Madam Ruby holds our rapt attention as she rises from her seat and moves around the cloaked, blood red room. It’s hard to tell the true believer from the mere audience member at the table, but all eyes are locked on her. Everyone is into it.
Demonic spirits are on the loose and there is about to be trouble. Secrets are revealed, tasks demanded, an objective put forth as she speaks. But really, it’s her performance we’re here for. The Seance is Cross Roads Escape Games’ newest production, however, this is no escape room and that’s the first thing to remind yourself.
Over 60 fast-moving minutes, you and seven others are whisked along by Ruby as you pierce the proverbial veil between the real and spirit world with a few puzzles thrown in. And the surprises keep coming.
This is an immersive experience, which is code for a play that you — in some way, shape or form — are part of. Sit back (or maybe lean forward), listen, follow directions and enjoy, because this is a really good one.
The Cross Roads husband-and-wife team of Luke and Madison Rhoades are escape gamers by day, but their first love is theater and The Seance is an innovative passion project with an all-too-brief run.
The care they’ve taken in the long-gestating project pays off, even if Madame Ruby might not be all she’s led you to believe.
Tickets are available online at $45-$60 and limited. Shows run Wednesday to Sunday through Nov. 3.
