Zombie Joe

On a late Friday evening, right as I crossed some imaginary borderline a little bit north of the 10 freeway along the 405, I crossed between west LA and the valley and felt the incredible difference in heat. Why was I diving headfirst into this heat wave, straight into the heart of the valley when Marina del Rey was a relatively comfortable 75-79 degrees? It was partly because of the promise of Mariokart with my friends up north, but mostly to check out Zombie Joe Underground's theatre and see Micah Cover's magic show.

I'd never heard of Zombie Joe Underground or really ventured in North Hollywood before but the trip was very worthwhile. I knew I'd like the place alone when I felt the air conditioning hit me as soon as I entered. Next thing I know, the very friendly Zombie Joe himself greeted every single person entering, and the lobby was as lovingly decorated with interesting props and posters.

Any fool with great dexterity and practice can put on a magic show for mild amusement, but the theatrics and performance aspect are key. Micah Cover had all of this, topped off with a very charismatic and approachable personality that invited audience participation. He mixed his tricks with a narrative of two lost lovers, reunited in some ethereal realm while overlaying it all with some Edgar Allan Poe and kitsch 20's to 40's era music and props. He wrapped up all of these elements into a very enjoyable show, full of random audience members pulled up to assist with various parts of the performance. I even had the opportunity to help him tighten up the straitjacket which he would later free himself from while furiously reciting The Raven as a part of the narrative.

As a surprise bonus upon the conclusion of the show, every single member of the audience was granted an invitation to attend The Magic Castle.