Theatre Review: The Rabbit Hole Brings Immersive Theatre to Rocky Point

The Rabbit Hole Brings Immersive Theatre to Rocky Point 

The Rabbit Hole, founded by CEO and Artistic Director Dina Mondello, is an immersive theatre specializing in original shows. Located in Rocky Point, their latest production is “Campfire Stories,” a world premiere play written by Dina Mondello, Nicholas Auletti, and Chris Curley. This show features an original score by Dina Mondello, a Julliard-trained classical pianist. 

Campfire story photo Nicholas Auletti and Peter KonsevitchThe plot of “Campfire Stories” revolves around two couples hiking to Crystal Brook Camp. After settling into the campground, they decide to regale each other with terrifying campfire stories. In a traditional theatrical setting, the audience is separated from the actors and the action by a stage, creating a “fourth wall.” Immersive theatre removes the stage, breaking the fourth wall, thus allowing the audience to become “immersed” or deeply involved in the performance.

The Rabbit Hole black box theatre is an intimate space; therefore, the audience witnesses the action up close and personal. Kevin Shea’s innovative outdoorsy set design utilizes every square inch of the theater. The authentic set dress design by Stephen Ness made the audience feel like they were part of the camping adventure. Lanterns light the way, and logs and tents are strategically arranged throughout the theatre. Most importantly, there is the requisite campfire. 

The first act introduces the two couples, one married and one dating. Poppy, a soft-spoken, reserved woman, is married to Eoin, an arrogant and aggressive man. Bruce is a down-to-earth guy hellbent on winning over Szymon, a woman unwilling to let him into her world.

Peter Konsevitch gave a powerful performance as Bruce. Konsevitch has a memorizing stage presence, demonstrating his strong comedic and dramatic acting skills throughout the show. Bruce is the first to share a horror story, and his is entitled “Eye to Eye, a shocking tale about a psychopath, sticky notes, and glass eyes. 

The second campfire story is Poppy’s story, “Parental Discretion Advised.” Julia Durfee’s nuanced performance as Poppy held the audience spellbound as she reiterated the haunting tale of two Stony Brook University friends, a Ouija board, and a demonic possession.

Act II opens with Eion’s story, “I Work Alone.” Nicolas Auletti gave an award-worthy performance as he enacted the riveting narrative about an overworked, stressed-out house painter contending with bad cell service, a nervous wife, and a shell-shocked Viet Nam vet. 

Campfire Story photo Peter Konsevitch and Cassie Beauchamp.The show closes with Szymon’s story, “Desperation,” a heartrending saga about a terminally ill child, a worried mother, and a holistic healer from hell. Cassie Beaucamp delivered a compelling performance as  Szymon, a tormented and troubled mother. Beaucamp’s facial expressions and body language spoke volumes, and her anguished screams sent chills down my spine.

Victoria Shure-Muthig, like most of the other actors in the play, took on several roles and aced all of them. 

“Campfire Stories” is a well-crafted, 90-minute, two-act play directed by Dina Mondello. During intermission, the audience is encouraged to walk around the “campground” and explore the theatrical space. After the show, they can vote for the most frightening story, with the results posted on Rabbit Hole’s Facebook page: The Rabbit Hole L.I., or Instagram:@therabbitholeny.

Content Warning: “Campfire Stories” might be scary for those under 16. The show contains strong language and dark content and is unsuitable for children under 12. 

Edgy, bold, and provocative, the Rabbit Hole is a creative gift to Long Island’s theatrical community. 

To purchase tickets, visit their website at: https://www.entertherabbithole-li.com/. The show runs through Sunday, July 23. Seating is limited, and many shows have sold out, so drop everything and order tickets now! The Rabbit Hole is located upstairs at 77A NY-25A, Rocky Point, NY 11778.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.