New Gen Theatrical is on a hot creative streak right now and there’s no sign of momentum lessening with new interactive experience American Gothic: The Harvest Ritual.
This play drops attendees into the heart of a town in the throes of the Great Depression (with all the attendant drought and sickness) making viewers residents of the cursed municipality. But fret not, the Reverend has promised solutions, however esoteric, to the town’s problems. During the performance, guests interact with and assist the actors as everyday life begins to fall away and otherworldly ritual takes over.
Theatergoers are encouraged to dress according to the time period, and two drinks — key to the show’s plot — are included with each ticket. To make the barren setting even more realistic, the show will be taking place inside the liminal Fashion Square Mall; now that’s a cursed locale if there ever was one.
Opens 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20; various times and days through Aug. 31; Fashion Square Mall, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, newgentheatrical.org, $37.50.
