Total Horror Show is a hysterical immersive queer tale of transformation
Oliver Waggner is missing. The search party has begun. A cast of characters with very different reasons for being here have gathered and now you are part of the story.
This is TOTAL HORROR SHOW. An immersive tale of transformation, revelation, and comedic musical hijinks. Written, created, and produced by the magically demented mind of Jared Goode and directed and co-produced by the innovative craftiness of Victoria Spelman, Total Horror Show quickly invites audience members to not only watch this program, but be involved in its storytelling.
Total Horror Show invites the audience to hop on a party bus (the only vehicle large enough to fit us all on such short notice) that's headed out of Hollywood to rural Northern California and join Wesley, Ben, and Nash on the search for their missing college “friend” Oliver. As long friendships with unhealed wounds open, hidden truths reveal themselves, and the full moon rising, the anticipation grows for the “GAYEST werewolf transformation in the history of lycanthropy.” But through the laughter, the queer innuendos, the dance breaks, and the spine-chilling high notes, there is a deeper meaning; are they really only after finding this once-called friend, or some semblance of their own self-discovery?
So, what can one expect from a show that is described by its creator as “immersive camptastic musical creepfest, wickedly comedic and absolutely QUEER” showing at this year's Hollywood Fringe? Absolute curated chaos. As you walk into The Cats Crawl theatre, past what seems to be an antique collectors den, surrounded by art, oddities, and curious artifacts, you are met with an intimate interactive seating arrangement. Unlike your average play viewing experience, where all the seats are facing the stage, these seats are facing each other, with a walkway in the middle and stage towards the front of the room. Reserved seating signs are placed on a few seats at the center while inviting audience members to fill in the remaining. Each area of the room could be used for the cast to set the scene, down to a tent filled with clues (and also a great makeout spot).
As Spelman mentioned to me after the show, she wants you to feel like you’ve been thrown directly into the search party; something I felt would trigger responses from loved ones and untrained organizers of such an event to be messy, unorganized, and cause inappropriate facial expressions. It would make inquisitive types like myself be suspicious. Even though it was a show, I found myself trying to dig deeper and ask more questions instead of being a fly on the wall you would expect out of a non-interactive show. Total Horror Show offers us a playground as they throw both VIP and General Admission audience members into the story, searching through the tent, meeting the overly cheerful “best friend” Wesley before piling us onto the “bus to Happy Camp.” To further add to the immersive quality, you have the choice to put on glowsticks which will signify your willingness to be picked on throughout the show.
I mentioned VIP and General Admission, and there is a significant perk to VIP patrons. For those of you who are willing, you will receive a hands-on pre-show to the show. You are led to the decrepit alley way outside The Cats Crawl where you meet a short and demanding presence holding a megaphone, a dimly lit lantern, and covered in an oversized trenchcoat who, without giving us much information, politely forces us all to sign a Confidentiality & Participation form (which as I write this I am breaking, but all in the name of getting the word of this incredible show out there). From there you get a deeper understanding of what to expect from the night, insights of what's to come, and get up close and personal with some key players of the show. With a haunting howl under the moonlight, an anxious screech of car tires, and a shoving of a mysterious box into one of our hands, we join General Admission for the ride.
This all leads to 45 minutes of deep storytelling that leaves you wondering…are werewolves the only thing that transforms in this show? Total Horror Show uses all the talents of its cast to bring this story to life:
Teri Gamble who plays three characters in the show, one of which being the over-zealous party bus driver, becomes our conscience and helps guide the audience into interacting without forcing or making the show go stale.
Philip Rodriguez, who plays Wesley, is one of the first characters audience members interact with. Through his ornamental smile as he hands out missing posters for his friend, Rodriquez builds this untruthful sympathy for his character. Even as we ride with him on the bus, we are met with a man who comes across as just trying to bring his friends all back together for a seemingly meaningful cause.
Adam Winney, who plays Nash, and Jared Goode, who for opening night played Ben (all other nights will be played by Daniel Montgomery), two friends of both Oliver and Wesley and ex-lovers, provide edging eroticism and comedic relief through Winney’s caustic delivery and Goode’s compunctious disposition with an opposites attract will they/won’t they narrative.
Courtney McGowan, who plays Oliver’s sister Sara, brings this sinister and demanding presence to each scene she steps into. McGowan’s portrayal of Sara shows a new kind of horror trope that is opposite from the final girl we know and love. Instead, she’s strong, conniving, and sexy in an “awakening my bisexuality” kinda way.
Finally, Josh Nadler who plays the missing Oliver. Nadler brings such sex appeal to this role, performing a historical werewolf transformation that should be in the history books of live independent theater. He also brings a relatability to his character through helping the audience understand how we got to this point in realizing Oliver’s desperate need to be liked and seen. All of them, together, make a terrific ensemble that easily enhances this “chaotic, carnal, spooky silly” horror musical.
When it comes to the music part of the musical, James E. Edwards, the Music Arranger for the show, and Goode are the masterminds. Edwards and Goode have worked on two projects before Total Horror Show through the musical podcast Midnight Musicals. It was there that this program was created. Goode worked on all of the lyrics and provided the beats, but it was Edwards who used his love of horror cult classics from the 80s, and movies like the Exorcist to create this horror pop musical and bring the atmosphere to life. I’ve noticed in horror films, it's really the audio, the songs, the background tracks that help settle you into a scene or keep your skin crawling. That’s exactly what Edwards provided in arranging these pieces for this “biting comedy for horror musical lovers”.
This show is a labor of love on all fronts. From the producers, director, cast, and music arranger. I could feel the fun radiating from the performers as the show went on. Though there were some flubs in the shape of audio levels, jumbled lines, and moments of the show that still need to be fleshed out and tightened up, that is to be expected on preview night and does not take away from the marvelous work of this cast and crew and the meaning and representation this show presents. Total Horror Show actually uses its faults and makes it into the immersive aspect of the show making it something to want to watch over and over knowing that each show will always be different.
To say I love the show is an understatement. Total Horror Show is unique, edgy, uproariously hilarious, and thoughtful. Not only have I not laughed that much in a show in quite some time, if ever, but it also tackles some emotional subjects of adult friendships, toxic relationships, exploitation, and desperation. This is a huge tale of transformation and leaves you not only laughing, but also should have you thinking. The brilliant and talented minds of the creators, producers, and cast of this show is to be applauded. It showcases queer stories that feel authentic, even through the mythical components of the show, and places queer actors center stage. I highly suggest you come out to see this marvelous production. It’s a perfect show to watch for Pride Month, bring your college “friends” to reconnect with, bring your mom and see her get flustered, and ultimately show up and support these creatives. Total Horror Show is a must watch this year during the Hollywood Fringe run.
You can purchase tickets at https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/13714?tab=details
Dates and Times of the Shows:
Friday June 12 2026, 9:30 PM | Wednesday June 17 2026, 9:00 PM | Monday June 22 2026, 9:30 PM | Sunday June 28 2026, 7:30 PM
Location:
The Cats Crawl
660 N Heliotrope Drive
