RECAP:  A whispered, fear-instilling announcement welcomes you into, “The place where evil lives,” as fast-crawling troglodytes roam dark, cave-like passages, and disfigured, knife-wielding “nurses” unleash slithering attacks from elevated platforms to the accompaniment of sounding horns in a scene reminiscent of the 2006 movie “Silent Hill!” Lightlessness escorts progression beyond a pumpkin-headed “Kurbis” creature that’s been hanged from a cross, then past body bags, and into an imprisoned area where a young girl pleas for help from within a caged jail cell. Attempting to free her unleashes the wrath of “The Bagger,” who jumps out of hiding slamming a bloody meat cleaver on neighboring walls briefly trapping those trying to lend assistance. Escape leads directly into the clutches of the illuminated, growling “Nightclaw,” who leaps into contention from behind barrels of toxic waste, while pounding a large knife-like weapon loudly up against surrounding barriers.  Next, a path-blocking run-in with an alien being gives way to a hidden passage that winds its way through more light-limited corridors and additional confrontations in advance of a frightening encounter with an enraged, pig-faced foe blasting sparks to inhibit advancement.

Decapitated heads hang from above as a mechanical, medieval axe comes crashing down looking to behead another victim, and add to the murderous collection of detached craniums!  The maze then comes face-to-face with the skeletal remains of some departed soul extending rattling, shaking skulls from both arms pointing the way into a honking, brightly-lit startle, and onto a 7-foot, winged “Nightmare” monstrosity protecting entrance into a morgue of body vaults, that finds a mirror displaying the warning, “We see you!” written in blood, and where a diabolical nurse herds scare-seekers in an autopsy room entrapment for an unexpected, projection screen surprise!

Other scenes include a spooky funeral parlor, a circus of clowns, a fenced zombie invasion, numerous drop panel infringements, and a possessed, Exorcist-like girl tossing, turning, and writhing all over her bed!  

Still to come is an ostensibly innocent invitation from a small child to play a game which results in the treacherous emergence of a top-hat wearing “Puppet Master” awakening from a stooped position to rise up 8 feet tall asserting, “It’s time to string you all up!” as he laughs wickedly while denying access to the one and only exit from Distracted Haunted House!

ANALYSIS:  Distracted aptly lives up to its name by repeatedly focusing attention in one direction, then unleashing unseen assaults from another. Stilted assailants “Nightmare” and “Puppet Master” deliver memorable scares.  “Bagger,” crawlers, and platform characters are unforgettable as well, and possessed girl provides the most animated encounter of the night while remaining completely dedicated to her performance!  Cast as a whole is energetic throughout, and does a fantastic job creating threatening encounters by displaying their various weapons, and making a lot of noise with them by loudly striking them on walls, props, etc.  Costuming is good too.

Organ that begins playing on its own upon entrance into the funeral scene is tremendously appreciated!  Surprises are well-timed.  Soundtrack and lighting are complimentary.  Entrapments are well executed, and the use of sparks legitimize the experience.  Attraction is a bit on the short side from a duration perspective, but this is their first year at this new location, and expansion is anticipated next season. Some small-scale animatronics, actortronics, shock skins, etc. would fit right in here and serve to boost the score.

Price of admission is a bit steep, but kindly includes free hot chocolate and marshmallows upon exiting alongside a cozy fire for toasting!  This is a really nice touch not seen elsewhere, and provides an environment they call The Recovery Zone where folks can share their experiences about the haunt!

To their credit, social distancing is encouraged from start to finish, and customer’s temperatures are checked upon arrival with a contactless thermometer as precautionary measures against Covid-19.

This was OVH's first visit to DHH and we certainly liked what we saw!  They've created a solid foundation upon which to continue building and improving upon, and the event is staffed by a talented acting crew.  If you’re in the Bowling Green area, celebrate some festively seasonal Halloween entertainment at “Distracted!”   And be sure to toast a few marshmallows and warm up with a refreshing cup of hot chocolate before you leave!