You’ll be greeted as friends and family at this pricy Halloween immersive experience. The occasion is solemn and you’ve probably already sent your condolence card. This isn’t a funeral or a fun-filled tearful wake, but a bereavement.  Dress in black. No hats are requested.

The servants set the tone as they greet the 25 guests. Mind your posture and be on your best behavior although don’t expect the family to be so. As you wait in the parlor, you might be a bit nosey. Read the condolence cards others have sent for clues.

There will be more time for talking a the light repast because this is dinner theater. Everyone will explain how they know Jonathan, but be sure your story is good. I met Jonathan dancing tango. You might have known him from somewhere else.  But does anyone really know another person? And do you really want to know his family?

His widow will greet you warmly, but there’s nothing warm about his mother. At dinner, wine will be served. Get to know other guests. It will help you later on.  If you’re found transgressing any of the rules, don’t whine. You might find yourself at the a closet reserved for bad behavior.

I’d recommend no heels because you don’t know if you’ll be pulled up the stairs for a confidential discussion or be going down to the basement. You will be rushing up and down stairs. Don’t be afraid. Although we’re repeatedly warned that prey are most vulnerable at night, trust in the experience. And, while at the Willows, you have a chance to be family for an evening.

Afterward, you’ll want to exchange notes on the porch before you leave disappear into the evening gloom. Not everyone will have the same experience. Some with be chosen to wander off into rooms and see or experience things others will not. There are seven narrative tracks running simultaneously. I believe only one of the 25 guests was sent to the bad room.

This is very different from the Creep LA experience of last year where we traveled through time and shared experiences of several different people and eras. “The Willows” is the brushing past the angst and eccentricities of one family on a special evening. The run time is about 2 hours.  Each evening has two shows: 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. No late entry allowed.

This is a top-tier immersive experience that tests you courage in ways that a movie or theatrical events that stay on the stage do not.

From looking at the Just Fix It Productions website, I saw that every weekend is sold out into February.  It doesn’t hurt to inquire, especially if you have a group.  Sign up for future announcements and other upcoming immersive events. The Spring 2026 production is “Come Home” and according to the website, tickets become available on 11 November 2025.  Whatever this group is up to, including the San Diego Comic-Con performance, you’ll want to be there.