Local singing sisters bring Salem’s dark history to life with Halloween event
Published at
IDAHO FALLS — Just in time for Halloween, an upcoming event in Idaho Falls will take audiences back more than 300 years to one of colonial America’s darkest chapters.
The Salem Witch Trials Speakeasy takes place Friday, Oct. 30, at The DEC, 480 Park Avenue, offering an evening of historical storytelling, live music and themed drinks.
Sisters Ali Wilde and Christina Stutzman are organizing and performing at the event. Many may remember them as Top 10 finalists on America’s Got Talent in 2010. Their sister-in-law, Kaylee Wilde, is also helping organize the event.
RELATED | Idaho Falls sisters to compete on national TV game show ‘Lingo’
RELATED | America’s Got Talent finalists to perform with other local vocalists Monday
“We got the idea after attending a speakeasy at the venue on serial killers,” Wilde told EastIdahoNews.com. “So, we thought, ‘What if we do something fun for the community and use our talent to do one on witches for Halloween?'”
The event combines history with theatrical performances as four women portraying individuals accused of witchcraft take the stage to share their stories of fear, suspicion and persecution during the Salem witch trials of 1692.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, the Salem witch trials took place in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693, more than 80 years before the United States declared its independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Widespread fear and superstition led to accusations of witchcraft against around 200 people. Nineteen people were hanged, one man was pressed to death with heavy stones, and several others died in jail. The trials remain one of the most infamous examples of mass hysteria and injustice in early American history.
The event is intended to offer a blend of historical education, theatrical entertainment and Halloween atmosphere.
Rather than focusing on the familiar Halloween images of witches, broomsticks and spells, organizers say the speakeasy is designed to introduce audiences to the real people and tragic events behind the witch trials.
“We got creative and really went down the rabbit hole and did a lot of research on this to get true stories and voices from different perspectives,” Wilde said.
Throughout the evening, performers will share the stories of four individuals connected to the trials, bringing their experiences to life through dramatic, in-character storytelling.
Between performances, guests can enjoy live music and themed cocktails or mocktails, which are included with admission.
Costumes are encouraged but not required, and guests are welcome to dress as witches or warlocks to embrace the spirit of the evening.
Three performances are scheduled for 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Oct. 30.
“If this is something the community embraces, we may make it an annual event,” Wilde said.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite.