Pirates Cave Origin is not just a gorgeous and detailed swashbuckling yard display, but also an eight-minute show to delight any Halloween fan. 

While waiting for the show to begin, guests can experience the beauty of the yard display. An animatronic skeleton waves a gun toward the participants as they wait in line. Another screaming skeleton on a pole is lit blood red, and yet another captains a ship from the top of the garage – a large skull with glowing eyes looms behind, ominously looking left and right. Behind some flaming wreckage is the centerpiece of the scene: a massive animatronic sea monster. Each piece feels cohesive, thematic, and builds a larger picture. And none of the pieces are just for show either; almost all have narrative importance. 

The live show for Pirates Cave Origin provides the backstory for the main characters. A group of pirates led by Calico Jack fall under a strange curse when they overtake and plunder a ship full of missionaries heading for a leper colony. Finding only silver and Bibles aboard the ship, they curse their fate and draw down God’s wrath, finding themselves suffering from leprosy while trapped aboard their ship. While trying to overthrow and murder their captain to break the curse, they crash the ship into some rocks.  Their spirits become trapped inside, to be released only when some unfortunate miners discover and open the ancient chest.  

Pirates Cave Origin is astounding in its cutting-edge use of technology, with dual screens often showing different videos in service of the story. Footage is often edited together from various pirate-themed shows and movies, as well as some custom footage of their own actors and team members as the miners who discover the chest. Utilizing DMX lights (intelligent and programmable stage-grade lighting) and two separate video screens, the display includes an eight-minute show that supplements the video with six live actors. This is more than just a yard display, it’s a full show with so much intention and hard work poured into it. 

But the show isn’t just video, the narration is acted out by a cast of pirates, appearing at climactic moments to act out or react to plot points while engaging with the audience. The six actors are incredibly passionate, high energy, and engaging. Of all the yard displays and shows we have attended, none have had quite so many actors and such incredible enthusiasm. The actors go through multiple costume changes – from pirates to miners to the undead.

Rounding out the technology and actors are the effects they use to further elevate the experience. The effects compliment the videos and plot-line for a holistic storytelling experience, and there was clearly a lot of intentionality and attention to detail around building this show. For example, one video screen faded out during a key moment to reveal a custom-built animatronic sea monster. All sorts of effects are used – from sounds to flashing lights to spraying water to air cannons aimed at participants’ feet – making the show feel dramatic and immersive, as if we really were lost at sea. 

The production team does a great job of observing social distancing and Covid safety procedures, something the Haunting staff always loves to see. Groups stand at intervals spaced six feet apart, and actors approach participants dramatically without getting within that six feet. There’s not a bad seat in the house, given how well the set is designed. With ten groups or so let in at a time, everyone has a front row seat to the action.  

Overall, Pirates Cave Origin is more than just a yard display – it’s a full show with a passionate crew of actors who are there to take you on a narrative journey through the origin story of the yard display’s recurring characters. Pirates Cave Origin has production value seldom scene in independent yard displays/shows, and a must-see if you’re in the area.  One of our favorites of the season, the show was a treat to attend, and the talented team demonstrated enthusiasm for their work in every moment. 

Find out more information about Pirates Cave on their website, Instagram, and Facebook page. Be sure to bookmark our Event Guide to keep up to date on Halloween and horror events throughout the year.