Photo Flash: First Look at La Jolla Playhouse's THE GRIFT at the Lafayette Hotel

La Jolla Playhouse announces the latest presentation in its acclaimed Without Walls (WoW) series, THE GRIFT at the Lafayette Hotel, a world-premiere, immersive theatre piece, conceived, written and directed by Diabolical Muse's Tom Salamon, creator of the Playhouse's wildly-successful WoW production of Accomplice: San Diego. The show will run January 27 - February 22, 2015 at North Park's historic Lafayette Hotel.

THE GRIFT at the Lafayette Hotel takes audiences on a participatory journey through the extraordinary rooms and spaces of this expansive, 1940s-era landmark. They are introduced to Ben, who, under mysterious circumstances, lived his entire life at the hotel. Having found an unlikely mentor in a traveling con-man who was a frequent guest at the hotel, Ben's last wish is to enlist the audience's help to execute one final, giant swindle. Like the three-time-extended Accomplice: San Diego, this thrilling new show is part game, part drama as patrons learn the art of the con in a unique immersive theatrical experience.

"Our Without Walls presentations always take patrons to unexpected places for a theatrical experience unlike any other," said Artistic Director Christopher Ashley. "Tom Salamon follows up his inventive Accomplice with this interactive, noir-inspired piece that brings audiences to yet another new location - the celebrated Lafayette Hotel - where they become part of the action in an entertaining, clue-solving group adventure."

Performances run at the Lafayette Hotel at 2223 El Cajon Blvd on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm; Fridays at 6:00pm and 8:30pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:30pm. The experience includes some walking with a few stairs. Patrons are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. A beverage and light bites are included. Each performance accommodates 50 audience members. Group sales are available.

Tickets for THE GRIFT at the Lafayette Hotel range from $35 - $45 and will be available through the Playhouse Patron Services Department at (858) 550-1010 or online at LaJollaPlayhouse.org beginning Sunday, December 7.

Photos by Jim Carmody

Scott Nickley & Audience

Dana Lau & Audience

Lucas Coleman & Audience

Audience