By Lonnie the Theater Lady
“Evil Dead: The Musical” is a musical adaptation of the “Evil Dead” film series. The play opens with a group of college students (and a girl they picked up in a bar) forcing their way into an isolated cabin in the woods, where they plan to spend their spring break vacation. Inside the cabin, they discover an ancient book, “The Book of the Dead”. When one of the students reads the writings in the book aloud, it conjures up evil forces that kill and possess the students, one by one. Only one, Ash (Brett Goodnack), is left unscathed. Ash’s mission is to destroy the demons and save the world from them. Ash scrambles frantically to try to save the others’ lives. This is a seemingly impossible task amidst the monstrous chaos created by the dead demon creatures— squirting blood, dismemberment, beheadings, and the like.
Goodnack’s energy is impressively unflagging. He channels his inner Jim Carrey as he fights against his own possessed hand. His absolutely hilarious display of physical comedy is that of a comedic virtuoso! The sweetly sung duet “Houseware Employee” (featuring Kamilah Lay’s character, Linda) tells the story of how the two met at their workplace, S-Mart. And, yes, there was a flashing blue light!
Laura Barletta’s character, Cheryl, spends most of her time beneath a trap door on the floor. She pops up frequently to spout inventive, amusing puns. Barletta’s delivery is beyond funny. Her brilliant rendition of “Look Who’s Evil Now” is a vocal and comedic delight.
Bracken Newton Farrell plays the horny Scott wearing a T-shirt that proudly proclaims “Orgasm Donor.” The “What the F*@k Was That?” duet with Goodnack provides him the opportunity to highlight his adept physical comedy and expressive vocals. ( Yes, adult themes and language abound. Leave the children at home.)
Brett Goodnack as Ash and Alex Manalo as Annie.
One of the many times the show pokes fun at itself and breaks the fourth wall is the delightful “Bit Part Demon,” comically sung by Ben Nadler. He throws himself with enthusiastic abandon in this number. He gets lots of laughs with his funny moves and dramatic physicality.
The entire wickedly talented cast is to be congratulated on their energetic dancing, vocals, and acting. There is not a weak link among them.
Costume designer, Jeremy Eiben, kills it with his ghoulish costumes and moving, living trees!
The make-up and special effects are brilliantly entertaining. (Christopher Patrick).
The whimsical Egyptian-inspired choreography (Gemma Mitchell) amplifies the humor of the dance numbers.
Nick Mitchell, director, expertly handles this helter-skelter, speeding ball of technically complex music, mayhem, and insanity without a glitch. Kudos.
This is the sixth year that PMT has produced this cult classic masterpiece. And, the first time I have seen it. Shame on me–I let the “horror” label scare me away! This is, first and foremost, an uproariously funny, very dark comedy! The one-liners and crazy happenings leave the audience in stitches. “Evil Dead: The Musical” is the penultimate in camp. It would be impossible to be any campier! It’s easy to understand why people come to see it multiple times. I can say with all certainty, I will see it again—this show is a scream!
