Matt Dorado is no stranger to haunted entertainment. The creator of a number of original haunts in the southern California area, he is embarking on his most ambitious project to date, Drunken Devil Productions. Its first dipping a toe into the dense souther California Halloween market, they are presenting The Sinner’s Soirée.
Influenced heavily by vintage, prohibition era taboos along with a thick layer of New Orleans flare, Drunken Devil has taken up residence in downtown Los Angeles, ready to change how people experience Halloween.
“The experience will begin in the room of an old man. He has come to the end.” explains creator, Matt Dorado. “He wanted women, money, power over others, and it’s his time to die. He is taken by the devil to hell and you follow him though the various sins he has committed.”
Staged at the Think Tank, a large, Downtown Los Angeles creative space, Sinner’s Soirée will then push visitors through scenes depicting sins including gluttony, pleasures of the flesh, and finally the central character’ demise. The maze, which begins as a traditional walkthrough with interactive elements, is planned to have one hell of a grand finale. It’s not all fire and brimstone in hell however. Here, hell is one gigantic speak easy where one can begin to decompress after a life of sin. Once visitors have made their way through the haunt, guests 21 and over, will be able to dive into the Sinner’s Lounge
The Think Tank, Downtown Los Angeles.
Heavily influenced by New Orleans and the culture there, Dorado is compelled to build an experience based on one of America’s most iconic towns. “It’s one of the most spiritual, most haunted places in America.” Matt explains, “New Orleans isn’t so much a scary place as it is mysterious.”
A melting pot of Creole, French, and American, New Orleans was the driving influence of the haunt. “Yes, there is the voodoo, but there is so much more. The city of is so rich. We are taking the mystery and romance of the city and turning it on its head.”
Situated near LA Live, The Sinner’s Soirée will reflect a more traditional form haunt. The actual walkthrough experience is planned to last approximately 15 minutes and will follow a man’s journey to his final resting place in the Devil’s domain. “I hate using the word immersive.” explains Dorado, “I want to say that it is a full 360º experience.” Guests will be able to experience the haunt and then spend some time in the den with libations and live entertainment.
“I want people to feel as if they have been thrown into another world.” explains Dorado. “Our goal is to get, not only the haunt regulars to come, but also those who aren’t really haunt people to show up and have a great time” So the advice here would be to arrange a rife to LA Live and grab a bite to eat, get over to Sinner’s Soirée, then get a lift home. It might be a really immersive evening.
This is certainly an enticing idea. Screams, booze, and debauchery. Not a bad mix at all.
The Sinner’s Soirée will run weekends beginning Oct 9th and will run through Nov 1st.
