Click on photos for more info.

 

Investigation:
The Warner Theater, Torrington Connecticut.

Dates:
August 25, 2008, September 29, 2008

Investigators:
Jeffrey J. Messenger, Director.
Cassandra B. Messenger, Investigator.
Jonathan M. Messenger, Investigator.
Scott Messenger, Investigator
Dan Murzin, Investigator
Deb Rosiello, Investigator

Other Participants:
Steve Criss, Warner Theater Marketing Director
Lynn Gelormino, Warner Theater Grants Coordinator
Waterbury Republican-American Reporter, Brynn Mandel
Waterbury Republican American Photographer, Steven Valenti
Channel 30 News Crew

Equipment Used:
3 Sony Hi-8 Camcorders, with peripheral Infrared Illumination
2 Digital still cameras
1 Digital Recorder, with boundary microphone peripheral
1 Electromagnetic Field Gauss Meter
 

SPI Investigation Case Ranking: C-

Claims Investigated:

The grand palace style theater is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a man nicknamed “Murphy” or “Murph.”

Theater staff members have had a variety of experiences. One woman experienced the sighting of a full form manifestation of a man in tattered clothing, who eventually faded from view. Other staff members (and family members of staff members) have heard voices or whispers in the empty theater. Those involved in various productions have witnessed the shadowy form of an unidentified visitor in the balcony, as they rehearsed their production numbers. One story involves the manipulation of the theater lighting system, inexplicably turning off by itself.

SPI Observations and Conclusions:

News Video available on page: "SPI Videos!"

Investigators experienced potential paranormal phenomena this evening, although it is impossible to be certain.

Investigators Jonathan Messenger and Cassandra Messenger witnessed their flashlights switching on by themselves, while being held in hand or placed in their pockets. Investigator Jeffrey Messenger felt a small pull on the still digital camera he held. He turned around only to see an empty space.

As the rest of the crew surveyed the back stage area, Cassandra Messenger called for Jeff to come back into the main theater. On the camcorder screen, she witnessed a large, oval light anomaly slowly descending and exiting from the field of view. Upon subsequent review of this Hi-8 footage, Jeff noted a few characteristics that differentiate this anomaly from similar anomalies filmed in past years. The size of this would be “orb” or “globule” was much larger than all others he had filmed. The movement of the globule was slow… one could even say “hesitant.” For a split second, the globule even seems to pause. There is a subtle fluctuation or pulsation one can see with the globule, possibly indicating the emission of some unknown energy (click on photo above).

Jeff has determined that an insect near the lens did not cause this anomaly. Wing formation or movement is not detected. Nor was this anomaly a refraction orb, caused by an exterior light source. No one in the theater was in front of the camera at the time, holding flashlights or shining other light sources. There are a few stationary refraction orbs on the left side of the footage, caused by light shining in from the main lobby. These refraction circles neither move nor pulsate. Dust or small debris in the air would not appear as large, move as slow, or pulsate. SPI has no naturalistic explanation for this videotaped anomaly at this time.

Later in the evening, investigator Cassandra Messenger briefly witnessed a white mass emerge from a wall, before quickly withdrawing from view.

Still photographs failed to yield any compelling evidence. Small orb anomalies were captured, but they are probably caused by particles or dust in the air.
Audio recordings failed to capture any untraceable voices or whispers.
Electromagnetic field measurements indicated a steady and normal EMF output. No anomalous spikes were noted.

SPI believes that this theater does host some paranormal phenomena, but cannot proclaim this with absolute certainty. An underground water flow may help “fuel” this haunt, if modern theories regarding paranormal activity hold true. It is uncertain if a sentient entity is haunting this theater, or if it’s the residual energy left behind by generations of workers, performers, and audiences.

There are no indications of negative or fear inducing activity occurring here. Further investigations are recommended, to be conducted on a casual basis.

September 29 update: Joined by a crew from Channel 30- WVIT News, SPI returned to the Warner with hopes of catching further evidence. Investigators Dan Murzin, Scott Messenger, and Deb Rosiello joined on this outing, along with Steve Criss and Lynn Gelormino from the Warner Theater Staff. Non-conclusive orbs were both filmed and photographed, but nothing as unique as the large anomaly filmed one month prior.

Deb Rosiello reported her psychic impressions while in the theater. She believes that the theater hosts much ambient energy, with both male and female entities either present or in visitation.

While sitting in the Balcony, investigators Jeff Messenger, Scott Messenger, and Dan Murzin noted some odd, rhythmic vibration or tapping coming up through the seats. Steve Criss confirmed that traffic from nearby East Main Street doesn't cause any vibrations within the theater.

One experiment involved the playing of Andrew Lloyd Webber music on the stage. It was reported that a shadowy figure would watch production rehearsals from the balcony, so it was suspected that the music may pique the curiosity of a sentient spirit. Nothing unusual happened.

SPI thanks the courteous folk of the Warner Theater for the opportunity to investigate their grand palace. The stunning architecture and beauty of this theater are a wonder to behold. All who visit or live in the state of Connecticut owe it to themselves to visit this grand theater.