Singing, dancing and dying: ‘Evil Dead: The Musical’
The cast of “Evil Dead: The Musical” gets into character. (Courtesy New Moon Theater)
Local theater veterans are preparing a musical take on a cult classic horror series just in time for Halloween.
“Evil Dead: The Musical” is a spoof of the famous movie of the same name, but producer Gene Elliott said that theater-goers shouldn’t expect horror but rather absurdity.
“It’s so stupid,” he said, chuckling, “in the best possible way.”
The original “Evil Dead” film came out in 1981 and quickly became a cult classic with sequels, TV shows, video games and more. The story starts with a group of college students who encounter forces of evil in a cabin in the woods.
The musical version, a comedic take on the original — with singing and dancing, was written by George Reinblatt and first opened in Toronto in 2003. It has since enjoyed international tours, stints off-Broadway and three American tours. The Memphis version is being produced by New Moon Theatre Co. at Theatreworks.
Director Ann Marie Hall said that she was drawn to this particular production because she’s “not much of a classics person. I like the absurd.”
She’s hoping that Memphis is going to like the absurd, as well.
Elliott started working with New Moon in 2004. Though he said the cast of the show is “crazy, insanely talented,” “Evil Dead” has been his most challenging production with the company to date.
“Mechanically, it’s been quite a mountain to climb. Because you have to protect the theater,” he said.
But, what does the theater need to be protected from?
Fake blood, and buckets of it.
The production includes special “splash zone” tickets, but Elliott suggests attendees purchase them only if they are prepared for what is to come. Remember, the film version is well-known for its excess gore.
“Do not sit in the splash zone if you don’t want to get your clothes messed up,” he said.
But for those brave souls who do buy splash-zone tickets, they come with a souvenir T-shirt — which may come in handy.
“Evil Dead: The Musical” at Theatreworks, 2085 Monroe Ave., Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 28 through Nov. 13. For more information and tickets, click here.
Topics
TheatreWorks New Moon Theatre Co. Gene Elliott Ann Marie HallJordan Arellano
Jordan Arellano is a freelance journalist for The Daily Memphian writing about art, culture, food, and travel. Find her at Overton Bark with her three dogs or scouting out the best vegetarian food in town.
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