REVIEW: Murder On Horizon: An Immersive Sci-Fi Noir Via Otherworld Theatre Now Extended Through May 15th, 2022

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Murder On Horizon: An Immersive Sci-Fi Noir

 is out of this world!

EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 15TH DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND

*Recommended for ages 13+ due to themes of crime, murder, and drug usage. Half price tickets for those under 16.

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: 

Otherworld Theatre's Murder On Horizon: An Immersive Sci-Fi Noir

All photos by B. Kenaz-Mara

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're huge fans of immersive, interactive theatre, and Otherworld is a favorite of ours. With theatre openings in full swing, my schedule was so packed I thought I'd have to miss out on reviewing Murder On Horizon. Thanks to another production shutting down due to a plethora of covid cases in the cast, I was able to squeak in the 2nd to last weekend of the extended run and catch this fantastically fun murder mystery. I'll try to write this review as spoiler-free as possible so players can come in unbiased and surprised at the complicated plot twists, red herrings, white flowers, mods and magic. 

If you're still easing back into indoor shows in these strange days, Otherworld caps the audience at 8 masked/vaxxed people, so it feels like a low(ish) covid risk. We loved the stellar writing, 1920's style stage entertainment, characters, and attention to detail. 

Bonus points for the bar on site with a first drink on the house, and of course the inimitable eye candy of this funky, pop culture filled space. At Gorgine's Bar, we enjoyed the Viking's Blood Mead (honey wine) and the Horizon's Manhattan along with a shot of clues and character intros. 

When we first docked on this alien planet, we were pleased to be offered our choice of wristbands indicating whether we wanted characters to interact with us or whether we preferred a "fly on the wall" experience. We were also thrilled to be able to shoot photos throughout the show. The mystery was difficult and unpredictable enough that we weren't easily able to solve it, and the characters were exceptional guides to keep each segment of the plot on schedule. We even had to dig deep and reach a group majority among the detectives, on a complex and thought provoking ethical dilemma. Of course we always appreciate clever playbill designs, too. 

The set design is such fun, and the costumes are quite impressive. Kudos to Otherworld for truly stellar world building all around. We had a blast! Best off world adventure we've ever been on, and we were still home in time for dinner, with a solved murder under our space belts. 

All in all, we loved this space noir production and are eager to see what Otherworld productions are up next. Highly recommended. Don't miss this!

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

CHICAGO READER RECOMMENDED!

"The attention to detail behind each element of the Horizon universe is superb. The ensemble, under the direction of Otherworld artistic director Tiffany Keane Schaefer, has created fully realized characters and does an excellent job of displaying their desires, eccentricities, and relationship to the case at each point of the show... the world feels authentic, and the mission remains clear, the stakes feel high, and the audience involvement feels meaningful." -Katie Powers, Chicago Reader

3.5 STARS, HOLLYWOOD CHICAGO

"As the live stage scene starts to rev up again, “Murder on Horizon” is a great way to ease back into it, where you’re part of the action. Gorgine the bartender will be there to serve you, and the crew of Horizon is there to mystify you. In space, no one can hear you name the murderer in advance." - Patrick McDonald, Hollywood Chicago

MURDER ON HORIZON brings audiences to the distant future, to a time when humans are genetically and technologically enhanced, or “modded.” Val Tramel, a mysterious scientist conducting secret research is found murdered on the Horizon Space Station. The famously unmodded Detective Symin Stone is dispatched to investigate. Although it’s clear Horizon authorities want to sweep this under the rug, Symin and their team quickly learn there is more to this case than meets the eye.

Audiences will explore the Horizon Space Station, visiting key features of the station including the Med-Bay, Engineering, the Greenhouse, and the Bar where they will enjoy a themed cocktail (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) as they interview suspects and gather evidence to unravel the mystery of who killed Val Tramel. 

Each performance is limited to 8 audience members, allowing unique opportunities to interact with the set pieces and content, while maintaining a COVID-safe environment.

MURDER ON HORIZON: AN IMMERSIVE SCI-FI NOIR runs approximately 90 minutes.

Tickets:

$50 for adults and $25 for children (up to age 16), and each ticket includes a coupon for a themed beverage at the Otherworld bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available). 

Show times are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 10 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. 

COVID-19 Notice:

All attendees including audience members, media, staff and volunteers, and performers are required to show proof of full vaccination, and masks are required to be worn over the mouth and nose at all times, unless actively eating or drinking.