Back in my L.A. days, I covered the first John Wick. I sat down with Keanu Reeves and the filmmakers, and they were proud of what they'd made: a stylish, slick, fiercely choreographed little revenge flick about a retired hitman and a very dead puppy. What they did not seem to know, and I say this with affection, was that they were sitting on a franchise. Nobody in that room was thinking sequels, spin-offs, or a world with its own gold coins and hotel bylaws. Looking back, it's one of my favorite "we had no idea" moments of my career, right up there with every band that ever told me their debut was "just a demo."
Fast-forward to my current life as an entertainment reporter in Vegas, where I covered the opening of The John Wick Experience at AREA15. Watching it flourish here has been a treat. The franchise that started as a sleeper hit now has a permanent address in the desert, and on Friday, October 23, that address throws a party.
by Staci Layne Wilson
The Masquerade, explained
The John Wick Las Vegas Continental is hosting The Masquerade, a one-night Halloween affair where masks are required, identities are concealed, and the vibe is "someone here probably has a contract on someone else." Per the invitation, you never know who's watching, or who's behind the mask. Spooky? Yes. Perfect for October? Also yes.
When: Friday, October 23, 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Where: The John Wick Las Vegas Continental at AREA15
Dress code: Black tie and a masquerade mask
What's on the menu: Guests can drift between the Continental Bar and the Unseen Bar, where you'll find:
• Specialty cocktails
• A live DJ
• Magicians
• An airbrush tattoo artist
Dress to kill (figuratively, please)
If you show up dressed to command the room, you can enter the Best Masquerade Ensemble Contest, with first- and second-place winners named. Translation: this is your chance to wear the tailored suit you've been saving for a funeral, a wedding, or a hostile takeover. Add a mask and you're set.
Pick your ticket
Tickets went live yesterday, October 2 johnwickexperience.com.
My two cents: if you've never done the Experience, the middle tier is the sweet spot. You step into the world of contracts and consequences first, then walk straight into the party already in the mood. The VIP tier is for anyone who has always wanted a drink with the Manager, which, let's be honest, is most of us.
Security notes (this is a Continental, after all)
Everyone will go through ID verification and have a photo taken without their mask at check-in, and there will be metal detectors on site. It's all in the name of keeping the evening safe, and it also happens to be wonderfully on theme. Pack light, bring your ID, and leave the pencils at home.
The bottom line
A franchise I watched get started when nobody realized what it would become now has a home in Vegas and throws a black-tie masquerade with magicians, cocktails, and a mask-optional-except-it's-not-optional dress code. One night only, October 23.
Tickets and details: johnwickexperience.com