By HANNAH WING-BONICA
Pittsburgh is known as the birthplace of the modern zombie movie and a top choice for Halloween movies. So it isn’t surprising that Bricolage Production Company chose to parody Night of the Living Dead, a classic horror film directed by George A. Romero and shot in and around Pittsburgh. Bricolage Production Company’s Night of the Living Dead N’At opened Midnight Radio’s fourteenth season in residency at City Theatre, and there is no shortage of zombies, raunchy humor, and Pittsburgh references. Night of the Living Dead N’At is a must-see treat (with a few tricks) for anyone who loves horror movies and enjoys the playful humor of a good parody.
Night of the Living Dead N’At is set up like a staged play reading, but don’t let that fool you. The show is more than a reading from a script. Each cast member has their own “booth,” a mic, and access to an assortment of props. Like old-time radio shows, the sound effects are made live with everyday objects, like a smashed energy drink can or even an actual car door. The music, directed by Deana Muro, is also live, adding to the show’s eccentric ambiance. The talented, hilarious cast includes Tami Dixon, Sam Lothard, Jason McCune, Sheila McKenna, and Sam Turch, with Deana Muro on piano.
While the movie plays silently in the background, the Night of the Living Dead N’At cast replaces the on-screen actors’ voices with their own while creating live Foley sound effects. However, the show isn’t just a parody of Night of the Living Dead; there are funny original commercials perfectly tailored for the zombie apocalypse, such as one for brains set to the tune of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” a fake breaking news segment, and a Family Feud-style game (with undead family rules). While the Night of the Living Dead parody is laugh-out-loud funny, there is something special about that dysfunctional breaking news team: Mr. Boyd, a street beat reporter; Madison, a Gen Z reporter stuck in a helicopter; two cynical, seasoned anchors; and a reporter trapped in Monroeville Mall with zombies. This memorable segment doesn’t disappoint with its impeccable comedic timing. Perhaps Midnight Radio should consider doing a parody of His Girl Friday.
Similar to Saturday Night Live, Midnight Radio’s Night of the Living Dead N’At has a musical guest: Cello Fury, a trio of rockin’ cellists. Cello Fury’s dramatic stings accompany the appearance of zombies onscreen, but they also play a song or two, including a fantastic cover of “Zombie” by The Cranberries.
For those who have never been to a Midnight Radio show, or who want to keep the Halloween season going a bit longer, yinz should not hesitate to see Night of the Living Dead N’At at City Theatre.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Night of the Living Dead N’At is at The Lili Theatre in City Theatre from October 29, 2026 through November 15, 2026. Tickets are available here.
Run Time: 75 minutes with no intermission.
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Reviews
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