Oct. 16, 2015 By Jackie Strawbridge
Astorians can skip the scary movies this Halloween for a new, live horror show.
The first ever Haunted Mansion presented by Astoria Music and Arts will take place Oct. 30 and 31 at the Federation of Hellenic Societies, 22-51 29th St. The event features live music, performances and decorated rooms of creepy thrills.
For teens and older, a guided tour will start at 7 p.m. both days through the Haunted Mansion’s rooms, which include a butcher room, a creepy doll room, a psycho-surgeon room and die-ing room.
The tours will be led by James Avatar, media professional and weekend brunch host at Queens Comfort, playing the Voodoo figure Papa Legba.
Local musicians will perform live, and many of the props and decorations were Astoria-made, such as the handcrafted dolls from resident Anna Zohios.
During the afternoon, kids can visit the mansion with their parents or guardians without the surprise elements that will be popping out at the adults, AMA creative director Nicole Mourelatos said.
By giving a platform to local artists, the Haunted Mansion is similar to AMA’s major annual event, the Astoria Music Now! festival.
“Right after the festival, we were like, ‘what do we do next?’ So Halloween just seemed really appropriate,” Mourelatos said. “We’re keeping the community in our minds and hearts.”
Tickets run $5 in advance and $10 at the door, and can be purchased online here.
AMA continues to seek volunteers for the Haunted Mansion. Local performers, artists, craft makers and “anybody who loves Halloween” should email astoriashauntedmansion@gmail.com to learn more, Mourelatos said.
Reach reporter Jackie Strawbridge at jackie.strawbridge@queenspost.com
