“You know, if you like spooky stuff, you should really check out Abandon!”
That’s what an acquaintance said to me earlier this year during a content creator event in California. I had never heard of Abandon, but I was sufficiently intrigued to start following the show on social media and wait patiently for the next round of available dates to be announced.
It wasn’t until a month-ish later that the anticipated dates and tickets were finally released. Excitedly, I scoured my calendar and planned a short trip to Las Vegas to attend Abandon’s opening weekend. And Wow! I am SO GLAD that I did! Filled with gory imagery and boundary-pushing visuals, Abandon is so much better than I could have ever imagined.
In addition to broaching several seemingly forbidden topics and subjects, Abandon manages to do everything in this incredibly artful and even beautiful way. The performers, the lighting, the set pieces, and the effects work together to create masterful images that you won’t soon forget. I simply cannot wait to tell you more about my Abandon experience. Thank you, Vegas Theatre Company, for having us out!
*Please note: There are NO spoilers for Abandon in this article!*
About Vegas Theatre Company
Abandon takes place at the Vegas Theatre Company, a unique live performance space in the Arts District of the city. With an immersive lobby, stocked bar, and 80-seat black box performance area; Vegas Theatre Company is also currently the home of CLUElesque, a more lighthearted burlesque parody. Find out more about Vegas Theatre Company and their upcoming productions at www.theatre.vegas or you can follow them on Instagram for all the latest updates!
Abandon
A simultaneously terrifying and tantalizing journey through realm of the Marquis de Sade, Abandon explores some of the most sadistic, depraved, twisted and erotic tendencies of the human mind. Starting with an immersive and interactive pre-show, a night at Abandon will challenge your comfort zone and open your mind. Let’s take a look at what you can expect during an evening with Abandon!
*Please note: As you’ve probably already guessed, Abandon contains lots of adult material including disturbing themes, sexual content, nudity, graphic violence, scenes of assault, and more.
Viewer discretion is advised.*
Abandon Pre-Show
Starting 30 minutes before showtime, Abandon attendees are invited to an immersive pre-show within the Marquis’ Bordello! Featuring roaming characters and lots of engaging, personalized interactions; Bordello guests are presented with a “menu” of experiences including confinement in handcuffs or other restraints, foot worship, or even being “forced” to wear a blindfold. I chose the Leash and Collar option and was led around the room for a few minutes and introduced as a “pet” before being released.
Between menu items, guests can mingle with the performers, ask lots of questions, and watch other audience members participate in the fun. Because of the subject matter, I do want to stress that the entire pre-show upholds a very respectful and friendly vibe. I was never forced to do anything I didn’t want to do, and the actors maintained their own boundaries as well. So, please know that the Marquis’ Bordello is a safe place to stretch even just slightly out of your comfort zone!
Here’s a taste of what you can experience in the Marquis’ Bordello:
It’s Showtime!
After the Bordello has closed, attendees are welcomed into a forbidding black box theater where they will encounter the Marquis himself. Abandon is a 65-minute, fast-paced production. Told in a series of short, wordless vignettes; Abandon follows the Marquis de Sade and his fellow prisoners as they are tortured, beaten, teased, and harassed. Some scenes are comical; some are gory and disgusting; some are sexual; and some are just outright terrifying.
But amid the glorious chaos and bloody scenery, these vignettes are weaving together torturous tales of post-partum depression, violent revenge, prisoner abuse, and more. Abandon boldy and beautifully faces topics and imagery that make most people squirm, resulting in an absolutely unforgettable experience.
Freaky Thoughts: Abandon
OMG!!!!! I absolutely, totally, completely ADORED this show! With its innovative storytelling style, striking imagery, and wordless characters; Abandon is a truly exceptional theatrical experience. The combination of the immersive pre-show and stunning stage production create a spectacular narrative that will chill your soul long after leaving the theater. As a seasoned horror fan, there were STILL images and scenes that truly and deeply disturbed me to my very core. And I loved it! I am already hoping find a time to return to Vegas to see this show again.
If you enjoy dark stories, transgressive theater, or spooky themes; DO NOT MISS Abandon!
Know Before You Go
- Abandon features a thirty minute pre-show that takes place before the time listed on your ticket. Make sure to arrive early to enjoy the experience.
- While there is plenty of available street parking around the theater, please make sure to leave extra time to find a suitable space.
- Abandon features lots of extreme material and disturbing imagery. Viewer discretion is advised.
- Follow Abandon on Instagram for all the latest show updates!
