Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are taking the first-ever official Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) theatrical experience to New York.
The interactive theatrical production, titled Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern, opens on 5 May at Stage 42 in New York City.
The show is the result of a partnership between Hasbro, its Wizards of the Coast division, experiential entertainment company Curious Hedgehog, and Showpath Entertainment – the stage production division of the Path Entertainment Group.
Per a press release, D&D is the world’s most popular tabletop roleplaying game (RPG). The brand is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The Twenty-Sided Tavern
“As passionate gamers and D&D players, the partners at Curious Hedgehog set off on a quest to redefine what a live interactive experience can be,” said Curious Hedgehog’s David Carpenter.
“What started as a D&D-style RPG onstage with folding tables and a box of props has grown beyond our wildest imagination.”
During The Twenty-Sided Tavern, viewers will take an active role and influence key decisions through Gamiotics, a browser-based software that lets users vote on where the story will go, what characters will appear, and which experiences to explore.
The experience features a cast of five actors but more than 30 playable characters. Audience members will enjoy a fantasy world set in the Forgotten Realms, facing riddles, puzzles, combat, and more.
Guests can also join the cast onstage for games including trivia, charades and ‘Fantasy Beer Pong’. No two shows will be the same.
D&D’s 50th anniversary
“From day one we forged a deep connection with gamers and non-gamers alike by bringing them a whole new type of experience by fans for fans,” Carpenter added.
“When David Hutchinson at Showpath and the Hasbro team approached us about this collaboration, it was a perfect match.
“Together we are taking experiential entertainment to the next level.”
Casting is currently underway for the production. Actors will a background in improv and a deep understanding of fantasy and D&D can submit their portfolios here.
Previews begin on 19 April and the adventure officially arrives on 5 May. Plans for a tour of the US are already underway.
Images courtesy of Hasbro
