Exclusive interview: John Kinsner on ‘Evil Dead in Concert’

Forget your average trip to the cinema – Evil Dead in Concert is resurrecting Sam Raimi’s cult horror classic like you’ve never experienced it before. Now touring across the U.S., this live-to-film event fuses Joseph LoDuca’s legendary original score with a live ensemble performance, transforming The Evil Dead into a blood-soaked symphony of sight and sound. And behind this ghoulishly ambitious project is John Kinsner, the producer and creative director with Black Ink Presents.

For Kinsner, Evil Dead in Concert isn’t just a loving homage to a horror milestone – it’s a full-body celebration of cult fandom, practical gore, orchestral grandeur and spooky community. The show had its first test run in Los Angeles back in 2016, but the response was so overwhelmingly positive that Kinsner and his team knew they had something truly unique on their hands. Years later, it’s finally hitting the road in a major way, complete with cosplay contests, limited-edition merch, immersive pre-shows, and music played in perfect sync by classically trained musicians drawn from Broadway’s own ranks.

Below, John speaks with Love Horror’s Erica Vilkus about the origins of the project, the challenges of syncing live music with razor-sharp gore, and why there’s something deeply punk – and undeniably magical – about reviving a video nasty as a high-art performance piece.

John Kinsner on ‘Evil Dead in Concert’

From its humble cabin-in-the-woods origins to its current form as a symphonic horror event selling out historic venues, Evil Dead in Concert is proof that the love for Raimi’s splatstick classic is as undead as ever. Thanks to the passion and ingenuity of John Kinsner and his team at Black Ink Presents, the experience of watching The Evil Dead has been elevated into something communal, cathartic, and entirely unforgettable – a celebration of horror, music, and mischief in equal measure.

As John puts it, there’s a certain thrill in seeing Ash fans and Deadites unite, costumed and cackling, inside gilded theatres as strings and screams combine in perfect harmony. Whether you’re a horror hound, soundtrack obsessive, or simply someone looking for a cinematic night out that breaks the mould, Evil Dead in Concert might just be your next favourite fright.

The tour is now underway, with select dates running through the end of 2025. For venues, tickets, and all the blood-soaked details, visit www.evildeadinconcert.com