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THE DEATH OF RASPUTIN Is Your Newest Immersive Theater Obsession in NYC
Cashton Rehklau, Ginger Kearns, and Lucy York Stuever in the 2025 NYC production of THE DEATH OF RASPUTIN - Photo by Maria Baranova (1) Maria Baranova

Grandma, it’s meyour newest immersive theater obsession, The Death of Rasputin. If you’re an immersive theater nerd, an occult/witchy nerd, a history nerd, or just a lover of a cool story told in a fun, gorgeous way, NYC’s The Death of Rasputin is for you. This latest immersive theater offering invites you to dress yourself in the colors of darkness, cross the waters of the New York Harbor, and arrive in a world where history, loyalty, revolution, desire, betreyal, and romance all spin into a magical narrative that not only unfolds around you, but beckons you all the way in. The Death of Rasputin originally had a run that lasted only through May 31, but thanks to its great popularity and enthusiastic following, it’s now extended in NYC until June 15. So if you’ve been waiting for a sign from on high to get your tickets, consider this your invitation.

The Death of Rasputin‘s official description shares that the show “isn’t just an immersive performanceit’s a revolution,” and that it beckons you to “step into a world where history is suspended, loyalty is tested, and desire will save you.” That sounds like a worthy weekend adventure to us.

After all, as The Death of Rasputin‘s trailer asks, haven’t you been seeking something? Something intriguing, perhaps? Full of magic, maybe? An enthralling adventure that you can actively consume? Well, if you’re ready to hail all that is light, Rasputin can help you out.

The NYC show further tempts:

Whispers in the candlelight, shadows in the corridorsThe Death of Rasputin is no mere play; it is a descent into decadence, a fever-dream of power, prophecy, and betrayal. This debaucherous satire unfolds as a lavish, unholy revel, conjuring the espionage and mysticism that danced at the edges of the Romanov dynasty in its twilight hour. Here, every character claws for dominion, every ambition is laced with poison, and every grasp for power pulls them closer to the abyss. 

With history and legend entwined, and the specter of Rasputin looming large, this production dares to reclaim the grand spectacle of immersive performance, shattering the mold long held by the few. The revolution is here. The prophecy is written. Will you heed the call? 

It’s easy to write a compelling summary, but I promise you that The Death of Rasputin is every bit the mesmerizing and timely extravaganza that its description promises. You can expect drama, dancing, and cutting critiques, but also laughs, levity, and the exquisite adventure of building community. You’ll dally with royalty, plot with revolutionaries, and get to know a fantastical version of the mythos that survives the holy man/grifter/larger-than-life figure that is Rasputin. And none of it will come to life without your influence on the show, as it extends a hand to you and pulls you in so deeply you’ll forget you’re in NYC and instead feel the chilly kiss of Petrograd manifest around your shoulders.


Ginger Kearns, Jake Ryan Lozano, and Cashton Rehklau in the 2025 NYC production of THE DEATH OF RASPUTIN - Photo by Maria Baranova (1) Maria Baranova

The Death of Rasputin is truly like no other immersive performance that has come before it. It’s forging its own path and having an amazing time doing so, and you, too, can become part of the journey. And here, I’ll mention that if you’ve ever wanted to waltz in a royal ball, The Death of Rasputin WILL make that happen for you. (This was a dream of mine.)


Jake Ryan Lozano and Zina Zinchenko in the 2025 NYC production of THE DEATH OF RASPUTIN - Photo by Maria Baranova (1) Maria Baranova

For those seeking even more detail on what they can expect, The Death of Rasputin‘s official website explains, “Your fate awaits in 1916 Petrograd, Russiawhere war, scandal, and the occult collide. The opulent Romanovs cling to power. Enraged workers fight to survive. The philandering Rasputin captures the longing of all who suffer.  Befriend revolutionaries, scavenge the palace, and devour the narrative.  Stakes are high. Where will your allegiance lie?” It’s a tricky question, and one that you might find you need more than one performance’s worth of experience to answer. Not for nothing, but many who have attended The Death of Rasputin have returned to the adventure, again and again.


the death of rasputin nyc feature Artemis is Burning

Since at the time of this writing, it’s officially Pride month, I’ll also mention that The Death of Rasputin is an incredible queer performance, populated with many queer characters, and more importantly, an overall mentality that queerness is not only to be celebrated, but is the obvious norm for any character. And it’s no coincidence either that the show is summoned into existence by the sorceresses of Artemis is Burninga formidable, female-led creative force comprised of industry veterans from film, television, and theater. Truly, those creating the show respect and know their audiences, and want them to have the best time possible. In fact, I’ll note for those truly fandom-oriented among us, The Death of Rasputin is even holding a fanfic competition. So, you know it has taste.

The Death of Rasputin takes place at the LMCC’s Arts Center at NYC’s Governors Island. It currently will run through June 15, but if it does well, it could be extended through August. To help make this dream a reality, snag your passport to Petrograd today.

This article first appeared on Nerdist and was syndicated with permission.

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