Review: Zombie Joe’s ‘Urban Death: Tour of Terror’ at ZJU Theatre Group

There’s something about stepping into complete darkness that forces your body to react before your mind does. That’s exactly what happens at “Urban Death: Tour of Terror,” created by Zombie Joe and Jana Wimer. This hybrid Halloween attraction blends a haunted maze with a live horror performance, offering an experience that’s as theatrical as it is terrifying.

Before you can sit down, you must make it through a pitch-black labyrinth armed with nothing but a weak flashlight, guided by your nerves and the screams of other patrons who entered before you. It’s an experience that immediately puts you on edge and sets the perfect tone for what follows inside the black box theatre.

Scene from "Urban Death: Tour of Terror" at ZJU Theatre Group

If you make it out of the maze alive, you enter an all-black room. As the audience takes their seats, a zombified violinist appears, playing off-key in distress until the lights fade to black. The show then begins with a series of short vignettes rooted in psychological horror. There’s no central storyline, just moments that explore fear, decay, desire and death.

What makes "Urban Death" stand out from other Halloween attractions is its use of nonverbal communication, nudity and raw physicality to disturb rather than simply startle. It’s not about jump scares; it’s about the feeling of unease that lingers long after you leave.

The actors deliver fearless, committed performances. Every movement and gesture feels intentional and unsettling. From zombies wandering through the crowd to a scene involving a mannequin that’s both eerie and absurd, the cast commits fully, and it shows. Their ability to maintain tension without speaking a single word is impressive and adds to the intensity of the experience. I also want to note that there were a handful of comical moments that landed very well.

Scene from "Urban Death: Tour of Terror" at ZJU Theatre Group

Visually, the show relies on minimalism. ZJU’s black box setup works perfectly for the intimate, claustrophobic atmosphere. A few props like a chair, a violin, and a mannequin are used sparingly, allowing lighting and sound to drive most of the tension. The lighting design is sharp and purposeful, with every flash and fade perfectly timed to keep the audience guessing. The soundscape adds another layer, creating an immersive and disorienting environment that builds anticipation without overwhelming the senses.

The pacing is tight. Each vignette lasts just long enough to make you squirm and leave you wanting more before transitioning into the next. Combined with the maze sequences before and after the show, "Urban Death" feels like a full-bodied experience that plays with your emotions and adrenaline at the same time.

Audience reactions ranged from nervous laughter to full-on screams. At one point, the entire audience collectively screamed during a “Bloody Mary” sequence, a highlight that perfectly captures the communal thrill of fear.

“Urban Death: Tour of Terror” isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s best suited for mature horror fans 18 and over who appreciate the art of discomfort and psychological tension. It’s raw, unpredictable and undeniably effective. Whether you come for the scares or the artistry, this show delivers a haunting night that sticks with you long after the lights come back on. If you’re looking for something bold, weird and genuinely terrifying this Halloween season, “Urban Death” is the place to be.

“Urban Death: Tour of Terror” continues through Nov. 1 at ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at various times. Tickets are $24 online or $28 at the door and can be purchased at ZombieJoes.com. Run time is 40 minutes.