URBAN DEATH: CLASSICS is the newest show from the infamous Zombie Joe and Jana Wimer. Best described as “a signature horror production that dives deep into the depths of inexplicable horrors, unfathomable monstrosities, and the disturbed spirits that walk among us” this show will leave you feeling confused, horrified, and maybe even changed for the better.
What I like about URBAN DEATH: CLASSICS is that it takes societal issues, especially those that some may deem too “sensitive” and brings it to the forefront of our viewing experience. These performance takes us on a journey through small vignettes where a story is told that deals with subject matter that is guaranteed to elicit a strong emotion. URBAN DEATH: CLASSICS is the third show I’ve seen from Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group and each time I leave a part of me becomes deeply affected and even changed by what I have experienced.
I think in today’s society, most people don’t want to have to deal with things that upset them or own up to the mistakes that they have made. To some, it’s easier to sweep these issues under the rug or push down the emotions in hopes that they don’t ever bubble to the surface. URBAN DEATH: CLASSICS does a great job of showcasing this in the rawest form by acting out what can happen when things are either dealt with or ignored. Whether it be a mother who is on her last nerve caring for a screaming baby, deep dark secrets of physical and sexual abuse within a family, homosexuality and the abuse these individuals may face, sex and drug addiction, hopelessness and loss. Though the subject matter may be dark and heavy at times, peppered throughout are moments of laughter that help ease the seriousness of some of the performances.
As always the theatrics are amazing and each person that comes out to perform is superb. This is a show that doesn’t need to rely on set design or fancy gimmicks to get it’s point across. Most of the actors are dressed in simple attire, and if not, they perform nude. Their faces are painted to resemble someone that is on the brink of a meltdown – picture dark purple raccoon eyes and ash white skin. In other words, they look like the walking dead, and due to theme of the show, they are pretty much on par with how someone would look in these situation. The simplicity of the show ends up working in its benefit because it allows the audiences the chance to not be distracted by their surroundings. You are forced to focus on what you are seeing in front of you as if you are watching a train crash and though you may want to look away you just can’t.
Overall, Zombie Joe’s URBAN DEATH: CLASSICS is not a show that you can’t be affected by. It takes the best of what the URBAN DEATH series has to offer and splices it together with new content to keep the show fresh and unique. Though at times I felt disheartened with what I was watching, it didn’t deter me from the experience of viewing everything; if anything it made me glad to know that I have such deep emotions. Though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this show for anyone under the age of 18, I would 100% recommend that everyone over that age go and see URBAN DEATH: CLASSICS or any of the URBAN DEATH series. It’ll move you, it’ll change you, and ultimately it’ll make you look at the world in a completely different way.
URBAN DEATH: CLASSICS has its final show this Friday, June 24th at 8:30pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at ZombieJoes.Tix.com or contact Zombie Joe at 818-202-4120.
- [Interview] Sean Konrad for MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS - November 29, 2023
- [Interview] Matt Shakman for MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS - November 28, 2023
- [Interview] Eli Roth for THANKSGIVING (2023) - November 16, 2023
