SCARED OUT OF OUR WITS AT GATEWAYS HAUNTED PLAYHOUSE OF HORRORS
October 14, 2011
SCARED OUT OF OUR WITS AT GATEWAYS HAUNTED PLAYHOUSE OF HORRORS
by Joe and Christine Gerani
It’s been a few years since we last went through one of the many Haunted House attractions here on Long Island. You know, a few dark rooms, some debris strewn about the floor making it a challenge to walk easily. Maybe a couple of strobe lamps and a few teenagers wearing fake blood and wielding chainsaws. Good for a laugh or two, but frightening? Hardly.
So last weekend, we visited Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse of Horrors – set on the over 100 year old estate of the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport. Let’s just say the visit changed our view on how a Haunted House can actually be…frightening. Even for a couple of old cynics like us.
The Haunted Playhouse is intense! You get a little of the back-story of what you’re about to encounter before you go in, but it doesn’t really prepare you for the real horror story that you’re soon about to be trapped in. The ghouls, zombies and tortured victims awaiting you inside a maze of darkness, screaming and flashing lights lie in wait to scare the living daylights out of you. And they do. Remember, this is the Gateway Playhouse and the bloodied and evil characters are all portrayed by professional actors who never step out of character.
Moving floors, hanging body bags you must maneuver around in the dark, creepy demons chasing you deeper into the maze…it takes nearly 30 minutes to make it all the way through. If you can make it through of course. There’s plenty of scary loud sounds, screaming, flashing lights, gore, even an apparent suicide, certainly enough to blow the mind of even the most jaded haunted house enthusiast.
We don’t want to give away too much – but take our recommendation, even with a wait on the line to get in – the Gateway Haunted Playhouse of Horrors is well worth the visit from anywhere! Just one little bit of warning though…if you ever had to take the short bus to school, we promise, you will never be the same after you take a stroll down the zombie walk at the Gateway. Trust us, when you make the journey yourself, you’ll know what we mean.
It’s the third year for the Haunted Playhouse and they’ve been voted the best Haunted House for their first two. It’s a virtual lock they’ll be selected the best this year as well.
The Gateway Haunted Playhouse is open 7pm tonight and this weekend, next week Thursday through Sunday and every night Wednesday October 26th through Halloween. You can get tickets online or at the box office. Be warned, it is a very scary attraction, and not recommended for kids under 13. For the under 13 set – check out the “Not So Scary Monster House” for kids – every weekend this month starting at Noon. Same professional performers, just not as intense and bloody.
Oh and one more recommendation, if you have to wait on the line to get in, enjoy some delicious Long Ireland or Blue Point Beer on tap in the beer garden of horrors. You’ll need some afterwards too if you make it through the House.
Here’s the information for Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse of Horrors:
http://www.hauntedplayhouseofhorrors.com/index.html
Directions to Gateway Playhouse- 215 South Country Road, Bellport, NY.
From Sunrise Highway- Exit 56 Station Road South to South Country Road, left on South Country Road for 1/2 mile, theater on left.
From Southern State Parkway- Exit 44 Sunrise Highway East, Exit 56 Station Road South to South Country Road, left on South Country Road for 1/2 mile, theater on left.
From Long Island Expressway (I 495)
Exit 62 South-Route 97 (Nicholls Road) Go 5 miles to Route 27 East (Sunrise Highway) Go 5 miles to Exit 56 South Station Road, go 2 miles to South Country Road, Make a left on South Country Road, go 1/2 mile, theater on your left.
