To say that Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre is important to the theatre and immersive community in Los Angeles is a gross understatement. They continue to create renegade productions that test the boundaries of the stage, endurance, and the trust they have in their audience to follow them along on their journeys. Their latest production, DARK DARK RIDE RIDE, however, breaks new ground for this already inventive and fearless theatre company.

The show is really not much to look at from the outside. Then again nothing at Zombie Joe’s is. The beige stucco storefront looks innocent enough. Of course, the black letters that plainly state “Z.J.U.” above the door still don’t offer much in terms of what to expect. But buckle up.

DARK DARK RIDE RIDE is a very unique production. Each show lasts approximately 15 minutes and is staged for only 2 audience members at a time. As you can imagine, this kills capacity and makes the tickets impossible to get and all the more desirable.

So what is the show? I am loath to give anything away but I will describe the best that I can. Imagine stumbling upon an abandoned carnival. An effusive, slightly creepy carnival barker calls you over to the facade of one of those really, really tacky dark rides that promise unimaginable terrors. You climb the metal staircase up to the load platform and plop down into an uncomfortably snug ride vehicle. One press of the button and you are thrust into darkness. Except for this time, what is waiting for you on the inside is a sinister black lit barrage of menacing figures that have come to life and want nothing more than to find a home for you inside the walls of the dilapidated contraption.

The cast at Zombie Joe’s is, as always, fearless in DARK DARK RIDE RIDE. The rotating cast creates a menacing world of mechanical nightmares that is as hair-raising as it is fun. a few consistent players of note include Brandon Slezak who is your narrator that pushes the action along and he is wonderful. Then there is the brilliantly twisted look of everything beautifully produced by Drew Rausch who not only produced the set pieces but also stars in the show as well.

This is easily one of the best shows that Zombie Joe’s has done in years and it must be seen. The tragedy of that is the capacity is very very limited. Thankfully they have extended the show for a third and reportedly final time. Our advice, BUY YOUR TICKET RIGHT NOW AND GO!