PARADISO: Chapter 1, an Immersive Theatrical Escape Room Experience, Debuts Tomorrow in Midtown Manhattan

Brace yourself for PARADISO: Chapter 1, a fully-immersive psychological escape room attraction produced by Immersive Escape Productions, LLC, a partnership between acclaimed director and producer, Michael Counts ("The Walking Dead Experience," New York Philharmonic's "Philharmonic 360") and producer, Jennifer Worthington (former SVP of Jerry Bruckheimer Films). Located in Midtown Manhattan, PARADISO debuts this Wednesday, July 20.

A 20-year pioneer in immersive theater, Counts has been hailed a "mad genius" by the New York Times and "one of the most fertile imaginations working in New York Theater today" by Time Out New York. His trailblazing work with PARADISO has already been recognized by The New York Times, which noted, "Mr. Counts knows something about marrying digital wizardry to live performance, and art to entertainment.

The team behind PARADISO has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including "Hamilton," "Sleep No More," "Coyote Ugly" and "Queen of the Night." PARADISO introduces a new genre of entertainment, placing participants in a completely immersive psychological thriller, with 3D holographic projection technology, actors and custom visual effects.

The one-hour experience transports 10 participants to a world they must navigate together through a multilayered story which unfolds within a series of rooms, puzzles and interactions with performers. "The world we present is inspired by the classic story of the 'Divine Comedy,'" Counts said. "The epic tale of one man's journey through the Nine Circles of Hell to Purgatory and Paradise unfolds while also combining elements of the surreal and mysterious.

"PARADISO combines elements of immersive theater and special effects to deliver a transcendent and unprecedented storytelling experience," said Worthington, "Participants are transported; it's like being the star of your own action movie."

"We blur the lines between audience and actors; creating an emotional experience for participants, setting them on a thrilling journey into an authentic alternative reality," said Counts.

Showings of PARADISO: Chapter 1 are Wednesday through Sunday starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. The full schedule is available on the website, www.paradisoescape.com, along with tickets, which start at $40 per person. PARADISO is on Instagram @ParadisoEscape and Facebook at Facebook.com/ParadisoEscapeRoom.

PARADISO: Chapter 1 is a groundbreaking new project from Immersive Escape Productions LLC in partnership with former Senior Vice President of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Jennifer Worthington, and acclaimed director and designer, Michael Counts. Loosely based on Dante's "Divine Comedy," the one-hour experience transports 10 participants to a world they must navigate together. The attraction comes to life through a gripping, multilayered story which unfolds within a series of rooms, plots, puzzles and interactions with performers. PARADISO introduces a new genre of entertainment, combining elements of immersive theater and special effects to deliver a transcendent and unprecedented storytelling experience. PARADISO: Chapter 1 is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 38 West 32nd Street and is open Wednesday through Sunday. PARADISO is on Instagram @ParadisoEscape and Facebook at Facebook.com/ParadisoEscapeRoom.