Arts & Entertainment
‘Christian’ haunted house depicting Pulse massacre banned
‘The Room’ also planned to depict Charleston church shooting
The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)
A Chicago elementary school canceled plans to host a “Christian” haunted house for its advertised depiction of the Pulse Nightclub massacre this weekend.
The event, called The Room: A Journey to Hell, was scheduled to run at Fernwood Elementary School on Oct. 29 and 30.
“You will walk in 10 Rooms and encounter individuals who will make choices. The choice is life or death; sin or salvation; heaven or hell. The scenes will be action-packed, real and jaw-dropping,” the Eventbrite page advertises.
The haunted house also planned to recreate the 2015 Charleston church shooting and a botched abortion.
According to the Huffington Post, Tyrone Tappler Productions sought out volunteers on Facebook calling for “Club Pulse, Dancers, Victims, caged people/screamers, extras needed trying to escape a cage! Sounds interesting? Come out this Saturday!”
The post has since been deleted.
Chicago Public School officials say the event was canceled due to organizers’ misrepresentation of the event.
“The event organizers mischaracterized the true content of the event, and we did not approve any association with the activities the organizers have now advertised,” CPS spokesman Michael Passman told the Windy City Times. “The event will not be held on CPS property.”
Tappler tweeted on Saturday that the event had been canceled.
GM THE ROOM IS OFFICIALLY BANNED! As of Friday, 7:17pm. There will be no show TODAY OR Tomorrow! . Sorry for the inconvenience.
— Playwright Tyrone (@TyroneTappler) October 29, 2016
The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Photos
PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball
Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride
The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
D.C.-area productions honored at Theatre Washington’s annual ceremony
Theatre Washington’s 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception
PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
A magical Mercedes
When impunity meets history
Skipping Memorial Day crowds in Rehoboth Beach
GLAA’s 2026 primary election ratings show candidates agree on basics
Politicians, activists pay tribute to Barney Frank
What is queer food?
