Haunted Play : DELUSION

Delusion: The Blood Rite had to be the most unique haunted house experience I’ve ever been to. I can’t really say it was the scariest, but definitely the most unique. Going into this awesome old mansion is worth it alone. Then you have a haunted story and interactivity along with it. I was worried how much I’d have to interact because that can mean anything, but nothing to worry about. Just have a great time.
What many people don’t say on here, its actually right across the street from the house used in «People Under the Stairs». Also the mansion itself along with the house to the left is famous as well if you do your research. This is the original location and has now moved to different places over the years.

I love halloween activities and have done many in the LA area and my favorite of them all was Delusion! I absolutely loved Delusion as it was unlike any other halloween event I’ve ever done! It felt like you are in a real live play with great set designs and acting. The experience is also interactive and they encourage participation and its even better when you do engage! I would recommend to anyone, such a great time, and worth every dollar!

Very interesting concept! Delusion was great for what it was. A fun thing to experience. Will prob try another play if they decide to do a new one.
Hopefully I will have the time and leisure to.

DELUSION IS AMAZING! This is unlike anything I have ever done before! This is the most interactive horror event I have ever been to and it is mind blowing! I have been going every year since they first began in 2011. My biggest critique is that there is too much exposition, a lot of which you easily forget about when the characters start interacting with you. Last year was a little disappointing, only because it was not as scary as their previous years, but it was still a really fun night.
Delusion perfectly mixes horror, and interactive theatre. It is directed by a hollywood stunt pro who rigged up theses legit old mansions with a ton of special effects and mind blowing stunts. People crawl on ceilings, fall off buildings, its CRAZY. Go, have fun, and volunteer to be apart of the story. You are important actors in this horror play and YOU have to do things to survive.
I love that there is a bar where you can chat with people who are about to go in, or just came out. Everyone has a unique experience. I can’t wait for the next one!

As a connoisseur of all things Halloween, I’ve done Knott’s, Universal, even multiple Haunted Hayrides. Delusion, while not as high-​budget or special-​effects heavy, lays the others to waste.
It’s true it’s an interactive play, but it’s heavier on the interaction than other experiences like Blumhouse’s. There’s a basic story you’re introduced and led through, but there are plenty of opportunities to interact with and even affect certain outcomes.
The only real downside is that if you don’t choose to go with your own group, you’ll be randomly grouped with people who may or may not be as into the spirit. We had one lady who flat-​out refused to participate in a couple of scenes. This obviously ruins it for everyone. Just like kids who cry out, «I’m not scared!» Great, kid. So shut up or go home.
Another downside is tickets sell out very quickly. When we went to buy, weeks ahead of October, they were already sold out for the whole month.
If you want a more adult experience than a ride-​in-​the-​dark and are willing to get a little dirty and may be a few bumps and scratches, Delusion sets the standard.

A little late to the party with my review! I had heard great things about Delusion in years past and wanted to catch the 2014 show but couldn’t get tickets on a night I was free with the wifey. Thank god the extended the shows and released more tickets for more nights.
We arrived early for our show and were directed to through a very small driveway to the dirt parking lot. It was a little tight getting in and out but the parking crew did a good job of getting people in and out. The outside waiting area which was decorated to match the mood of the coming show. We were later called up and told our group was ready, a slot earlier than we originally signed up for which was a pleasant surprise. We entered the house with about 8 people or so for a 45 min interactive show. The experience was very fun as the story was creative and engaging. The 8 of us as an audience were part of the show as we were tasked with figuring our way out of puzzles and traps. If you are looking for a passive experience, Delusion is not right for you! We were had to jump under tables, crawl through windows and run up and down stairs.
Overall it was a really fun experience. If you go next year make sure to volunteer and your experience will be even better.

Went to Delusion: Lies Within in early October and it did not disappoint! As usual, there’s an interesting storyline and all the actors stayed in character the entire time. My fiancé and I noticed how it becomes more and more interactive each year. I’m glad we bought our tickets early and managed to get the 7pm slot on a weekend.
The only complaint I have this year is that it felt unsafe to walk up and down the steps at times. I noticed they tried to tape the edges of each step to make it easier to walk, but there were times when the stairways were close to pitch black and none of us could see. It ended up taking the entire group forever to navigate down the stairs, and it took away the urgency and feeling of having to «run away» from the characters that are coming after you.
As with the last couple years, the ticket prices are kind of high. But the entire staff seemed very dedicated to this production, so I get why it needs to cost this much. Compared to all the other haunts out there, this is well worth the price!

Wow absolutely an amusing haunted play. It was intense but in an exciting fun way and all the casts did a really awesome job. This was my first haunted play and didn’t expect it to be this entertaining. The «haunted mansion» was built in 1910 so it really does have a rusty old vibe to it which is perfect for the «haunted» theme and all the lighting, décor, costumes, and mysteries that needed to be solved were top notch! Remember to listen closely for when they call out your group name (we missed ours so it was pushed back to a later time). I will definitely come every year to experience all the other different plays and btw, this place is perfect for a date night. I was holding onto mine like a little child lol Thank God there weren’t any solo activities.

I dont want to give too much away so this review will be kind of short .
When we arrived i was seriously freaking out, i go to this places because i know my husband likes all this scary stuff and im always behind him .
Once everything started they take you to a basement and then the story starts .
We were very happy when we left and we thought it was great we were in a group of 6 counting us, they make you interact and to the point where they make it seem so real, the way the house was decorated, the smell in each room, the blood, dead people absolutely everything, time went so fast, and now we will be going to Delusion every year, now i understand why they sell out so fast .
Great job Delusion, wishing we knew about you 3 years ago, looking forward for the next year !!!

I’m torn about reviewing this little gem. I want to make sure everyone who works on this knows how fabulous it is, but I don’t want it to get so popular that I can’t get tickets next year! Seriously folks, there’s a reason why this year sold out before the month of October even showed up on the calendar. It’s that awesome.
For the uninitiated, here’s what you need to know: It’s not a «jump scare» haunted house that you and your friends run screaming through while made up monsters jump out at you. You enter at an assigned time with a group of 10 or so and then you are immediately part of the story as actors (never breaking character) lead you through. You will have to look for clues (sometimes this takes you away from the group) and perform tasks (again, sometimes you will be away from the group) to help the story along. Definitely volunteer for at least one thing. You will experience different parts of the story than others in the group, but that makes it all the more fun to compare notes at the end of the night. I’ve been three years in a row (twice a year the last two years) and it is hands down the Halloween event I look forward to the most.
It is scary. And smart. And so much fun. Just get lost in the story and participate and you will have a blast. Oh, and if someone yells «RUN!», go ahead and run ;)

Not to be redundant — but, ya, Delusion is absolutely out of this world. I’ve been reading Delusion reviews (professional and Unilocal) for a month now thinking that surely my expectations were now so high that when I actually went I was bound to be somewhat disappointed… nope, not in the slightest. This is the closest thing available now (and probably ever?) to being in an actual horror movie. It doesn’t get any closer than this. The production is amazing, the sound effects, the music, the lighting — incredible. The actors go above and beyond to really connect with you and pull you into the scenes. Some of the costumes are just absolutely insane. This was by far one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced.
My only suggestion to future Delusion-​goers is — if possible — try to go with people who will actually take the story and experience seriously. It is a wild ride and there’s plenty of time for fun when you’re figuring things out or laughing because you were just scared out of your mind, but when you’re in a group where a couple of the people crack jokes to the actors, don’t follow the rules, pull out their cell phones to use them for lighting, or try to start their own plot lines, it really takes away from being able to fully immerse yourself in the experience — and this IS an EXPERIENCE.
The Delusion website answers the question «How scary is Delusion?» with: «It depends how far you let yourself go…» When I read this I was thinking, ‘Yeah, that would be cool, but there’s no way I’d ever be able to think for a moment that any of it was real…’ — wrong again. Delusion is long enough and involved enough that you really can start to let go of reality and get into the story. But every time a group member is being an asshole, it pulls you out of the experience. Don’t feel bad or bitchy in the slightest about shushing the hell out of group members when they’re being annoying and distracting.
Oh, also, before you go, read the set up of Delusion on its website (here:
) — it’s really short, it won’t spoil anything, and it WILL help you understand what’s going on. When you walk in, the experiences that follow will just keep building on the set up. I was surprised to find out that several group members I went with were confused throughout the entire thing because they didn’t read anything about the role we played and our goal in the story — and Delusion won’t set it up for you super thoroughly when you’re actually about to enter the house. If you’ve never been, then Delusion isn’t what you think it is — do your homework!

Love it. My favorite Halloween event. The only Halloween event (with the exception of AMAZING backyard haunts) that really feels like a labor of love and not a huge cash grab.
It’s a play: you hear a story from start to finish, so you actually care about the characters and think of consequences instead of just having someone jump out at you.
You go in a small group that focuses on you individually, unlike theme park haunts or Haunted Hayrides that shove as many of you through as possible at once AND it’s cheaper than most.
No experience is the same. You’ll see some stuff your friends won’t and vice versa. Expect to talk about differences after you leave.
My ONLY complaint? They don’t do this twice a year. C’mon: give us two stories a year!
Love it. Go every year and already can’t wait for next year. GO!

I’ve done Halloween events all over the country and nothing holds a candle to Delusion. This was my 3^rd year attending and while I loved the last two years, I had no idea that my expectations and mind would be blow yet again. The sets, story, characters, stunts, mansion and puzzles are incredible!
For 50 minutes you are trapped in a horrific nightmare and I loved every second of it. Hats off to Jon Braver for another remarkable and unforgettable night!

For 3 years now, we’ve been traveling to LA for some sort of Halloween event. Up until just a couple months ago though, we had never even heard of Delusion. If you’re like us and kind of outside the loop, this is a completely different experience from your standard haunted house. In fact, the name says it all. This is a play… with a haunted side.
About the only resemblance is that this is held in an actual house. A big friggin’ mansion to be exact! While I don’t know the exact history of the location, you’ll find the Delusion mansion directly on the corner of Arlington & Adams. It’s pretty hard to miss the house itself, but if you plan to park on the lot, there is only one small entrance on to it. It’s great that offer parking right in front of the house, and even have someone guiding you to open spots. There’s also a little shed type thing on the back side of the lot where they setup a nice waiting area and a bar to get snacks, sodas or even shirts while you wait for your turn.
Now, if you plan on attending Delusion, the best advice I can give is to subscribe to their email newsletter, and buy tickets as soon as they put them on sale. I hesitated for a week or so before putting my order in, and because of that, we ended up having to pick a much later 11:30pm time slot than what we originally hoped for. It wasn’t really a huge deal, but because you’ll be here for at least an hour, you’ll want to plan on getting your tickets as soon as possible if you don’t want to be out late.
When it comes to the play itself, everything really comes together to make for one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. Instead of relying on the «pop out and scare you» tactics of virtually every Halloween attraction, Delusion puts you right in the middle of a story and builds on that from the second you step into the house. I don’t believe that it’s going to necessarily scare every single person that walks through the door, but if you go in with an open mind and let yourself get into the stories, it can be very creepy and maybe even emotional for some. The actors and actress are just phenomenal, and really suck you in to what’s going on. These people are putting on a performance like no other, and until you can experience it for yourself, it’s something that’s really hard to explain. They really get you involved by having you find things, hiding under tables, running away from villainous characters and even drinks invisibility potion. Adding to the experience are just all out excellent setups from lighting to sound, and spectacular effects. I don’t want to give too much away, but you might see people being sucked out of thin air, or even crawling on ceilings above you. With the direct involvement of surroundings and building of characters right from the get go, you can really lose yourself and start to forget this is fake. It’s an unbelievable experience that everyone should try.
Considering the uniqueness of this whole thing, my complaints are really minimal. While I realize it may just not be possible, I wasn’t a huge fan of the 12 person groups. It doesn’t sound like a lot of people, but some of the areas you go through are really small and make it hard to either see everything that’s happening, or get yourself in a position to do so. Unless you have a lot of friends, you’re going to be with a group of strangers too. That might sound ok, and it’s possible that’s there way of making the experience even more interactive, but at times it can take from the play. If it were possible, I think groups of 6 – 8 would be much better. Also, after about an hour of time in the house, the play kind of just ended with us running out of the house… and that was it. Yes, the story ended, and in a great way at that, but it all just stopped. Perhaps this is there genius plan all along, but it made me feel like there was just a little something missing to the night up.
I needed a little more, and that’s exactly why I’ll be back every year they open. At just $ 60, I really believe you’re going to be hard pressed to find an experience like this anywhere. It really is that unique and that amazing. I have to give a huge thanks to fellow Unilocaler Terri R.‘s cousin, who gave us the info. This is definitely something I’m going to be looking forward to every Halloween!

Delusion: Lies Within, the 2014 installment of this description-​defying, immersive horror experience, is a must-​see.
A sadly sold-​out must-​see.
Disclaimer: I don’t do scary. I used to run out of the room when the Count came on Sesame Street. I went to Knott’s Halloween Haunt ONCE and never again.
Delusion, however, intrigued me. A theatrical experience that looks to immerse you in a completely different, often terrifying world. A haunted experience where the scares come from and serve a larger, richer story.
From the moment I entered the Fitzgerald Manor, I was transported. I met characters I quickly felt affection for, and more that I felt fear for. I puzzled over who we should trust. Tried to work out the tasks given us. Clung to a story that so moved me that while some of the tears I shed that night were pure fear, at least as many were over the heartbreak I felt for some of these characters.
I’m hooked. I went during Previews, then saw it again a few weeks later. I didn’t realize when I saw the preview that some of the effects were unfinished — the performances, the attention to detail, the music, the story are all so incredibly strong. The second viewing blew me away. A little more brave now, I volunteered for a side adventure that I cannot stop thinking about.
I am not too far removed, I fear, from one of Elena Fitzgerald’s avid fans, scouring the internet for more scraps of information, one more piece of backstory, one more clue about some of the characters I didn’t get to spend enough time getting to know…
And for tickets. Always, always looking for more tickets! For the next fix!
I never thought I would describe a «horror» experience as beautiful or breath-​taking or gorgeous. Jon Braver and the team at Delusion have created something incredibly special. Go. Be fully transported. Lose yourself to the story.
Having read voraciously about this event for THREE YEARS before finally attending myself, I set my expectations very, very high. I loved it.
Already planning next year’s visit!

Absolutely an amazing time! As a Delusion first timer I didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve been to more than my fair share of «haunted house» experiences (Knott’s Scary Farm, Universal Studios’ Horror Nights, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbour, you name it) and this was by far the most unique, interesting, and engaging experience. The atmosphere and story line provide an excellent backdrop to the true stars of Delusion… the Actors! Each and everyone of them were true professionals and expressively brought their individual characters alive. The excellent acting is where Delusion really sets itself apart from your typical «maze» haunted house experience. Not only are you experiencing the tactile effects of moving around this meticulously crafted environment… but you really do feel an emotional connection as if you are truly part of the story (the small groups also help elevate the intimate feel). All in all, I’m no doubt coming back next year… definitely the most fun Halloween experience I’ve had!
Other Notes:
— Not as scary as I’d initially thought it would be, nevertheless the 1hr we were in the house felt more like 15 minutes (terrifyingly fun!)
— If you can swing it, i’d recommend booking a whole block (12 people) and do it with people you know… much more fun that way.

Our third year enjoying Haunted Play! This year was by far our favorite.
GREATLY improved from last year.
Improvements from last year:
–This year, when they took people out of the main group to perform side-​tasks, it wasn’t for very long. (Whereas last year, people were gone from the main group for quite a while and missed a lot of cool/​scary things and story line.)
–This year, the story had a completed ending! (Whereas in the previous two years we’ve gone, the ending was very abrupt and left us all asking, «wait, what?»)
–They didn’t raise ticket prices! Hooray!
The only negative:
–The rooms are sooo small, that if you happen to be pushed to the back, you miss all of the action. This happened in a few rooms actually. There’s about 8 people per group, and the narrow rooms don’t allow for everyone to be in the front. So when cool effects happen/​people pop out, the people in the front scream in terror because they got to see something cool happen, while the rest of us in the back were going, «huh? what was it? what happened?»
You will have to crawl, walk up and down stairs, hide under a table, and be in tight spaces with other people. And it gets a bit muggy/​warm in the house. So just keep those aforementioned details in mind if you’re thinking about attending.
I CANT WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR! :D

A perfect choice if you’re looking for a fun group activity, or even an offbeat date night. It will definitely get you into the Halloween spirit.
This was my first time visiting one of Jon Braver’s interactive haunted playhouses.
And by playhouse, I mean that it’s literally a live play that happens in a creepy, multi-​level house. You and your friends are part of the action, racing from room to room to uncover clues and escape certain doom. It’s one part escape room, and two parts haunted mansion and psychological thriller.
The actors were excellent. From the way that they smelled to their overall performance — they were spot on. The creepiness factor was unreal at some points, and our group of 8 adults were pumped full of adrenaline for the entire experience.
I won’t get into too much detail, but this year’s theme is definitely thrilling. It’s not necessarily gory, which I appreciated. Instead it relies on special effects, costuming/​set dressing, and each actor’s unique energy.
This is one of my favorite Halloween experiences in my life. I am only sad I didn’t find out about it until now!
I believe you can have a group of up to 10 people. While we waited, there were concessions and some fun swings to enjoy.

Finally understand what all these hypes are about. Delusion is one of the finest halloween haunts. It is an unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Delusion is not a haunted house, not a show and not a theater. It is a mixture of all that blended seamlessly. It reminds me of the old time horror adventure game ‘alone in the dark’. Only you were not just sitting in front of the computer screen but actually running around, crawling and screaming.
Actors have done a great job to make the whole story believable. At times I had to remind myself none of these are real and I would definitely make it out alive. The props, the whole set and decorations were professional level. They are everything you would expected from Hollywood.
At $ 60 a tickets this year I think it is well priced and totally worthy. There were no long lines. No crowded waiting area. The whole experience from beginning to end was fantastic. I look forward to next year’s play.

It’s at a Baptist church a block away from busy, slightly alternate life style chic of Sunset Boulevard. The church is dark, and there is very little to show what is housed inside this rather austere, solemn-​looking, unawe-​inspiring, plain jane kirk.
Inside lies a realm of make-​believe that is loosely based on the Bubonic Plagues that ravaged all of Europe & parts of Asia during the 14^th century. The plague causing vector is the rat, but the actual host, that is carrying the disease causing bacteria, Yersinia pestis, is the tiny little rat flea. There are 3 forms of the plague: 1) Bubonic is the least virulent where the lymph nodes become swollen buboes. 2) Pneumonic plague is centered in the lungs where death occurs in 4 days, and is spread by sneezing or coughing out droplets. 3) Septicemic plague occurs in the blood and can cause rapid deterioration & death in about a day.
So the mysterious DOCTORS dressed as a characters in Commedia dell’ Arte of the 16^th century or one of the figures in Hieronymous Bosch’s «Jardin de las Delicias» are supposedly the protectors from the new Plague, leading to a «greater life, free from the oppression of god & human limitations.» But actually, they seem to be the malevolent, vile, vicious creators of the plague & a new reign of terror while most the characters in the church are merely trying to survive trapped from going outside by the rampaging Plague and trapped inside by the tyranny of the Doctors & their minions. Only a few of the characters inside the church can see beyond the terror & try to find some way to escape as well as helping us to survive & escape the cruel insanity within.
This horror theatre is a well organized & smooth functioning operation from tickets at will call all the way to the actors who lead you & push you through to the next venue almost like Australian Sheepdogs, rounding you up & nipping at your heels if you dilly-​dally. The horror is mostly psychological with very little grabbing at you in the dark, or suddenly shrieking to startle. Beware that there are many darkly lit stairs & corridors where you will have to pass through relatively quickly. You will be asked to do some things that are actually fun & innocuous, but add to the interactiveness & drama of the story line.
Compared to the Blum House of Horrors at the Variety Theater in downtown Los Angeles, I felt the staging of the theater and the actors in Blum House were a bit more smooth & polished, but there was no interactivity between the audience & the actors. The audience passively witnessed the events as they occurred. In Delusion, the strength of the performance was that the audience was asked to play minor roles that required a touch of improvisation & thought which made us more focused & feel we were part of the Delusion universe.
Delusion: Mask of Mortality is certainly not inexpensive, but with the number of actors employed, and limiting the number of members of the audience to about 10 made for a more personal experience & made the experience worthwhile. Great way to spend an hour connecting with your creepy side. Bravo, Bravissimo!!!