Delusion: Reaper’s Remorse

I’ve said repeatedly that Delusion is my favorite Halloween event, and probably favorite immersive event, ever. It’s been three years since their last full-size show (with a mini version two years ago). This year, I’m a little late to the party, but there’s still plenty of time to help decide if you want to go!

Jeepers Creepers

Set in another glorious location, as is Delusion tradition, Reaper’s Remorse is set in Pomona. There’s no doubt it’s a long drive, but the historical Phillips Mansion is a major coup. It sets the scene wonderfully and the guest house out back, where most of the action happens, is possibly the single best haunted house locale I’ve ever visited. It’s a perfect combination of dilapidated and decorated. Major kudos to the production designer.

Yet I’m getting ahead of myself! Reaper’s Remorse does a couple new things this year. The idea of a pre-show bar and lounge isn’t new, but they’ve upped the theme considerably. The main character, Esther Phillips, is hosting all of us at her mansion, and she walks among the guests occasionally for ominous looks and photo opportunities. Furthermore, the open areas have pieces of ephemera scattered around that not only provide atmosphere, they also add story for anyone who wants to take the time to discover it. This comes in the form of journal pages, audio recordings, and physical props. Delusion fans will recognize throwbacks to at least 2 previous shows. There’s also a fun static scene located outdoors on the Mansion’s grounds that everyone should visit.

Reaper’s Remorse also introduces a VIP area this year. For an extra fee, patrons can go upstairs in the mansion, where there is another bar as well as a 2nd, smaller haunt. A magician mingles with guests in the bar and does illusions at the cocktail tables. There’s some more props and backstory (but not much more). The haunt experience is quite cool though. The limit of 4 people at a time can result in a wait, so I recommend trying to get in line as soon as possible if you’re interested. I’m not sure of the best description for this experience, but it’s got two distinct sections, one more exploratory and one more narrative. I enjoyed this more than I expected!

It’s a Keeper

Once your group’s time arrives, you are summoned by Mrs. Phillips into her drawing room, where she sets the stage for your task. As others have mentioned, the “why” of the story is a bit muddled, so you may not be sure of your purpose. But the group’s task is straightforward, so it’s easy to roll with that to get started. Once on your way, you depart the mansion proper to cross the eerie and dark property to the looming guest house out back. Even before you go inside, amazing scenery awaits outside where a pivotal scene takes place. It’s so good that it borders on distracting from the dialogue as your eyes soak it in.

Finally inside the guest house, you are treated to a classic haunted house with Delusion flair all over the place. Special effects, quality actors, a variety of scenes and scares, and some small branching paths for a few lucky souls. There are several good moments for participation if you volunteer quickly or are in the right place for the actors to single you out. Jump scares are not the focus of this haunt. Instead you get good characters, creepiness and dread, and high production values. All of these are preferable than jolts in the dark.

Sleep(er) No More?

Of course, I have a few nitpicks. First, there is a plot point that uses plastic cups for the guests–once early and again later. They hold less than an ounce of liquid. That’s 2 plastic cups, per person, at every show, throw into the trash, that do nothing but use a sip of liquid as a story beat. As an environmentalist, this was borderline blasphemous. But even people who don’t count themselves as green as I do can see the waste in this. I feel the story point could be easily written around, and I’d love to offer a solution to Delusion for their remaining weeks.

Second, the technology is slightly too apparent sometimes. I understand stage lighting and know it’s unavoidable. But multiple times I had to shield my eyes from bright electric lights in the haunted house. There is a small pacing issue, as I think the best special effects scene happens very early. There are more, of course, but I didn’t think any were as impressive as the early one. Plus, another of the “big” scenes felt reminiscent of past Delusions, and while that won’t bother most people, it stuck out to me.

Third, the groundskeeper character seemed to be from a different story. He was very jokey and constantly broke the 4th wall. (Yes, I’m aware of how odd that phrase is when describing immersive theater). I’d have preferred if his tone matched the rest of the story. Finally, the distribution of special moments inside the house was off. I know the actors do the best they can and I don’t fault them. But 2 people in our group got the lion’s share of the exclusive actions–each of them was chosen more than once. Some people didn’t get chosen at all. Our group size was 11, which I think is simply too large. For The Blue Blade, I think the maximum was 6-8 and that feels like a much better size. I went on a Saturday night, surely the most crowded. Perhaps the Thursday or Sunday shows have smaller groups.

Don’t Fear the Reaper

But I come to praise Reaper’s Remorse, not to bury it! This is a good show and lives up to the Delusion I’ve come to know and love since 2014 (their 4th season). One of the best things about it is their willingness to push past the typical Halloween timeframe. Reaper’s Remorse has tickets all the way through November 21st, and I’d highly recommend going to one of those November dates in the hopes of a small group. Tickets aren’t cheap, but neither is this show. The VIP area is more of a question. If a drink was included, that might be worth it, but as it stands, I’m not sure I can recommend the VIP upgrade, as cool as the mini haunt was.

COVID safety is still a thing, and Delusion is very good about emphasizing that audience members wear masks during the performance. The actors are not masked but have been vaccinated. I felt safe the entire time, although I wish one of the bartenders had learned that masks are supposed to cover her nose. Reaper’s Remorse runs Thursday to Sunday through November 21, with shows at 6:30 and every 15 minutes after that. More information, including ticket purchases, is available on their website here.