Review: Wicked Lit Shines With Chilling Tales

October 29, 2026

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Unbound Productions presents “Wicked Lit: La Llorona and the Headless Horseman”. Composed of fully-produced adaptations of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Las Lloronas”, a Halloween themed artisan fair, and an interactive museum. From artistic director Jonathan Josephson.

Adapted from the 1820 short story by Washington Irving, The Headless Horseman has been the scourge of campfire and story circles since the end of the Revolutionary War. Experience the adventure with school teacher Ichabod Crane. Each performer takes on the role of narrator as the story unfolds from the pages of the classic writing. Lanky Ichabod Crane, bruly Brom Bones, flirtatious Katrina Van Tassel, and fatherly Baltus Vam Tassel are all exceptionally well casted in their appropriate roles. The first half of the evening’s performance draws you into unwavering ease of Ichabod’s innocence that later takes a superstitious turn. The pace is quick and light with little to no pauses moving the narrative along with ease.

Freely adapted from the myths and historical events in five intimate and harrowing variants of the “La Llorona” universe. Told through storytelling, music, and dance, this centuries-spanning adaptation of the Mexican folk legend about a desperate mother who kills her children by drowning them in a river. Each female performer wrap themselves in separate and unhinged takes of the character’s background throughout the ages. A stirring vocal rendition sung in Spanish against passionate dancers for interpretive storytelling. Showcasing the evolution of the folklore adapting the background in various forms yet retaining the core of the mother’s fate with her children. The fright of the stories rooted in myth, history, and probable future. There is no escape from fate as the stories are past down to the next generation.

BE ADVISED: La Llorona is rooted in gothic horror and intended for mature audiences only. The play contains descriptions of violence in multiple forms which is represented theatrically on stage.

Be sure to arrive early for the 30 minute pre-show. Guests are free to wander in the decorated lobby, listen to live musicians, order refreshments from the bar, peruse in the La Placita de Curiosities plush, books, decorated skulls, and more for sale from local artisan vendors, and speak with the curator in the Wicked Lit Museum learning about lore of the numerous artifacts and specimens on display. You’ll also have a chance to interact with a couple of villagers before they conjure up a dark entity. Diablo is summoned and welcomes you inside the theater for tales of terror. Your evening’s “Cryptkeeper” but with more devilish charm and irresistible charisma.

The featured show lasts about one hour with no intermission. After that, there is 30 minutes post show to return to Wicked Lit Museum and La Placita de Curiosities to catch up or complete anything previously missed during the pre-show.

Wicked Lit at Chance Theater is an enjoyable time for those who take pleasure in spooky storytelling more than overstimulating scare actors and loud noises. The double feature between American and Spanish folklore is a powerful match up. The connection made in the artisan area and museum brings more connection to the community. Every available space inside Chance Theater is used to put together a complete immersive experience inside a controlled environment.

Unbound Productions has been delighting Southern California with award-winning, immersive theater events adapted from timeless literature and classic tales since 2008.

Wicked Lit announced at Midsummer Scream, Southern California’s premiere Halloween convention, is back after a 7 year hiatus with theatre, art, and gothic horror. An unmatched immersive Halloween experience of the autumnal season. Chance Theater is an excellent venue for the long awaited return and iconic prestige of Wicked Lit.

Five nights only with two performance times each night at the Chance Theater at 5522 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA from October 29 until November 2, 2026. Amble free parking. Babes in arms and children under 4 years of age are not permitted.