Entombed, then unearthed, By scott stiffler
STEAMPUNK HAUNTED HOUSE: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Zombies, chainsaw-wielding maniacs and bloodsucking children of the night have nothing on the lasting trauma to be had from a trip in Wonderland. For its third annual production, Steampunk Haunted House mines the psychodrama of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice stories. Audience members are admitted in small groups, suddenly separated, and thrust into a beautiful and terrifying dreamscape of elegance and clockwork horrors. The experience sprawls throughout the twisting hallways, looming balconies and labyrinthine cellars of Abrons Arts Center’s century-old Playhouse.
From Oct. 22-31. Tickets are sold in 15-minute intervals, and the experience lasts roughly 20 minutes. Arrive 30 minutes before the time slot you purchase. Advance purchase is recommended. All walk-up sales are first-come, first served. Online sales end two hours before the first haunted house tour of the evening. Student tickets will only be sold at the door as walk-up sales. No children under 8 admitted. Times and prices vary according to date. Special Tours on Oct. 26 (8:15-8:45pm), with Benefit Halloween Party ($50). For reservations and ticketing info, visit steampunkhauntedhouse.com. At Abrons Arts Center (466 Grand St., at Pitt St.).
GUTTERDRUNK: THE POE REVISIONS The Hyper Aware Theater Company’s new work takes you deep into the dark, hallucinatory mind of horror genre giant Edgar Allen Poe. Hopefully, you’ll find a way back into the land of sanity (unlike that unlucky fellow who crossed paths with the author’s infamous raven). “GUTTERDRUNK: The Poe Revisions” unites seven international playwrights whose original works reimagine some of Poe’s most (in)famous stories and poems — including “The Tell Tale Heart” and “Annabel Lee.” Adding to the jeepers creepers factor: “GUTTERDRUNK” will be presented (rain or shine) on the grounds, and in the basement, of the historic John Street Church. Audience members will illuminate the action with flashlights — revealing characters who’ve been buried alive, bricked behind walls, smothered and stabbed — until only a rattled and wasted Poe remains.
Thurs., Oct. 20 through Sat., Oct. 22 at 8pm; Thurs., Sat. and Sun. (Oct. 27, 29, 30) at 8pm. At John Street Church (44 John St., at Nassau St.). For tickets ($18), call 800-838-3006 or visit brownpapertickets.com. Also visit hyperawaretheater.blogspot.com.
THE PINK ROOM: FIRE WALK WITH ME Are you old enough to remember how young you were when “Twin Peaks” was torturing you with the mystery of who killed Laura Palmer? The rather horrifying thought that it’s been 21 years since VCRs were all aflutter in an attempt to ferret out the meaning of dancing midgets and buried lockets is what makes the return of burlesque performer Franny Fluffer’s monthly David Lynch tribute (“The Pink Room”) as sweet as a slice of cherry pie and a cup of damn good coffee. “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me Burlesque.” You’ll think you’ve time traveled back to 1990, when you witness some of the Pink Room regulars dolled up as sexy sirens from the hit TV show — displaying the dark and adult nature of the R-rated prequel to the show (“Fire Walk With Me”). Hosted by Schaffer the Darklord, with performances by Amelia Bareparts, Apathy Angel, Franny Fluffer, Gemini Rising, Nasty Canasta, Tansy Tan Dora and Victoria Privates; go-go by Satanica. Specialty cocktails will be served all night. You’ll need them.
Tues., Oct. 25, 9:30pm, at The Parkside Lounge (317 E. Houston St., at Attorney). Tickets are $10 in advance (brownpaperticket.com) and $15 at the door. 21+, 2-drink minimum. Visit parksidelounge.net and frannyfluffer.com.
