LessWrong (30+ Karma) Show Review: Masquerade
Nov 23, 2025
Dive into the world of immersive theater as the show reviews the unique experience of Masquerade. Discover how it compares to the iconic Sleep No More, with its intricate, multi-floor layouts and enhanced storytelling. The discussion delves into the reasons why immersive formats can create deep engagement and why the decline of certain shows has paved the way for new demand. However, Masquerade’s guided format raises questions about audience freedom and exploration. With solid production values and mainstream appeal, it’s a thought-provoking look at the evolving theater scene.
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Vacation Trip Sparked The Review
- The narrator booked a quick vacation to New York and reserved four nights of tickets to Masquerade to escape needing a break.
- They compare Masquerade to standard immersive theatre to explain expectations and experiences from their trip.
Why Standard Immersive Theatre Immerses
- Standard immersive theatre spreads scenes across many locations and encourages silent wandering in character-driven threads.
- That format creates high replayability and a deep feeling of immersion akin to exploring an open-world story.
Repeat Attendance And Company Troubles
- The narrator notes high replay value by citing people who attended a standard immersive show eleven times.
- They recount the bankruptcy of the New York company running Sleep No More and its ongoing run in Shanghai.
