Haunted Poe is not a typical haunted house for a number of reasons: First of all, it doesn’t just exploit the name of the distinctive author for his creepy, Victorian aesthetic; it actually stays true to the Poe text and presents lovely packets of theater as you move from room to room. Second, your experience will not be mostly comprised of teenagers in Ghillie suits wildly flinging their limbs at you and screaming for 45 minutes. The better descriptive word for Haunted Poe would be creepy — not aggressive. A graveyard scene based on Annabel Lee showcased some amazing singing, makeup, and costume, as did a ballroom scene from the Mask of the Red Death. (It would behoove you to revisit some of Poe’s stories before you attend.) One corridor features a rather large plexiglass cockroach farm; the large insects were snoozing and approachable. Another thing that summarizes the Haunted Poe experience versus others: We saw Lord Whimsy and a small entourage exiting the Poe front doors and crossing paths with a cluster of Juggalos who had just gone to Fright Factory. Both groups quietly climbed into their respective vehicles and drove off under the full moon.

Haunted Poe opens officially this Wednesday, October 7th. Find tickets here.