2017 brought in a new Terror-Tory, a new haunted walkthrough, and a re-vamping of a classic show.
Night Beats: ReVamped brought more casket and less “Casket Club”. The overall theme of your Brad and Janet style characters, a la Rocky Horror, being musically stalked, and subsequently turned, by vampires was a different approach than years past. The music was fun, and the dancing was decent. It wasn’t my favorite version of the show, but Ulrich will forever be the measuring stick.
3 ½/5
Axe Alley is Howl-O-Screams newest Terror-Tory, replacing the often lackluster Wendigo Woods in New France. The theme of Viking Zombies was rather unique. I found the scares to be better, staffing was better, and the overall look and atmosphere were a big step from Wendigo.
4 ½/5
FrostBite has replaced Bitten as a haunted walkthrough. What made Frostbite unique is the location. You are walking through DarKastle, down along the tracks and through twisting areas. The theme felt as a take on the Night King from Game of Thrones, even including dragon skeletons. That aside, the scares were very good. Use of shadow, animatronics, stunt sliders and zip-liners worked in the cold and rather well lit environment.
4/5
Now on to the returning attractions
Haunts
Unearthed
As usual, one of the best looking haunts I have seen at BGW. It seemed a bit understaffed, but it still has potential to be wat it was it’s opening season
3 ½ / 5
Catacombs
The longest tenured haunt, now that Bitten has moved on. It is a tight winding walkthrough, with some really good pop scares. In my opinion, I would like to see something replace it, mostly because it is hard to keep returning guests scared/impressed when they see the same thing for so many years.
3/5
Cornered
Some changes were made, including the removal of the mirror area. It is cleverly themed, and the addition of the audio whispers was very nice. Most improved in my opinion.
4/5
Lumberhack
They reversed the path this season, but that is about all that has changed. It is still a clever and fun walkthrough, but I would love to see some changes in pop scares and actor dialogue.
3/5
Circo Sinistro
A beautiful haunt, with one of the best rooms I have ever seen in a haunt, the ringmaster room. The lack of traditional clowns, the turn of the century (20th, that is) feel of the circus, are well executed. Still my favorite of the haunts.
4/5
Deadline
I need to be honest with this one, Deadline is dying. The addition last year of the obvious projectors was a disappointment, as projectors should not replace actors. At most they should be a distraction. It was a bit lackluster from 2 years ago, when I think the haunt was at it’s best.
2 ½ /5
Terror-Tories
Rippers Row
I didn’t see much of it in action this year, as it seems the actors weren’t there as guests were exiting. In the past, my favorite part was ending my HOS with a sit in 1866 White Chapel to watch the cast make people run. I cannot give it a proper rating due to lack of experiencing the area.
Demon Street
The demons are great, we could do without the EDM party. ‘Nuff said.
3/5
Vampire Point
The area lacked in actors, but those that were there new how to work around the crowd to get the target scare. As an actor, we look for the most effective ways to hit the good ones. These actors read their audience and attacked with stealth and the in and out technique, where you almost don’t see who just made you wet yourself before they disappear back in to the fold. Well done!
4/5
Sideshow Square
So clever and understated. Not overly decorated, but that is made up by the actors involved. I missed the marionettes this year, but Wendy was back, and that is good enough for me. BGW, do not let that young lady go, because I know a few haunts that would love to have her! The fortune teller scare is always fun to watch. Best Terror-Tory, hands down.
5/5
Shows
Fiends
Still my favorite show of HOS. The jokes were ramped up this season, just really good. The cast was on point, especially the return of Chandler as Igor (Eye-gor). Always a must see!!
5/5
Starfright Orchestra
Unfortunately, my schedule did not allow another trip to the park to catch this show. What did you guys think?
Monster Stomp on Ripper’s Row
Not much changed in this show, and that is a good thing! Amazing vocals, dancing and especially percussion! You have to see this show every year, or the haunt season is not complete!
5/5
Overall, Howl-O-Scream is always a blast, and though I had a few negative reviews, I know where the potential lays, and as someone who is around the business of haunts, I get the struggles, especially on the scale that Busch has to go to. I give the whole event 4/5. Thanks again to the BGW staff for giving us awesome access as per usual. See you guys at ChristmasTown!
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