Was with a group of friends on Saturday night when somebody said “Hey, let’s check out that haunted house.”
The peer pressure kicked in. Some people are entertained by mutilation and murder. I can barely get through the evening news, forget about horror movies. But I didn’t want to wimp out.
Get your Halloween on
“You have to walk through it alone. It’s a rule,” he reminded me.
Oh, joy. We went over to a theater that was set up as a makeshift haunted house on 23rd and 11th ave. Was greeted by a ticket guy who would only say that this was an “unconventional” haunted house and that we have to prepare to be touched, and to crawl. We signed waivers.
Forked over $14 each. For an extra dollar you get a shot of whiskey. Why the hell not? Might as well go all the way. Saw some other girls waiting on line and thought, heck if they can do it, I can do it too, right?
Right?
Not gonna ruin any surprises but here’s the official non-spoiler review: I was more nervous BEFORE the haunted house than when I was INSIDE the haunted house. The anticipation while waiting on line — hearing people screaming behind the curtain and then thinking about getting forced to face my worst phobias — is what got to me. But once inside, I took a ninja attitude. I’m a big girl! This ain’t real!
Even though there were a few creepy psychological tricks waiting inside the haunted house, I was surprised that I hardly screamed or jumped. I did walk a little too fast which I regret since the experience only lasts 15 minutes max.
However, one of my male companions (somebody who loves slasher movies, gore, roller coasters, etc) yelled “safety,” the code word for “I’ve had enough, stop scaring me.” One “section” of the haunted house had stirred something dark inside, and a staff person relieved him (although he bravely continued on to the rest of the haunted house). We’ve all got a button waiting to be pushed.
Tip: You can use your haunted house ticket stub to score a $4 draft beer at The Half King Bar& Restaurant down the street. Try their tasty sweet potato fries.
Haunted House, Vortex Theatre, 164 Eleventh Ave (near 23rd St)., New York, NY
Cost: $14 admission. $1 if you want a whiskey shot. Ages 18+. Until Oct 31st.
http://www.nychalloweenhauntedhouse.com/
Tags: Manhattan
