Terror Behind the Walls is returning to Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave., for 32 select nights from Sept. 20 to Nov. 9.
Last week, on Friday the 13th, the prison welcomed the media for a Halloween-themed tattoo flash event with True Hand, a Fishtown design studio.
The six attractions are Lock Down, Machine Shop, Blood Yard, Infirmary, Quarantine: 4D and Break Out. The prison promises new twists even for people who have been there before.
“It will be something new for everyone,” said Kenny Wittwer, an attraction area manager and member of the senior theatrical team.
Visitors will wind their way through the narrow cell blocks of the historic, nonprofit 10-acre prison, encountering zombie guards, a gruesome colony of cannibal warriors, maniacal surgeons and nurses and other fearsome inhabitants.
There is a cast of 200-plus costumed performers each night.
“We’re making the show more interactive than ever,” Wittwer said.
Tickets are available online or at the door. They start at $24 and vary by night.
Like in years past, visitors can decide to wear a glow necklace, which allows them to be pulled away from their group by the entertainers.
Kids ages 7-12 receive half-price admission before 7:30 p.m. on Sundays. Children under 7 will not be admitted.
Students of all ages receive half-price admission after 7:30 p.m. on Sundays with online purchases.
Groups of 20 or more can get discounted tickets with no service fees.
There are VIP options, too.
“It’s a fundraiser for the historic site,” Wittwer said.
Parking is available at the Philadelphia Zoo, at 35th Street and Girard Avenue. A shuttle will take visitors from the zoo to the prison and back.
The shows on Nov. 8 and 9 are in complete darkness, other than the light from a glowstick.
Call 215-309-4900 or go to TerrorBehindTheWalls.com. ••
