 ST
RITA HAUNTED HOUSE: Count Dracula
bids you welcome into the St. Rita Haunted House! After stalking
for some "fresh blood," he beckons you up a spooky old staircase, where
dimly lit rooms are adorned with traditionally scary decor. Coffins,
skeletons, gothic candelabras, flickering chandeliers, and scary music
captivate your attention, as monsters and their potential victims appear
from out of darkened corners. Loud screams ring out, as doors slam
shut behind you! A see through floor suddenly illuminate beneath
your feet, and secret wall panels suddenly drop down revealing hideous
looking creatures, and other surprises. Undead bodies rise up out
of caskets, and rocking chairs begin swaying back and forth on their own
as you approach. Multiple floors of the old Haunted House
are explored, leading to confrontations with Pirates protecting their treasure,
an irate brute adamantly blocking the path, a caged, spark-emitting lunatic,
and a huge, unexpected surprise! Skeletons, and other frightening
objects spring up out of nowhere, a spinning vortex must be traversed,
and a half-baked body pops out of a cremator, still smoking from its incinerating
inferno! Outside the house, an old wooden bridge, overgrown with
shrubs and trees takes you to a cemetery, and a surprise Michael Myers
finish to the 2007 installment of the St. Rita Haunted House.
Analysis:
LENGTH - 7, A little over 10 minutes.
ACTORS - 8, Last year's trend continues, as actors are
much more convincing in comparison to just a few years ago. They're
well hidden, energy and intensity levels are up again, and make-up use
is abundant. Several characters interact with groups offering dialogue,
not just "growls," screams are loud and blood curdling, and attackers are
much more terrorizing. "Big Brute" gets the actor of the night award
for his relentless intensity. Count Dracula, a longstanding trademark
at
St. Rita's, is showcased in the "reVAMPed" (pun intended) beginning.
A few actors broke character before we exited their room.
SCARINESS - 9, The house itself is practically a masterpiece,
and as scary as ever with its dim lighting, spooky staircases, creaking
floors, and meticulous detailing. Scary music and accompany soundtrack
is loud and intimidating. Cast is the strongest in years.
DESIGN - 9, The course is re-worked each season, but
this year's is by far the best in recent memory, originating with (our
favorite) main entrance beginning, and climaxing across the dilapidated,
old bridge. The house itself is fantastic. The finish is a
little weak, and would benefit tremendously from better utilization of
the graveyard scene, perhaps with the simple addition of some roaming zombies
or vampires.
PROPS - 9, Traditionally adorned with scary decor, featuring
coffins, skeletons, flickering lights, and other gothic decor. Pneumatic
animatronics are more plentiful, provide some good scares on their own,
and set up distractions for the actors to capitalize upon - which they
do!
VALUE - 9½, Regular admission is $10, but only
$7 per skeleton when taking advantage of the coupon available on their
web site. That's a dollar more than last year (with the coupon),
but an unheard of bargain by today's standards, and the Haunted House
itself is outstanding.
RATING: 8½, Produced by the Greater
Springdale Jaycees, the old house has been treating Cincinnatians to scares
for over 30 years! It's different every year, but seems extra special
this season - the best it's been in quite some time, and we can't wait
to go back! We visited on opening night, and they were more than
ready for us. That's a tremendous compliment, and a credit to their
experience and professionalism, as many haunts aren't nearly as well organized,
or prepared on the nights of their seasonal debuts. Don't forget
to include this Queen City haunt icon on your list again this year for
some spooky Halloween fun. We're fortunate to live in an area with
so many quality haunted houses to visit, and St. Rita's is one you
never grow tired of! As is our annual tradition, we'll be back on
Halloween night, just after Trick or Treat!
NOTE: On October 27th and 28th, St. Rita's
will be offering lights-on, children's matinees from 3 to 5 p.m. for just
$2 per admission! Take the little ones! |
