Dear Delusionals,
We’re nearing the end of the year and I’m finally getting around to that wrap up post. Oh I’m sure you’ve been on pins and needles waiting for this, right? Right?! (Cough) Anyway, despite the lateness, the memories of Delusion: Reaper’s Remorse still linger. I remember the first time I saw the mansion. As I drove through the industrial park leading there I thought what many of you probably thought: This can’t be right. Where the hell is this place?! Then… there it was. Like an old painting come to life. A 140 year old mansion, the grounds surrounding it, the eerie train roaring by, the hill looming over everything, the super secret mansion in the back?! What a venue! Delusion’s best yet I’d say (for many reasons).
I remember walking through the Phillips Mansion as the story took shape. Esther Phillips, alone in a mansion, yet not. Artifacts surrounding her, imprisoned with souls she won’t let go. That idea expanded to include the Currier House (that super secret mansion in the back). When I saw that house propped up on cinder blocks I immediately thought this should be her latest artifact. A place she dare not enter. A place from her past that housed memories too dark to confront. Then I thought, why not have the audience confront it for her (you’re welcome). The story flowed from then on. Side note, thanks for keeping that back mansion a secret! That was one of my biggest concerns story wise.
Our return to form with Reaper’s Remorse was a feat that could not have been done without our talented and tireless cast and crew. Theater is not an easy gig. But Delusion can be grueling. 20 plays a night. 4 plays running throughout the grounds at any given time. Cast and crew performing their tasks over and over again. Crawling out of graves, flying through the air, mental chess by stage management, resetting props. Everyone pushed through this exhausting run with dexterity and charisma. Oh my lord of the rings I’m a D&D nerd.
In short, it’s not everyday you can say you achieved what you were hoping for. We were hoping to bring people together during a physically and mentally exhausting pandemic. We all know we need that connection more than ever and I hope you found it in some way at Delusion. I definitely did. I recall an email from a mother who brought her 13 year old son and his friends for his birthday. She explained how much her son and his friends loved the show. She closed by saying something that I will never forget: Thank you for bringing joy to pandemic weary kids. That right there made it all worthwhile.
On behalf of everyone at Delusion and Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group I want to wish you the very best of health and happiness for the new year. Until the next time Delusionals. And there will be a next time.
