The Peculiar Portal

The Peculiar Portal is an immersive theater experience with light escape room style puzzles and locks. We enjoyed role-playing with the several actors and witnessing a magical story unfold about 2 siblings and the power of imagination. Interacting with the actors is a big part of the experience. You get more the more you put in. The actors are good at encouraging and fostering audience members to participate and talk to them. If you’re mostly looking for traditional escape room puzzles, this likely won’t fulfill your expectations. The puzzles are sparse and easy, as well as mostly guided by the actors in the room with you. I did love how the final puzzles played out! Sadly, this experience might not exist by the time you read this. It was a limited engagement and we caught it in its final weeks. That said, the company may bring it back or create new experiences in its place. Also note that these are public bookings, and if there aren’t at least 3 people minimum at a time slot, the show is cancelled and you are refunded. There are family-friendly versions early on in the weekends, but I’m not sure how it would be different from the Rated G-friendly show we experienced. Also you get a free cocktail with your ticket! I recommend Hidden Wonders Immersive not because it’s better than the theatrical escape rooms you might find in LA, but because it’s possibly one of the only places that’s even attempting this niche in the Chicago area, and doing it well! I had a grand time, and I look forward to seeing what they imagine next! We all just have to believe!