What if the last detention of your high school career was also the end of the world? That is the premise of 1986-6-6, an interactive time travel experience now running in Los Angeles.
You are not a passive observer in this, you have an active role going back to change the past. Guests choose a clique (jocks, nerds, rebels) before working together to get back to Shady Valley High on June 6th, 1986. Once you are in the classroom, you find your desk and split into your cliques. From there the show runs on a buddy system, pairing up to work on puzzles. The entire detention crew ultimately has to work together if you want to stop the evil and save the day. It is a shared win!
The show is very well done overall. The script is well written and has a lot of fun authentic 80’s references. The cast does solid work with it. The puzzles hit the sweet spot too, not too difficult, but challenging enough to be fun. I love a show that gives me something to solve and this one trusts its audience to do it. The music and set design work in service of the story and have many wonderful nostalgic pieces to discover.
Our cast had wonderful chemistry. They had the energy of improv actors who have been on the same team for years, always listening and quick on the feet. I especially loved the physical comedy from our gym teacher.
A few small things that stood out to me. There is an authentic Teddy Ruxpin doll. I love the way they used it to bring comedy into a genuinely intense supernatural moment. Also the tech behind it impressed me. And there is something about opening your lunch bag and finding a childhood snack and a Capri Sun while you solve an old fashioned Rubix cube.
If you have never done an immersive show, start here. It is not scary, there are plenty of other guests around to help with the puzzles, and the cast is skilled at guiding you in character so you feel supported. You are encouraged to dress in 1980’s style which also adds to the fun. Immersive veterans and escape room enthusiasts who value immersion over hard puzzling will love it too. It has Stranger Things energy, but lighter and a little more silly (in a good way).
Do not miss your detention!
If you are looking for more fun immersive experiences check out the events calendar here.