood and seeing how many costumes you can find that have been turned into stripper outfits ;) read more

Ok, first of all - I just want to say that the actors, the costumes, the lighting/sound, the set design, etc. - all of it was top notch fantastic. Taking place in an actual mausoleum was incredible. However, I just want to point out to anyone who might get the wrong impression when this event pops up on "best haunted attractions" lists that this is NOT a scary thing. This is a very beautifully done performance of 3 different stories, related to scary themes, but not really in ANY way scary. I had a little bit of a wrong impression walking in based on what I've read: "immersive," a real mausoleum, 3 "chilling" tales, etc. Well, yeah, the GUIDES talk to you (and some other actors who are the comical between-shows entertainment) - but that's it. So, I thought I'd write this review not to say that Wicket Lit is at all bad, b/c it isn't, it's fantastically done. If you're going for the intention to see some intimate theater with Halloween themes, you'll probably have a great time. But if you're going with the intention to be at all scared, you'll probably leave feeling pretty underwhelmed. Wicket Lit would be good for your significant other if they "don't like to be scared!" or don't like haunted houses. They'll be totally fine here. But if you're itching for scares, I'd go somewhere else. read more

Fabulous production this year! I attended with two friends last night, and we each identified a different play as being our personal favorite (I love Ambrose Bierce, so guess which one was mine?). What I thought was really fantastic this year was the frame. It meshed so well and so naturally with the plays. The four actors in the frame did an outstanding improv job with the audience, as well. Loved it! read more

Loved it. The 4 hosts and cast of 16 or so actors were great. There were 3 performances, and 3 groups of attendees that rotated between performances, with a break in between for everyone to catch a breather, take a restroom break or grab a snack at the concession stand. During the breaks the crowd was entertained by the hosts. No microphones were needed because these were real actors!! To start with, it was cool because of the location. Outdoor mausoleums, indoor mausoleums, mausoleum chapel, and out in the cemetery. The performances took you everywhere except the mortuary prep room. Wear comfortable shoes. My boat shoes left my feet tired. The timing was coordinated quite well, with the performances concluding at the same time, so everyone was together during the breaks. The lighting was good, the sound effects and soundtracks were perfect and appropriate, and it was simply an amazing night. I could tell a lot of work went into this. This event is perfect if you love theatre, cemeteries, or dark tales. Ideally you would love all three. To be honest, i'm not too sharp when it comes to the dialogue on stories like these, so i was lost quite a bit and couldnt focus, but i had a great time anyway. It was a 3 hour event and definitely different. There were young teenagers there (13-15), but it may have been too long for children younger than that. Definitely worth a look. read more

Fitting that the production takes place in a mausoleum because the show is dead on arrival. Billed as an "immersive experience," which I suppose is accurate considering I felt like I was being waterboarded. Glacial direction, bloodless and uninspired adaptation (or rather, "zombification."), and cringe provoking mugging by the actors makes for an evening of excruciating tedium. The only thing that saves it from a single star is the production values were pretty good (sound, lighting, sets, etc.) Yet another opportunistic ploy to cash in on America's love affair with Halloween. Save your money and go watch some geeky teenagers Live Action Role Play in a cemetery. read more

Im a die hard Wicked Lit fan. I've gone every year (sometimes even more than once) for the past 4 years, but I was incredibly let down by this year. It was a butthole on a stick compared to the last few years. It wasn't "spooky". The spookiest part is walking down the hallways to get to the next scene. I feel incredibly bad for the actors. They are SO WONDERFULLY TALENTED! Words cannot describe how amazing they were, this production just felt off. As we walked out we heard multiple people complain/ask why it was so different this year. I don't know how they can continue to run like this. The plays were very similar and kind of boring. I hope next year will be much better. If they are going to change the quality of the show, they should change the ticket price. I love Wicked Lit, but this year was just bad. read more

Wicked Lit is a yearly event, each year the stories are different. I went this year for the first time with a friends who have been for the last several years. I am not new to theatre in any way and I thought this was fantastic and so much fun. It's essentially 3 different short plays held in various parts of a cemetery and mausoleum. While one of the plays was a bit weaker than the others I was not expecting Ahmanson Theatre quality acting. I was surprised however at how good some of them actually were. For those who say this isn't scary. Scary no, creepy as all get out yes! In the cemetery you have to take care not to step on gravestones. Long story short it's an amazingly fun thing to do (we do it as girls night out) it supports local live theatre and it's a lot of fun! Oh! Marco the gypsy this year was hysterical and he may have been my favorite thing! read more

This used to be the go-to Halloween experience in LA. In fact, when I lived in Portland, OR for a year-and-a-half, I actually flew back that October to attend! Having said that, this has unfortunately gone downhill. It's sad, because it was so great - for years. A couple years ago, I believe it was, they cut back on the amount of playlets (for years it was 3 good shorts coming in at about 50 minutes each), and it was wonderful. Then, I think it was last year, they cut one out and shortened the experience. It was still quite good, but not the same. It went from a good two hours or so to about 80 minutes. The ticket prices went down a little (as they should!) The big problem is that this year, we got basically a "best of" experience featuring snippets of previous plays! And to see them all you had to get tickets for two separate presentations! One wound up paying even more (based on what you got) than in the past. I read that the mausoleum asked them to tone it down, so I hope that they can come to an agreement and get this corrected by next year - I know of many people who feel this way and would welcome a return to the greatness it used to be. Hopeful. read more

Went in October 2011 and saw The Unnameable, the Chimes, and Cask of Amontillado. I did not expect it to be as great as it was. When I read that it would be in a graveyard i thought it would be slightly cheesing but a new and entertaining event to take my girlfriend. I was blown away at what they had done props, attire, and acting. Dress warmly as it can get cool outside, bring a flashlight (they do have some to loan), and I would suggest bringing a water. I did not and the dust kicked up and I felt the need to cough. Hate to do that during a play though. I wouldn't say this is a huge problem because it seemed I was the only one with the issue. This is an event I plan on going to in 2012 as well. read more

Not to be missed. Get there early. There are pre-performances that enhance the night and by the end you will want to suck the marrow out of this trippy experience. To say I came all the way from the SF Bay Area and was not disappointed is a massive understatement. I plan to be back year after year. Will definitely check out Unbound's other productions as well, this theater company is amazing! An annual production based on works of literary fiction, i was glad I did my homework and read the stories beforehand (every year they choose works that are part of the public domain, so consequently you can easily find them online!). My favorite story this year was an exception, Anansi and the Demons. This is the only one you won't find because it's an original, based on Ashanti folklore (an oral tradition). Read up about Anansi on Wikipedia if you're not familiar, the woman who plays Anansi/"Mr. Nancy"/Ashanti (Jacqui) did a wonderful job with this rich character, who is an archetypal trickster that should feel familiar, at once universal and also very much embedded into the fabric of the African diaspora. We actually got to meet her after the show, I really enjoyed that, as she was a lovely person and it made me appreciate her stellar performance even more. Plus her costume was my favorite, although every costume--and the puppets and puppeteering work--was just flawlessly executed. So much talent! As a cultural aside, this is the kind of fantastically out-of-the box creative work that is becoming more scarce in the SF Bay Area as artists are being priced out of our communities. Thankfully, it seems to be thriving here in SoCal. Was glad we ate before (but not too much because we were on the move much of the time). I was also glad I brought my water bottle. You'll be outside for about half the night, rain or shine! No phones during the performance but I got to snap some pictures of the amazing setting during the optional backstage experience, which I'd highly recommend as the staging (like everything else about this production!) was mind- blowingly flawless. Jonathan (the mastermind behind it all) was so interesting and truly a sweet person, like everyone involved in this production. We got to ask lots of questions, learn more about the incredibly complex and flawlessly executed staging, meet members of the cast and crew, learn more about this talented and passionate company, and extend an incredible experience! read more

Wicked Lit - No phones during the production but we did the backstage experience afterwards and I got to take pictures inside the gorgeous mausoleum! - Performing Arts Near Me - Altadena, California

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My wife and I went to Wicket Lit last night on a whim, not really knowing what it was all about. It has been sold out the last couple of weeks, all other nights this week, as well as all of next week. This is a good sign, not only because it shows that this is a popular event, but because the limit the number of people who attend in order to allow everyone to have a great experience. I must say that the mausoleum and accompanying graveyard was the perfect setting! The visuals and sounds were great, and the acting was excellent. The actors had entertaining and humorous in-between acts, and the rest of the time you walk with one of three guides (because you attend three different plays) through various parts of the venue. All in all, the entire night was entertaining, and I would say there was very little scary about the events, but there were a couple of surprises that caused a couple of yelps in the audience. We will definitely be going back next year! read more

All the other reviews are right on! This is our first year going to this, my husband at first really didn't like the idea of a 3+ hour commitment of an event with a very vague description but we thoroughly enjoyed it. I wondered why there isn't better photos online so I can get a better feeling of it, but I learned after going that it's an experience that is hard to capture in photos (they don't allow for photography anyway). The mausoleum as the stage is just spectacular. The plays are well chosen to maximize the backdrop. Sound and lightening are done really well. I don't know why this event is still so relatively little known. I'm going to second everybody, just go! read more

Outstanding live theatre, great direction and costuming, over-the-top SFX and lighting, and if they're in the Mountain View mausoleum and cemetary, it's an incomparibly creepy monstrosity of a venue that even if you weren't attending a production... at night, with dim lights, and forever echoing halls amongst hundreds, if not thousands, of crypts, graves and final resting places, you are in for a night of psychlogical chills and twisted tales. Perfect for every campfire storytelling ever made. The pre- (mid- and post-) show theatrics are outstanding, as well. Basically like a small version of visiting Renaissance Faire, it's an immersion theatre. Productions are rotating constantly, and events are free if you're a supporting member (which is a bargain at $10/month.) Lots of off-season readings and other one-offs, too. The 2015 season includes 3-45 minute shows with the audience divided so seating and viewing is optimal for everyone. Concessions (beverages and snacks) are available for cash. Free parking available both street (all along the outside bordering streets ) and inside (but you must stay through the curtain call because the entry and exit alleys are used for the performances.) I'm surprised there weren't more teens and children along for the performances, as these classic living tales are really much better than visiting the various theme park mazes and scare nights and simple haunted houses. But if your thing is having the actors come out an "Boo!" you from amidst the fake fog and having gory (and nowadays smelly) sets to walk through, this won't be your thing. This is Hitchcock and Poe, not Freddy Krueger and Jason (nor Blackout, you won't be taken hostage by terrorists.) The one thing is, you do need to be relatively fit and mobile to keep up with the action - the plays are performed in multiple locations throughout the grounds (as mentioned during ticketing, you will be walking up and down staircases and across the entire grounds following the action as it goes from scene to scene.) And many of the locations are not ADA-compliant facilities. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to keep up with the action. This is not sit, stare and be entertained theatre. It revives the experience of performances like Tamara, in which we learned there is no 4th wall in life. read more

What a fun, fun time to be had in a cemetery and mausoleum. The space is a great place for some tense eerie horror plays. The play is interactive in a way that you follow the action from location to location. You don't really interact with the actors. This isn't a puzzle room or an interactive haunted house. These are plays you watch and roam through the mausoleum. The sets, lighting, and especially the sound design is so good here. The creepy ambiance is definitely set from the moment you walk into the staging area. Definitely worth seeing if you want to experience some eerie theater. It's not scary like the haunted houses but it will definitely make the hairs on our arms stand on end. read more

Wicked Lit is an interactive and wickedly fun theatrical experience of epic proportions that will keep you laughing and engaged throughout the entire show. Superbly written--witty and captivating with a bit of dark humor. Impressive, well-seasoned cast to rival any stage. A seasonal event not to be missed! read more

Live performances of spooky literature while roaming around a mausoleum? It's the best way to celebrate the Halloween season! A guide - in character, of course - leads groups of audience members through the mausoleum or across the street to the cemetery while a creepy scene is played out around them. There are three or four stories played out, each in a different part of the mausoleum/cemetery. None of the little mini-plays are over-the-top scary, as the goal seems to be spooky fun rather than fright. It's unlike anything I've seen before and the acting is fantastic. Last year there were A and B groups of three mini-plays each and we were wishing we had been able to go back to see the three we missed; it was that good. Can't wait for it this year - there will be vampires! read more

Typically I would never write a bad review for a staged production especially one that I thought was a community theatre production but at $75 a ticket I expected a lot more from this show/experience. At first I thought this production was for kids and families because of the slightly cheesy preshow but then I quickly realized there were no children anywhere to be seen and this was in fact for adults. The actors pander, indicate and violate almost every rule of quality and engaging live theatre. It's a little embarrassing to watch. The mausoleum itself is why you are buying a ticket and it is indeed beautiful, breathtaking and incredibly interesting. The actors and director try hard enough to incorporate the performances among the beautiful set but it's so over acted that it becomes as stale and old as the venue itself. I love immersive theater and I really wanted to like this, and if my ticket would've been $20 I probably would've liked it a lot more. I can't recommend this to anyone, not even children. read more

This place is really fun. Thanks Torrey for suggesting it (main character in The Lurking Fear). Never would I thought that I'd laugh running through a mortuary with my girlfriend. Bring some warm clothing. And if you are hungry or thirsty, bring cash. Oh, and use the bathroom before hand unless you enjoy portable bathrooms. Worth the drive! read more

Fantastic productions with superb lighting and sound effects. Always a Halloween favorite!

Just attended the 2018 Wicked Lit performance and thoroughly enjoyed it! We've attended the performances at the Mausoleum every year and have always been blown away by the quality of the storylines, the actors, the costumes, the special effects and the sound effects are all, in my humble opinion, equivalent to a way more expensive "downtown" production. We did read the information on the Wicked Lit web site informing that the format had changed from previous years so we knew what to expect. I think they did a great job given the more limited access to the property than they have had in previous years. It was actually a great opportunity to use the storyline to incorporate a close up view of the gorgeous Mausoleum interior and history that we've not had the chance to experience in previous years years. We brought friends who had not attended a previous Wicked Lit performance and they really enjoyed it. Having grown up in Altadena, I think it's awesome that we have such a unique and well done theatrical opportunity right here in our town. The production is always respectful of the property and provides an awesome opportunity to showcase the beauty and historical significance of the location and the community. Already looking forward to next year's performances! read more

We attended a performance at the mountain view mausoleum in Altadena. We saw two short plays as part of the performance--about an hour and fifteen minutes. The venue was incredibly interesting, as I had never been inside a mausoleum before, and the plays were well-acted. I recommend an event with this production company. read more

I went to the preview show of Wicked Lit last Thursday for $34 and it was hands down fantastic! Make sure to by your tickets ahead of time, because they sell out super quick. But if you do miss your chance, you can purchase stand-by tickets for $50 at the door. The three plays performed this year are Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, The Lurking Fear by H.P Lovecraft and The New Catacomb by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As an added bonus, there is also The Masque of the Red Death Experience that takes place at 7:00pm and also in between plays as a sort of "emcee" transition. All three plays are performed and planned extremely well! You and your friends are placed in a group and rotate to different plays. I was placed in the yellow group, so the order of performances I saw was Sleepy Hollow, The Lurking Fear, and The New Catacomb. This, in my opinion, was the BEST order to see the plays, because it increases in intensity and "scariness". My absolute favorite of the night was The New Catacomb. It gave me chills and was super immersive! The only problem I had with the night is that sometimes you can hear the sounds and effects of the other two plays in the middle of yours- so this is a bit distracting. But seriously, this is a very minor thing. I absolutely had a grand time, and I will definitely come back next year. Tips: wear a jacket and comfy shoes! Also, no pictures allowed so leave the cameras at home. read more

The highlight and on top of my Halloween event list! a Must see. Very Entertaining. I am a fan! Going back again!!!

OMG! I had so much fun! Buy your ticket early and wear your running shoes and dress for running around a cemetery in the dark! Normally I don't like theater productions because they are boring, well I was NEVER bored. Great Halloween experience. read more

Halloween Show in a mausoleum and cemetery! It's a happening. Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes because this unusual performance piece has you moving among the spirits. Nothing like it in LA. read more

Buy tickets. Buy tickets for your friends. Buy tickets to go a second time cause one time just isn't enough. This is more fun than it has any right to be. read more

This was a great experience to see performances up close and personal! Loved the House of Usher and the creepy feeling from being in the mausoleum at night...lighting, sound, and settings are set up to give you some chills. Loved the Nurse who doubles as Satan in the Golden Frame. Great Halloween activity -- go see it. read more

This is better than HD TV. Better than 3D crap TV. Better than... chocolate? Uh, close! What I like about plays and especially this kind is that it really is an experience. You get to chose where to look and when. You are the cameraman in a way. You walk from one spot to another as the play unfolds. I thought it was very well done. They deserve all the success. read more