HBO’s Big Little Lies Immersive Theater Event at The Victorian
This week I was invited to attend HBO Home Entertainment’s immersive theatrical experience inspired by the Emmy-nominated HBO Limited Series BIG LITTLE LIES, which is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download. It was hosted at The Victorian which was originally built near the Hotel Miramar in 1892 as the residence of one the neighborhood’s founding families. The two-story building was moved to its current location in 1973. Heritage Square is a prime pocket of nostalgic architecture, with the California Heritage Museum and its sprawling lawn on one side and The Victorian on the other. Completely and carefully renovated, The Victorian has had its main rooms enlarged and added an exclusive speak easy for a total of 15,000 square feet of event space including the landscaped grounds. A brick path leading to the front door (and lined with candles and twinkle lights at night) curves among oak trees, blooming flower sand outdoor seating. As you enter, you’re greeted by a polished oak bar, a congenial spot for cocktails, as are the home’s two patios. Throughout, the décor is characteristic of the late 19th century—a mixture of fine antique furnishings, classical artwork and candles.
Big Little Lies Immersive Theater Event:
The event brought the audience a world full of mystery and intrigue, powerful and complex women, and a series of unraveling lies that are barely holding a small, affluent beach town together. It was the first time I experienced this type of interactive theater and I have to say it was quite a blast!
This is the invite I received via email with a little clue as to what would be happening. So we walked into a scene/stage filled with these actors playing their parts. Developed with the full company for PLAY Collaborative Arts Venue and created by Cole Rosner, this immersive theatrical experience was quite spectacular! From being greeted by “parents” (actors) of the HOA who wanted to know if we had heard the latest gossip, to being taken from room to room listening in on conversations between folks from the community. The actors really did a great job at making us feel like we were part of the experience and dropping hints at the drama going on in this beach-side community. Inspired by Big Little Lies, which a beach-side community, this interactive immersive theater is something everyone should experience!
Jazz Elise and Anthony Velazquez gave quite the performance. Titled Woman in HEAT and Man in HEAT it was a trip watching these actors get into their roles. Much like the intensity you will find in the series, Big Little Lies, you felt like you were watching a very human experience of love and lust. I was very impressed with all the actors! They really brought each member of the audience into their world. You can catch a couple scenes on my Instagram feed here and here.
Nancy, known as the Town Messup, Board Member (too funny) even brought my friend aside to “discuss” what was happening in town with the HOA members. My friend played along and ended the conversation by saying “just don’t go killing anyone.” She got into it!
Cocktail Recipe:
They treated us to some really delicious cocktails! I had one (or two) of the Little Liar cocktail and it was very refreshing! Perfect for a midsummer
night. Here are are the recipes. Enjoy!
Little Liar:
1/2 oz. Bourbon
3/4 Grapefruit juice
1/2 oz apricot liquor
Monterey Splash:
1 1/2 oz. Vodka
3/4 lemon juice
1/2 oz. guava
Splash of champagne (and poured over raspberries in a strainer)
It was a very memorable night of drama, intrigue, suspicion and laughs. I do hope you will check out Big Little Lies Blu-ray and DVD as you will find it to be one of the best series HBO has put out!
Good News! In celebration we are hosting a giveaway for the Blu-ray/DVD and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. Good Luck!
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