by Tracey Paleo, Gia On The Move

Well, ok that might be a tiny bit of an exaggeration, but with this random Paul Bunyon-vibing actor guy strolling around Lankershim Blvd on a Friday night with an axe, tryin’ ta tell us somethin’, maybe we should pay attention?

The Zombie Effect opened last Friday at the Acme Comedy Theatre in North Hollywood, CA to a slightly rabid crowd attempting to forcefully push their way into the theater for tickets and safety but not before being repeatedly warned to grab rations (water and wine at the front of the house for donation) and a bathroom break.  “Cause none of this might be here afterwards!”

Silly, somewhat predictable and a whole lot of outrageous fun, The Zombie Effect takes insanity to a whole other universe (Seriously, dude it’s all in your head — ah– oops!)

After the city erupts in an outbreak of mass murder, a few survivors find shelter in an isolated, dilapidated church. The government is claiming biological terrorism. Some believe it’s stem cell research gone mad. Maybe it’s the wrath of God. Or, are we suddenly at war with North Korea? Whatever it is afflicting all the funny-walking attackers, the only thing that matters is survival.

I made it through the show without a splatter of blood or brains but don’t be too confident that YOU will.  The walking dead are everywhere and no one can keep them out of the almost abandoned church outside the city or onstage for that matter.

Ripe with ridiculous gags, one-liners and probably the world’s calmest, coolest and completely buff guy who jumps in through the window to save the night, this show is dedicated to the innumerous and utterly stupid decisions that anyone could ever make in an apocalyptic attack.

It’s gonna get better with each weekend especially for the special Halloween show. So get your tickets now.  And … a word of advice in case you get stuck in the mayhem without a rescue, don’t count on the resident priest to save you either.  He’s too busy sipping the sacrament.

The Zombie Effect runs through December 14th, 2014, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 7:00 pm. On October 31st there will be a very special Halloween performance at 10:00 pm.

Running time is 75 minutes with no intermission

Ponchos provided for splatter.

Written by Leif Gantvoort
Directed by Leif Gantvoort and Jen Woldrich Pittman
Produced by Jeremy Luke, Leif Gantvoort and Eddie Alfano
Set and Lighting Design Leif Gantvoort
Cast:  Leif Gantvoort, Jeremy Luke, Krizia Bajos, Chauntal Lewis, Ana Alexander, Eddie Alfano, Kevin Small, Brett Sheridan, Femi Longe, Danny Turco, Charles McCarthy, Laura Seyffert, Meghan McCabe, Les Feltmate, Niko Bonelli and Rachel Bausch