Enjoy Your Stay

[dtrageser78]

An early Christmas Gift for the house from me. A couple of my masks (the bottom one was from my first or 2nd Show) and the show poster framed. I thought I would share it here. I can’t wait to get to hung up on the Wall ASAP

[dtrageser78]

Question about the Follies

I am lucky enough to find myself in the city this week for work and my wife's birthday. We are hitting up SNM tonight (her first time, will it be her thing who knows really). I saw that the Follies are tomorrow night Weds 10/11 as I have plans for dinner at the Gallow Green we want to swing by and catch the Follies. Can anyone tell me if there is anything special with attending them? Like where does one enter? How long they run?  Or any other pertinent information. 

Any info will be very helpful. Thank you for your time in advance.

[dtrageser78]

Next stay 22 July early show

I have finally booked my next McKittrick stay for the 22nd early show. Really haven't done much lately been busy with life stuff. But I did manage to catch Ghost Light. I really enjoyed it and i would see it again if I could swing it. I have been toying with writing something about that but find it difficult to. So it may or may not show up. Sadly I did miss the Seeing You show I had tickets for as it was cancelled. But I as always I am looking forward to my next stay at the McKittrick being an quick up and back trip.

[dtrageser78]

Seeing You.... anyone?

Any one going to see or has seen it? I am going next week and I have a question about entry times feel free to PM me as this show seems to have everything on lock down.

[dtrageser78]

Manderley Cocktail question

Can anyone let me know what the recipe is for the Absinthe cocktail that is served at the Manderley? I get one every time I go. But I would love to make one at home from time to time. Any thoughts/ideas are welcome

[dtrageser78]

H.T. Darling's.... 4/8/17

I have been toying with what to write here. I really want to write what happened but since it's such a limited run I don't want to give anything away. So what I have decided to say is: see the show. The actors are amazing, the story is involved, the location and the set are great. I am soo glad a wonderful immersive piece is here in Baltimore for me to see and explore without a 3 hour train ride. This show, like all immersive works, is different for everyone. For my wife, it was one that she liked while doing it, but she was not really into it for the first half. She got more engaged in then second half. It wasn't until the car ride home, comparing our stories that she went “damn it, now I have to do it again”. For me, I will admit it was a bit slow but the Curators grabbed my attention from the start. I picked one (Maude) to follow and the actress was great. Next time I will follow another character. Such a fun time. Also when you arrive you should have a chat with the gift shop attendant. She is a real treat. I will write more about my experience once the show ends or gets extended for a longer amount of time.

[dtrageser78]

SNM 04/01/17 early show

As usual this is a recap for my own good. If you read please enjoy. I had a wonderful stay at the McKittrick this time. I had a few firsts for me. I got my first and second dance with Sexy Witch in the ballroom. This was probably my favorite part of the stay this time. I finally received the Lady Macduff 1:1 it was great but not my favorite. I wandered around a bit and finally managed to stay the hell away from Hecate for a change. For me this is a great challenge she seems to always draw me in so it was an active thought to stay away from her.

Sexy really drew me in during the time between the dances and the interaction with the phone call (another first). I was drawn to follow her if I saw her. I was not disappointed anytime I watched her. Thank you for your wonderful performance.

I really need to stick to my guns one of these shows and deal with the crowd and follow the Macbeths for at least one full loop. I will probably do that on a week night show. It’s times like that I wish I lived I the city. But at that same time my checking account is glad I don’t.

The other first I received was a walk out from the Nurse. That was my second favorite part of the show not because of the walk (that’s was great and wonderful). But the unexpected interaction during the finale that added to the scene and gave me a renewed feeling of what I was watching. So thanks to the Nurse for that, I only wished I had followed you earlier in the show.

I also took a break in Manderlay for a short bit. Then went and did something I have been enjoying as of late. To pick a corner(I try for a different one every time) on High Street and watch the ebb and flow of the audience and actors alike. It is truly neat to see the number of people that flow through that street. This is something I can see my self doing for at least a little bit every visit.

I also took a first timer to the show this time. She seems to have had a good time. As of the last time I spoke with her she is still trying to process it all. But I take that a good sign. Too early to tell if she is hooked or not.

I look forward to my next stay. On to Submersive Prodictions show Museam (get full title before post). I am sure I will have a wonderful time there as well. Until next time

[dtrageser78]

Gearing up for my next stay and other events

It’s been awhile since I have posted anything. But I do have a few events coming up starting with my next stay at the McKittrick on Sat April 1st. Then the following Saturday April 8 is back here here in Baltimore seeinf Submerisive Productions: “H.T. Darlings Incredible Musaeum Presents: The Treasures of New Galapagos, Astonishing Acquisitions from the Perisphere”. Then a bunch of non theater related things until I am back up in NYC to check out “Seeing You” on Sat May 13.

I am really excited for all three of these visits for different reasons. My stay at the McKittrick will be with a person that has never bees so I am very excited to see the reaction this person has. It has been awhile since I have gone with a first timer (it’s soo hard for me to not to call them virgins. I guess it’s the Rocky Horror in me no lipstick V on their forehead though I did think about lol). Then to “Musaeum” since I don’t have to travel to see it as it's in my home town. I really enjoyed what they did with “Plunge” so I am excited to see a full production by Submersive Productions. Lastly I am very excited for “Seeing You” as I really am flying pretty blind into that. I was only able to find one little write up about but that really didn’t tell me anything about it. If anyone knows anything feel free to let me know like run time or how early one should line up.

If anyone is going to be at any of these feel free to let me know if you want to meet up for a drink or what not. Until next time.

[dtrageser78]

Then She Fell 18 Feb 2017

My 2nd trip to The Kingsland Ward was a wonderful one. I got to chat with the parents of one of the Alice's and found out she is from Baltimore as well so that was neat. Last visit we were with the parents of another performer also from Baltimore. This visit was performed with the majority of the cast being different than my first visit. All were fabulous, for me it's always interesting to see how people interpret and add to the characters. These reacaps are also more of a reminder for me. This will be short and very little detail to preserve what happens in the show. Well first off the new scenes to me: I got to see the Tea Party ohh what fun. Trying to keep up with the madness at the table is maddening (in a good way). Evidently I was late for something and had leave with the white rabbit soo not sure what transpired after I left. I got to spend time with the white rabbit painting white roses red after a tasty little absinthe drink. I shared another scene with him and glueing a rose pedal to a piece of paper to be filed away. Other scenes I really enjoyed this time around. The two Alice's mirror dance was very well in sync and felt, I don't know, different this time, not in a bad way at all. I took dictation for Mr. Carroll. Well any matters had with the Hatter are always fantastic. The Red Queens breakdown is always fascinating and disturbing, especially after you are invited in to have a seat. The more I go to different productions of immersive theater the more I find myself appreciating the art from and the different production styles from big budget to small. The most important pieces of these performances are the actors ability to read the audience members and feed off of them. Then the audience member allowing themselves to be taken into the world of the show and giving energy back to the performer. While this form of theater isn't for everyone, everyone should try to experience at least one if not two different ones. This is truly an art that requires an active/open/curious audience "Control your passion or be controlled by it" -- The Red Queen

[htdarling]

And now it is happening. Tickets are going quickly, so make your plans and move with great haste!

[dtrageser78]

Immersive Show in Baltimore

I am excited that there is going to be an immersive show in Baltimore again this spring put on by the wonderful people at Submersive Productions. I will be going. If you can support them and come see the show here is the link (below) for the tickets. Spread the word and let's sell it out. https://www.artful.ly/store/events/11184

[dtrageser78]

Plunge: An Experimental Storytelling Lab

First off I am going to try my best to not give any spoilers away (but there maybe so read at your own risk). This will be very brief but  I will go into more detail, just let me know. It was great to be able to see an immersive piece in my home town Baltimore. This was created and put on by Submersive Productions. I went with a couple of other people. We all enjoyed it. The piece is all 1:1 driven which is really neat and intimate. I was lucky enough to see 4 out of the 5 installations.

The hub  was a cool set up. The ambient music was very reminiscent of Sleep No More’s ambient music. But not in an over powering way or a copycat way it just took me and my friend back to the McKittrick. This for me was a good way to start the show hearing it as we climbed the stairs to the show space.  

I enjoyed all 4 of them. They all were very interactive. I will describe these very vaguely in no particular order. One was more comical and free flowing, the artist was very quick on his feet and could read the audience members well. Made you feel at ease from the moment you walked into his shoe shop.  This one was the collective favorite of all three of us. Mainly because of the feeling you left with. Next I got to spend time talking to another person on a train about traveling and getting lost when traveling.  How its neat that you aren't really lost because you learn/see something new along the way. There was one that involved very little spoken word. The communication was via writing. This one was really internalizing and had me looking inside for responses. It could really get one looking deep inside for some soul searching.  Looking back I wish this wasn’t my first one to experience I wasn’t fully into the shows vibe yet. But nonetheless it was thought provoking to say the least. The other one I got to experience was, for me at least very uncomfortable. From the moment I walked into her house. I can’t go into any more detail on this one without giving way too much away. I am pretty sure that was the idea of it and man it worked. The performer was really good at that and it was very effective. It was a good way for me to end the night.  

[dtrageser78]

SNM 15 Jan 17

Anyone that has read these things I write up knows they are more as a mental reminder for me then a review. I usually don't use names of performers and that continues with this entry as I feel every performer brings something different to a role and because something is different doesn't mean it's bad.

  The trip up and on the way back the seat next to me empty. Had a good whiskey and conversation with strangers at both the Trestle on tenth and the lodge. Now onto the show. This show was a mixed bag for me It took a longer time for me to get in to the right head space/lost in the show. When I did It was great as usual. I saw stuff I haven't seen before and actors in roles that were new for me to see and one I had been looking forward to seeing. I finally got to see a performer I have loved as Hecate play Anges and it was wonderful. I also go to see a different Hecate then I usually see. I was lucky enough to get the 2 1:1 sequence was great with this performer. Her take on Hecate has such a different vibe then what I was used to and I enjoyed it.

I did my best at staying away from the 5th floor (as I usually spend a good amount of time there not sure why) but I always end up there at some point. This time we were let in via the stairs and every one in front of me went down so I said f it I went up stairs. Wandered around and stumbled onto the lovely 6th floor nurse all alone and next thing I knew I was taken to the 6th floor for that very cool 1:1. I also was lucky enough to get into the interrogation scene this trip for the first time. There were only 4 other white masks in there with me I spent a some time in the ballroom and on High street just watching people and performers move about. I find that is very cool to just chill out in a corner leaning and watching. Then I stumbled onto Taxi I have never followed him at all. I found him cleaning his shop with 3 white masks watching so I hung out and watch him. Ended up in a 1:1 with him. That was a creepy one. Then followed him around for a bit longer. I need to find him in the 1st or 2nd loop to follow and see what he does.

The main thing that kept fucking up the flow for me was the audience. This was by far the worst I had yet to experience I am talking masks off, talking, making out in the hotel lobby on the couch, phones out and being used. This was also the first time I had seen people really invade the performers space. Like not just close but like almost touching them. It is what it is and I accept poor audience behavior will happen but still does kind of throw off the flow and experience for others.

With that said will be going again yes but I can't make it back to hotel for a stay until April but I will be back. The McKittrick has a sirens call for me. Until then I will remember this show as all the others fondly and make it hold me over until the next trip. Next up show wise for me is an event put on by Submersive Productions in my neck of the woods Baltimore called "Plunge: An Experiential Story Telling Lab" followed by back up to NYC for Then She Fell for the 2nd time I hope I get invited to the Tea Party this time.

[dtrageser78]

Interesting time changes

As I get set for my next stay at the McKittrick this Sunday evening I was checking out future dates and noticed some changes.  I was wondering if anyone else notice the Saturday  times have changed starting the 21 Jan from 7pm to 5pm and 11pm to 9pm? The prices have also swapped the 5pm is now the cheaper show and the late show is the more expensive. I wonder what the reasoning is behind this? It doesn't effect me much(makes my day trips to NYC easier). It is also going to be interesting to see what the crowd is like during the 5pm sat show.

[dtrageser78]

My evening with Prudencia Hart at The McKittrick Hotel

Just my thoughts on my night seeing The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart. I will be breif and try not to give anything away. The cast was wonderful and very funny. The use of the Heath was great and of course the complimentary shot of 12 year old scotch was a very nice touch especially on a cold evening. The use of the lighting to reflect situations was subtle and very nice touch. I also loved the use of a particular artist. I have a few friends that still need to see it so I am not going to go into any more detail. But if you have the chance to see this presentation of this play I recommend it. It was one hell of a fun evening. The National Theater of Scotland did a wonderful production. After the show my party went up the Lodge for dinner and drinks. This was bittersweet as I loved last year’s version. This year is very similar but they removed some of the decorations. This was also the first night they opened the bigger outside bar. While I wasn't there for the space without it, I will say it was badly needed. The drinks were stiff and strong. The food was just a good as any I have had at The Heath. I do wish the portions were just a tab bigger, they don't need to be huge but just a touch bigger maybe an ounce or two on the protein. The fire pit is a nice touch and I like that it’s kind of hard to find which adds to the fun. Over all another wonderful trip to The McKittrick. Just keeps pulling me back even if not to see SNM. If you are in NYC and have a chance to check out this show before it closes its limited run on Jan 21st do it. If it was in Baltimore I would be going at least one more time.

[rottenwoodandwiltedsunflowers]

Support Immersive Theater

Hey Tumblr! Long time no see! I do wanna say that I am (slowly) with a 3-month-old working on answering a Tumblr question, so I’m super sorry to the asker for taking FOREVER to answer. I am working on it!

In the meantime, check out this great piece of art. Some of you may remember The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe, an immersive show, that ran in Baltimore last year. Well, the artistic company behind this brilliant show are at it again. Submersive Productions is a theater company out of Baltimore, Maryland that focuses on site-specific theater. 

Their newest large-scale endeavor looks very promising but they need a bit of financial support to get there. H.T. Darling’s Incredible Musaeum presents: The Treasures of New Galapagos, Astonishing Acquisitions from the Perisphere is looking to raise a substantial chunk of change to help get up and running. We will be supporting this campaign and hope you will also take a minute to check out the fundraising page and contribute too. We both can’t say enough good things about the Submissive Production team so please support this because we would both love to see this production brought to fruition!

[htdarling]

We are now prepared to announce OUR OFFICIAL LOCATION! H.T. Darling’s Incredible Musaeum will be occupying THE PEALE MUSEUM! The Peale is the first building in the Western Hemisphere designed and built to be a museum! It appears in every textbook on museum history, and now we are honored to be a part of its next chapter. We will be sharing more with you about this incredible museum’s history in the coming weeks!