Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Review: The Unrivaled King Of Haunted Houses In Los Angeles
By Abel HorwitzFor its fourth season, "Delusion: Lies Within" sneaks you into a haunted mansion, and, as in previous years, the story unfolds in front of you through an outstanding mix of set design, theatrical effects, acting and stunt work that tells a terrifying story. There are many haunted attractions vying for your attention right now, but "Delusion" sets the high water mark.
The story this time around is that a famous author has become a recluse in her home after the mysterious disappearance of her daughter. You and the rest of the audience are some of her biggest fans and you have broken into her home to seek her out and try to learn of her next book.
But this, after all, is a haunted play, and the author in question wasn't exactly writing children's books.
The scares in “Delusion” take on almost a surreal quality. To spoil the scares would defeat the purpose of the show, but there are enough frightening moments inside of the house that you start to wonder if this house isn't a little bit haunted in real life. The house, it seems, has a pulse.
Support for LAist comes from
Like all projects steeped in horror, "Delusion" isn't for everyone. You're required to crawl through windows, climb stairs and evade the terrors chasing behind you. Comfortable clothing and sensible shoes are a must. And this one's scary. Not blood and gore scary (writer/director Jon Braver and co-writer Peter Cameron despise it), but you will be startled. A lot.
Alongside the actors, the visual and audio effects propel the story forward. Rooms appear one way when you first walk into them, then transform into something entirely different as the story unfolds. The entire production has music composed just for it, and the actors time their performances to the audio clues. All of this makes "Delusion" feel like a well-made horror film.
There is a "choose your own adventure" element to the show, and while fortune favors the bold, those who volunteer for anything the audience is asked to do might find themselves experiencing a different show than those who don't. Sometimes you won't have a choice, and the actors will choose the participant.
After three years of outstanding shows it was no surprise that this year’s event sold out immediately after tickets went on sale. That being said, if (and when) an extension is announced, it is highly recommended you get your tickets as soon as possible.
The talent and creative team behind "Delusion" will be quick to point out that they are not a haunted house, they are a haunted play. The price point, at $60, reflects this. And while you can certainly spend an evening at Halloween Horror Nights for the same price, you will be getting an entirely different experience. The world "Delusion" creates is on another level than an amusement park maze.
The show is beautiful: well-crafted, well-acted, well-directed and well-produced. In the diverse and varied landscape of Halloween shows in Los Angeles, "Delusion" is the crown jewel.
You have been warned.
Support for LAist comes from
Delusion "Lies Within" is located at 2525 Arlington Ave. in Jefferson Park. Runs through November 2 on select nights. Sold Out, with the possibility of extension. Tickets are $60.
Related:
6 Next-Level Haunted Houses To Check Out In Los Angeles
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The critical findings are part of long-awaited after-action report was released Thursday. It contains recommendations for increasing emergency staffing and updating old systems. -
Diving has changed, mountain biking has been added. Here's where to watch the Olympics in person in 2028. -
'A Great Day in the Stoke' is a free, daylong event in Orange County billed as 'the largest gathering of Black surfers in history.' The fourth annual festival is set for Saturday in Huntington Beach. -
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility.
Best of LAist