Long Island's Haunted Playhouse Opens Sept. 27

BELLPORT, NY — The Gateway's Haunted Playhouse will run from Sept. 27 to Nov. 2 under the theme of a mad scientist turning the theater into the kingdom of Camelot.

Now in its 16th year, the haunt has been rated one of Buzzfeed’s Top 25 Haunted Houses Across America, one of America’s Best Haunted Attractions by Hauntworld Magazine, one of USA Today’s “Top Ten Haunted Houses in New York,” and was voted “Best Haunted House on Long Island” by News 12.

Every year has a different theme.

"In an experiment gone bad, beware the idealistic madman cast as Merlyn the magician," said Paul Allan, the playhouse's director. "He has become obsessed with turning the theater and all its inhabitants into the illustrious, legendary Kingdom of Camelot — only instead to create a twisted breeding ground of sorcerers and enchanters, where unpredictable creatures lurk in every corner."

Over 100 people from the theater's production departments — staff, a vast pool of professional actors, and core acting volunteers drawn directly from The Gateway School for the Performing Arts — are on hand every evening to ensure the smooth operation of Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse, as well as its bustling Midway, Allan said.

Every haunt night in the Midway, there is a Shooting Gallery, Coffin Ride, Boo-Tique, soft drinks and snacks, and Fear Garden, which offers beers on tap, and a selection of wines for guests 21 and older.

On select nights, there's also Billie Jean’s Grill food truck featuring Billie Burgers, Chicken Fingers, Hot Dogs, French Fries, Roasted Corn, Hot Pretzels, Pumpkin Cannoli, Apple Pie Egg Rolls, Churros, Deep-fried Oreos, and other comfort foods.

Tickets are $40 online and $50 at the door. Patrons are strongly recommended to purchase tickets online at FearLI.com in advance. Fast Passes are available for an additional charge.