Peaches Christ loves horror. The drag superstar, whose stage shows have often paid homage to the genre, returns with the latest incarnation of her popular attraction Terror Vault. During the course of the live show, which takes place at the San Francisco Mint from October 4 until November 3, participants will walk through a haunted maze where they will be subjected to all manner of terrors.
This year's Terror Vault has been dubbed "Fatal Abduction," and it promises to offer a science fiction twist to this annual event. "Fatal Abduction" questions the existence of aliens as the beings prepare for their revelation here on Earth. As always, the audience itself is a character in the show and this time they're on a mission that involves time travel.
"It's intense," promised Christ in an interview with the Bay Area Reporter. "David Flower and I are both obsessed with aliens and decided to create a sci-fi show that is very much horror. I'd say that 'Fatal Abduction' is as much horror as it is sci-fi."
For as long as she can remember, Christ has been fascinated with anything dark, macabre or spooky. She recalls her parents telling her that she's been this way from the beginning.
Real vs. fun terror
"Beyond the fact that horror is something I'm naturally drawn to, I'd say that part of what I love about it is the fantasy of confronting fears," she said. "I'm actually really sensitive and the real world terrifies me. The election terrifies me, climate change terrifies me, war terrifies me, so the horror genre is a safe place for me to scream and laugh and experience fear. It offers a release. I honestly think it's therapeutic."
Christ describes the show as a fully immersive experience, with the audience walking through a series of mazes and scenes. Sometimes the audience will stop and watch a scene take place or even get involved in a scene taking place. Other times the audience will just make their way through the mazes. It's a big show with more than 30 different sets and mazes and 60 actors working each night.
The show is recommended for people ages 18 and older due to adult content. There's sexuality, full nudity, violence and adult themes. Teens will be allowed to attend if their parents choose to bring them.
Queer haunts
Christ promises that there is plenty of queer content in "Fatal Abduction."
"We are known in the industry as the 'queer haunt,'" she said. "We haven't done a show in years where I haven't featured a really pretty penis on a naked hunk. Both David and I are very proudly queer artists and so we create a show as artists. And while it's for all audiences, queer people really appreciate it, because it's a rare thing in this haunted attraction world."
Christ also promises that there's more to "Fatal Abduction" than just the show. Also included is Fang Bang, an immersive vampire bar built inside the actual vaults of the old San Francisco Mint. It's a real bar with specialty cocktails and "vampires" who put on shows during the night.
Then there's the Creep Shop Gift Shop that's filled with specialty spooky goods. There will be licensed Elvira merchandise, as well as pieces from Kreepsville 666, local artisans and bands. There will also be a Terror Vault and Peaches Christ section.
For those who upgrade to VIP tickets, the Creepy Collectibles Museum features large-scale science fiction sets on display for social media photography. Christ likens it to walking through a spaceship.
So how scary is Terror Vault?
"This is a tough question to answer. For some people it's absolutely very scary and for other folks it's not scary at all," said Christ. "I'd say it really depends on how able you are to buy into the fantasy and let us scare you. Be sure to get an opt-in necklace if you attend the show which indicates to actors and crew that you're consenting to a deeper level of interactivity where actors can touch you and more."
Terror Vault presents 'Fatal Abduction,' October 4-November 3, various times available, San Francisco Mint, 88 5th Street, $60-$85, VIP tickets an additional $45. 18+ with valid ID required. www.terrorvault.com
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