How to Survive Muni Mayhem
By J. Ryan Blesse
Muni’s
gates have closed to give us a rest, now our ghouls have planned a new autumn
fest! Let’s go inside for the spookiest sights, wander the maze and relive Muni
nights. Wonka and Poppins, White Christmas and Grease, tossed in a cauldron and
– oh, I should cease.
But
something’s different… yes, something’s strange – you see they’ve had this mysterious
change. Oh, dear, come along and don’t be so sad, come hold a hand really it’s not
so bad. Friendly ghosts on stage to scare up a show, dancing and singing it
won’t be so-so.
We
are good (g)hosts here not just to say boo, that’s why we will have concessions
for you. Come sit by the campfire when you are through, we think you’re going
to want a s’more or two.
Sure,
there are fiends but don’t worry ‘bout them, you can survive all this Muni
Mayhem. Follow our concierge’s tips
below to have all the fun and none of the woe.
1. Step right up to the box office
To
get a ticket, go to the box office where the friendly human(oid) will help you
get to the Other Side. At this time, we are not accepting any new souls as a
method of payment – we’re quite full, as you shall see – but we will accept
your cash or credit/debit cards.
2. But do bring some cash
The
ghosts and goblins running the concession stands and selling the s’mores kits
do not know of “credit” and “debit.” They only know of two methods of payment: cash
or souls. As we’ve stated, we are running amuck with souls as is, so please… do
bring your cash.
3. Halloween costumes are encouraged
Don’t
fret, mortals. The Other Side is fun! Come as you are, or come dressed as your
favorite ghoul. We’d love to see what you might look like when you become a
part of our little show…
4. Remember, mayhem is family
friendly
We
are rather frightful… and it’s no fun being scared when you’re alone! Lucky for
you, we have activities for the whole family. Bring your friends, bring your
family!
5. Bring something warm
Being
the hospitable hosts we are, we wouldn’t want you to get a chill from the fall
weather. Our vampires are especially concerned
about you getting cold. Although we’ll have the fires fetched straight from the
Other Side and hot coffee and chocolate to drink, please do bring a jacket, a
blanket, or anything else you might need to keep you nice and toasty! We can
chill you in other ways…
6. Don’t forget to tell your friends
Be
sure to tell your friends where you are that night (that’s @springfieldmuni on
Facebook, @TheSpfldMuni on Twitter, and @themuniopera on Instagram)… just in
case. Many wayward souls have lost their way through the Haunted Maze – that’s
how we got a haunted maze. The more, the merrier, as they say.
A
show, a maze, and some other good frights, you get all this for $10 a night!
October
26, 27 & 28 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sponsored by the Landmark Automotive
Group.
“Muni Mayhem’s Mainstage Massacre”
Frightful
performances of song and dance runs four times a night so don’t miss your
chance!
7:15-7:45pm,
8:00-8:30pm, 8:45-9:15pm, & 9:30-10:00pm.
Haunted Maze
Beware
of the haunts as the name suggests, our maze is open to all honored guests.
Please wander the trail as much as you want, but don’t get lost else you be our
next haunt!
Other Mayhem Buy popcorn and soda, Muni dogs too, coffee, or a hot
chocolate or two. Gather round the campfires beyond the gates with s’mores kits
on sale!
About J. Ryan Blesse
Aside from being a talented audience member, J. Ryan
Blesse is the
author of dark, horror, and speculative fiction, usually with a twist of humor.
He maintains a blog that he updates weekly with writing tips and writing
prompts (and sometimes other stuff). He lives in Springfield, Illinois with his
husband Craig, their very hairy children Grizabella and Boots, and an oversized
unicorn pool float named Melinda. Read his blog at www.jryanblesse.com/blog or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
@jryanblesse.
About
The Muni
The
Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) is a not-for-profit theatrical
organization that has become a Springfield summer tradition, providing the best
of Broadway to enthusiastic audiences for more than 50 years. Located at 815
East Lake Drive in an outdoor amphitheater, The Muni is one of the largest
all-volunteer community theatre organizations in the nation. For more
information on The Muni, please visit www.TheMuni.org.
