Photos © Brett Ballachino
On October 4, Evil Dead in Concert brought the perfect mix of horror, campy humor, and live music to Cleveland’s Agora Theater. For fans of Sam Raimi’s cult classic The Evil Dead, this live-to-film concert experience was a truly unforgettable combination!
This show takes the original 1981 movie and adds a live orchestra to it, performing composer Joseph LoDuca’s chilling score in real time, completely transforming the viewing experience. From the moment the lights dimmed and the now-iconic cabin in the woods appeared on screen, the audience was hooked. Every creepy creak, every demonic shriek, and every over-the-top gore moment was heightened by the energy of the live music.
The event began with the percussionist and upright bassist stepping onstage to welcome the audience and prepare them for a spooky evening, giving them full permission to react and shout out their favorite quotes as they happened. They stepped aside, and as fog flooded the now-empty stage, a cultist appeared and held the iconic Necronomicon Ex-Mortis (the scary book with a face) out towards the audience, and with that, the movie began. The audience gave them just the reactions they were hoping for as they were responding loudly, with timely laughs, gasps, and even some cheers from the crowd during some of Ash’s more badass moments.
What stood out most was the passion of the musicians. It was a six-piece band that wasn’t just there to play the music; they were committed to match the vibe the movie gave off. The live music helped completely form the mood as the tension would rise during the more terrifying scenes, and then they would change it up and lean into the campy fun, which makes The Evil Dead such a classic.
The Agora itself ended up being the perfect venue for this kind of immersive show. Intimate enough to feel connected, but big enough to hold the energy of a packed room of horror lovers, the space buzzed with excitement throughout the night. The lighting was on point with flashing beams of light shooting into the audience. The sound mixing was spot on, balancing the film’s dialogue with the orchestra’s live performance so that nothing felt drowned out or out of sync.
And the audience showed up ready. There were those fully fitted to the theme of the movie and some who were repping the merch they had just bought (including the Groovy beanie). There were newbies just looking for a horror movie night, and longtime fans introducing their friends to the film for the first time. It was a shared experience, almost like a spooky, musical, cult-like reunion party.
For those who missed it, Evil Dead in Concert is more than just watching a movie with live music; it was almost a love letter to horror fans, musicians, and filmmakers themselves. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just looking for something completely different to do on a chill fall night, this show delivers big-time.
Here’s hoping they come back next year with the orchestration of Evil Dead II; they will surely have the audience for it!
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