Pittsburgh Musical Theater (PMT) offers another way to revel in all things Fall: gore, horror, and fun this Halloween season with one of the craziest musical experiences ever.
While it often feels and seems like the ingenuity well runneth dry these days regarding original story ideas, the modern age is a proverbial goldmine for avant-garde re-imaginings of cult classics. Capitalizing on the high-camp and sadistic humor of the films, George Reinblatt’s Evil Dead: The Musical weaves the plots and characters from Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness into one delightfully over-the-top musical extravaganza.
The 70s and 80s were a macabre-surrealist paradise when it came to horror films. Even the Sparknote versions of these films are preposterously devious: A town ravaged by an un-dead, fedora-clad pedophile stalking and murdering teens in their dreams; divorce and mental illness viciously allegorized through a tale of physiological-mutation therapy set against brutal murders seemingly enacted by children (that originated the body horror standards known as Cronenbergian); a child’s playtime turns hellish after a crass serial killer transplants his soul into a particularly ugly doll vis-à-vis a sloppy Satanic ritual (of course); monstrosities abound on a remote Arctic research facility as grotesque, alien-ish creatures inhabit the flesh of humans, and also serve as a communism metaphor (again, of course).
Of these madcap classics, the zenith of the sublimely horrific, grisly fun the era produced was perhaps Evil Dead (and its subsequent sequels). As blithe as they are gruesome, the films, created by gore-auteur Sam Raimi, of the Evil Dead trilogy–Evil Dead (1981), Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987), and Army of Darkness (1992)—encapsulate the ludicrously fantastical and extravagantly violent style that was the law of the land in horror cinema of that era. Evil Dead’s foundational premise is simple enough: a group of college kids—Ash, his sister Cheryl, his best friend Scott, and his girlfriend Shelly—venture to a desolate, isolated cabin in the Tennessee woods for a boozy, raucous vacation only to have things **shockingly** devolve. Heedless to the ominous, disembodied voices imploring Cheryl to “Join Us” (chalk it up to finicky plumbing, right?) and some vile advances from the malevolent trees in the forest surrounding them, the group is tormented by an unseen evil force that gradually, and viciously, converts them to the leagues of the evil dead.
“Evil Dead at PMT started out as a bit of an experiment. What we learned was that audiences wanted more of their favorite deadites! Over the last five years, Evil Dead The Musical at PMT has evolved from an experiment into a tradition. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by the kind of talent on stage and on the production team who loves this crazy, campy piece and strives to find every new laugh, squeeze out a little more blood, and continue to create the world of Ash and those pesky Candarian Demons!” says director Nick Mitchell.
With several of the cast from last year’s production returning to play their original roles, the late-night show indeed feels like a delightfully rambunctious viewing of Rocky Horror. A giddy and rambunctious crowd, armed with ample libations and proudly sporting flannel and other cabin-in-the-woods attire, cheered, cackled, sang along, and squealed with elated disgust as audience members in the front rows caught a stray blood spurt from a severed appendage.
Once the show begins, audiences are treated to a tour de force of talent. Actors attack the stage to deliver performances that combine horror and suspense with sketch comedy and catchy, humorous songs that are vocally challenging, highlighting the vocalists’ raw talent. The hilarious opening scene establishes the plot of Evil Dead. Together, we follow Ash (Brett Goodnack*), Linda (Kamilah Lay), Scott (Brecken Newton Farrell*), Shelly & Annie (Zanny Laird), and Cheryl (Sabina May) to the deserted cabin in the woods. Still, the location is secondary to the dynamic and quirky personalities each character brings to the doomed trip. Ash and Linda sparked a romance working at the local S-Mart, which quickly blossomed beyond aisle three. Cheryl is Ash’s sister, who, although never discussed it outright, presents as though she struggles with some mental health concerns. While Linda approaches Cheryl with kindness, Scott dismisses her as a “crazy b****,” an action that will come back to haunt him later in the show.
Director Nick Mitchell’s guidance over the show is evident because the choreography by Gemma Mitchell, Music Direction by Dr. Francesca Tortorello*, and the set design, blocking, and acting all fit together like a perfect puzzle. Mitchell’s production triumphs in synchronizing the kitschy with the intense and the quirky with suspense. (*returning from the 2023 production)
“I’m absolutely gobsmacked that this giant risk of a show has evolved into a bloody tradition here in Pittsburgh. Each year, the show is infused with fresh blood, pun intended, and being the director of such an amazing cast, crew, and creative team with the full support of PMT is quite the privilege,” says Mitchell.
Evil Dead the Musical is more than just a comedic horror musical. It is a timely seasonal event that will put you in the Halloween spirit while delivering plenty of raunchy humor that will have you laughing while looking over your shoulder as you depart the West End Canopy.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
The show plays at the West End Canopy. The brisk autumn breeze that comes through the canopy chills the air, creating the perfect ambiance for this horror comedy. Those sitting in the first several rows will be immersed in the proverbial “splash zone,” where they will undoubtedly be sprayed with blood and beer. But they are also guaranteed the best view of the hilarity that unfolds in the cabin. Ponchos are optional for the splash zone, but they are recommended.
Showtimes are 8:30 p.m., on select nights, from September 27th, 2024, through October 26th. For performance dates and tickets visit: https://pmt.culturaldistrict.org/production/96555/evil-dead-the-musical. Splatter zone seats are also available.
Jessica Neu and Eva Phillips contributed to this post.
Categories: Arts and Ideas
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