By Adriana Roberts
For fans of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” — or even those with only a passing knowledge of the beloved Y2K-era supernatural teen TV drama — the new “Buffy parody immersive experience” is a nostalgic romp.
And “romp” is quite literally what Sunnydale Prom gives its audience, as the crowd gets split into small groups and frantically led through a maze of rooms, hallways, and staircases in the old San Francisco Mint, which has been transformed into Sunnydale High School.
If you’ve been to Terror Vault during Halloween season, then you already have an idea of what to expect, since the production re-uses many of the same set elements as the popular annual haunt. In other words, it’s not a seated performance, with quite a bit of running around. Be sure to wear your ’90s era chunky heels, ladies!
Speaking of what to wear, dressing in prom attire is encouraged for attendees — and certainly helps sell the immersive vibe of the show — but isn’t necessary. For those not decked out in tuxedos or dresses, there’s a funny plot convenience that explains how prom just so happens to be the same night as Battle of the Bands and a PTA meeting. Therefore, those not dressed up can still fit right in.
This same plot device also helps explain why all the characters are at school at the same time. And not just in the same place, but also in the same time period. Characters from different seasons intermingle with each other due to the meddling of this show’s “Big Bad” — a so-called “time demon” named Chronos. This clever plot contrivance allows for multiple versions of the main characters to exist in the same room together, each from different seasons.
In the pantheon of iconic television, few shows have achieved the enduring legacy of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” The series redefined the genre of supernatural drama, blending horror, humor, and heart into a compelling narrative that still resonates with audiences today. At its core, the show follows the life of Buffy Summers, a seemingly ordinary high school girl who is actually the latest chosen by fate to battle the forces of darkness.
Unlike other parody shows based on popular movies or TV shows, this one is unique in that instead of being re-enactments of pre-existing episodes, it’s a brand-new script. Writer-director Michael Phillis of Pop Culture Immersives did something similar with his queer Batman show, “Pride In Gotham,” which took over The Hibernia Bank for an all-too-short run last year, as well as his musical “Sqream” parody at Oasis.
Sunnydale Prom is full of fresh fan-service, with an amalgamation of plot points and references from all 7 seasons of Buffy. And while it has its fair share of jokes and nostalgic nods, it still holds together, even if you’re unfamiliar or simply forgot the source material. After all, this show’s been off the air for over 20 years.
Full disclosure: I’ve never actually seen a full episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” All I knew going in were the basics: Buffy is “the chosen one” who can kill vampires, her friend Willow was one of the first lesbian characters on mainstream television, and Angel was the hot “good” vampire who got his own spin-off series after he and Buffy broke up. Oh yeah, and they did a musical episode once.
Fortunately, there are lots of reminders and recaps for the casual fan, so despite a lack of deep cut knowledge of the show, it’s still a blast following these characters and many more around the halls of Sunnydale High.
And for true Buffy fans, you’ll be elated to know there are even a couple songs from that infamous musical episode, “Once More, With Feeling.” Stick around for the after-party at “The Bronze,” the in-show nightclub, and you’ll catch vampire Spike — played by Misfit Cabaret’s Kat Robichaud in full drag king mode — belting out “Rest in Peace.”
Just like the actual TV show, “The Bronze” features a live band playing alt-rock hits from the 1990s and 2000s, with a set list designed to hit your nostalgia button. This is where the entire cast gathers at the end, intermingling with the audience after everyone has made their way through and “saved the school.”
This is also where the true finale of the show happens, when the huge cast finally comes together at the same time to join Buffy singing a song too current to have ever been in an episode, but is a fitting and inspired music choice nonetheless. It’s too good to spoil here, but safe to say, just like this entire production, it would be a worthy addition to the extended Buffyverse.
// Sunnydale Prom: a Buffy parody immersive experience plays at the San Francisco Mint through Sunday June 9. Readers of The Bold Italic can use promo code SLAYER to save $10 off tickets available here.
Adriana Roberts is a DJ and performer with her Bootie Mashup parties, as well as a writer and trans influencer.
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