Theatre Obscura L.A.

Theatre Obscura LA is a new venture founded by Paul Millet that features theatrical productions in unconventional spaces with zero visual elements. The audience will be seated in low light and blindfolded as each play unfolds around them creating a complete immersive experience that relies on the non-visual senses and the audience’s imagination to tell the story.

The Inaugural Production

Experience Edgar Allan Poe in total darkness. LA’s newest immersive theatrical experience: blindfolded in a dark space, buried by sound,
as the unseen becomes unforgettable.

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart

Adapted by Paul Millet
Directed by Gabrieal Griego

A scream in the night has summoned the police. But the murderer has nothing to worry about. Or does he? The terrifying heartbeat will reveal all.

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Pit & The Pendulum

Adapted and Directed by Paul Millet

Locked in a pitch black dungeon. Strapped to a wooden rack. Rats as my only companions. But the true terror lies above…
slicing through the air and getting closer with each swing.

When?

March 20 – April 12, 2026 | Limited engagement!

Friday – Sunday, March 20-22
Friday – Sunday, March 27–29
Friday – Sunday, April 3-5
Friday – Sunday, April 10-12

All performances will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $60

Where?

The Count’s Den
1039 S Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015

The Creatives

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart

Eric Keitel as Edward

Eric is thrilled to be reprising his role as Edward in this reimagined production, first with Wicked Lit, and now Theatre Obscura. A magna cum laude Theatre graduate of the Ohio State University, Eric has performed across the US and the globe, from "The Bacchae" in Scotland, to "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic, to dancing in an award winning “band” in Europe’s largest street party, Notting Hill Carnival. Eric is frequently seen on LA stages, having performed in several dozen classic and contemporary plays, including a large number of site-specific shows like Wicked Lit, History Lit, Mystery Lit (Unbound Productions) and The Manor (Theatre 40). Other theatre favorites: "Right", "The Wisdom of Eve", "Villainy ~ Or ~ H.H. Holmes’ Own Story", "Martians" (Whitefire Theatre), "Power & Light" (Theatre 40), "Fugue" (Echo Theatre Co). Eric also works in tv (Franklin & Bash), film (Agent, Patriots), and video games (Throne and Liberty, Mr Love: Queen’s Choice). He is a vegan activist, a classically trained singer, and a freelance photographer and is proud to have shot the inaugural photos for Theatre Obscura! Find him on Insta: @whoiserickeitel and @erickeitelphotography.

Andrew Thacher as Dupin

Andrew left New York for LA in 2005 to pursue on-camera opportunities, but theater remains his first acting love. He is grateful to Paul, once again, for the gig. They most recently collaborated to bring Andrew’s long-gestating solo performance of Richard Bach’s novella “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” to the stage (jlsasoloflight.com) in LA and elsewhere. Andrew regularly narrates audio descriptions for television and film. As always, endless gratitude to Kelly for her love and support.

Andrew Villarreal as Auguste

Andrew played the titular role in "Stefan the Vampire" (2023), winner of Best Student Short Film at the LA Indie Short Fest. He also starred as Phelix Deveraux in "Artificial Flowers" (2023), awarded Best Experimental Feature at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival. Stage credits include Steve Grabowsky’s "Light in a Beauty Dark" (Hudson Theatre, 2022) and the Maverick Theatre’s annually sold‑out favorite "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" (2025), where he appeared as Voldar. Deep thanks to Gabrieal and Paul for the opportunity to create, and to the entire cast and production team for their collaboration.

Gabrieal Griego - Director

Gabby is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in directing, writing, producing, projection design, and puppetry. Gabrieal’s work spans stage, screen, and immersive experiences on both the east and west coasts. She would like to give a huge shout out of gratitude to Paul Millet for this opportunity, and to the entire cast for their depth of spirit, talent and grace as we navigate this most unique process. Big thanks to the wonderful people at The Count’s Den for their support. And to her twin flame, Joseph ‘Sloe’ Slawinski, all the love for all the things… and also for the killer sound design!

Joseph “Sloe” Slawinski - Sound Designer

Sloe is a multi-award-winning sound designer and composer whose work spans theatre, film, and live performance. He is an Ovation Award–winning sound designer, with additional Ovation nominations recognizing excellence in theatrical sound design. In 2025, he also received the BroadwayWorld Award for Best Sound Design 2024 (Off-Broadway). His theatrical credits include God Looked Away starring Judith Light and Al Pacino, Redemption of a Dogg with Snoop Dogg, and hundreds of productions across Los Angeles, New York, and regional theatres nationwide. His work is known for its immersive, story-driven approach and for using sound as an active narrative force rather than background support. A veteran of the United States Navy, Sloe’s approach to sound is informed by training in tactical, strategic, and mission-critical audio environments, where clarity, timing, and psychological impact are essential. That foundation carries into his design work, where sound is deployed deliberately to shape audience perception, tension, and emotional response. He has served as a resident sound designer for institutions including the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (Los Angeles) and Theatre Forty in Beverly Hills, and continues to collaborate with artists and organizations seeking precise, intentional, and innovative sound design.

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Pit & The Pendulum

Joe Camareno as The Recusant

Joe Camareno is a native of Los Angeles. He is a multi-award-winning producer, writer, director, producing partner, and co-owner of Brodiaea Pictures; previously with Celtino Entertainment Group (CEG). Joe was nominated for a 2019 Imagen Award in the Best Actor category for "Tin Holiday", alongside Antonio Banderas, Andy Garcia, and Anthony Ramos. As an actor, Joe has a career spanning over 30 years in front of the camera, having performed in more than 500 TV commercials and radio spots. He has guest-starred on many hit television shows like SWAT, The Shield, and Grey's Anatomy. Film roles include Alone Time, Expired, Tin Holiday, and Edith & Harvey. His latest directed feature film, Tin Holiday, garnered multiple nominations and won Best Director, Best Comedy, and Best Story awards worldwide. Tin secured distribution with Here Media for on-demand showing on their Here TV network and for streaming on AppleTV, GooglePlay, Amazon Prime, and VUDU. Joe's latest venture is a big-screen adaptation of John Mulhall's psychological thriller novel, Dark and Broken Things, which he is set to direct. He is proud to be part of Theatre Obscura's inaugural production.

Melissa Lugo as The Recusant

Melissa is absolutely thrilled to be performing with the cast and production team of Theatre Obscura 2026! She has worked with Mr. Millet in a number of shows with Unbound Productions including "Wicked Lit: Las Lloronas" and "History Lit: The Girl Who Owned a Bear". Most recently, Melissa wrote and stared in her solo show, FOR YOU, which she was honored to have Paul Millet direct. She performed at Hollywood Fringe 2024, Thirty Minutes or Less Fest 2025 and Solofest 2024 & 2025. FOR YOU was also performed at the annual Los Angeles Women’s Theater Festival in 2025. Melissa’s latest performance was with the "Roots and Wings Project: Luminous Streets" in which she performed and wrote one of five short stories. She is a current member at Theatre 40 and Group Rep taking the stage last year in GRT’s production of "Network" and "Motel 66". More info can be found at melissalugo.com