Evil Dead: The Musical

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Evil Dead the Musical
Teaser for the Evil Dead Musical
Music Christopher Bond
Frank Cipolla
Melissa Morris
George Reinblatt
Lyrics George Reinblatt
Christopher Bond
Book George Reinblatt
Christopher Bond
Based upon 1981 film The Evil Dead and related franchise
Productions 2006-2007 New York's New World Stages
2004 Just for Laughs
2003 Tranzac Club Toronto


Evil Dead the Musical is an off-Broadway show based on the cult classic film series.

Contents

[edit] Synopsis

Several college students spend the weekend in an abandoned shack in the woods, accidentally unleashing an evil terror from another world. In this comedic take on the 80s horror franchise, characters and demons sing and dance to new songs written specifically for the musical. And as always, Ash is there to dish out his various one liners and fight the neverending Army of Darkness. As with certain famous aquatic shows, the audience is warned that the first few rows may get wet - only in this case the potential hazards include gallons of stage blood and fake gore. (Ponchos are provided during the 15 minute intermission before Act Two).

The musical takes creative liberty with the plot line of the movie, introducing new characters as well as changing sequences for sake of the stage and comedic intent. The show also encourages the patrons to try new drinks, such as the "Drink of the Dead," a drink consisting of blackberry vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime.

[edit] Production

With the approval of both Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell, a musical version of the film was staged, enjoying a successful workshop in Toronto and performances at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal in 2004. The New York off-Broadway production started previews on October 2, 2006. The Official Opening Night performance was November 1, 2006 and it continues to perform 8 times per week at the New World Stages

Fans enjoy the "splatter zone" -- the first three rows of the theater where patrons can count on a good blood-soaking. Ticket buyers in the Splatter Zone are advised to dress down. In fact, Toronto fans began wearing white t-shirts to take home later as bloody souvenirs which inspired the show's marketing team to start selling "I Survived the Splatter Zone" souvenirs. This trend continues in New York.

In an interview with HoboTrashcan.com, Ryan Ward, who stars as Ash in the musical, said, "It's unlike any theater show you've ever been to. One word I would describe it as is 'raucous.' It's like a rock concert."

Helen O'Hara of Empire Magazine said "This may be the best idea in the entire history of the world. Rocky Horror, eat your heart out." Read the whole article from Empire Magazineincluding comments, or see the increasingly popular myspace site

[edit] Creative Team

Created by the Canadian team of George Reinblatt, Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla and Melissa Morris, the show is co-directed by Bond and Tony winner and "Buffy" alum, Hinton Battle.

Make-up and Special FX are created by Louis Zakarian, whose film credits include Requiem for a Dream, Dogma and Romeo & Juliet.

Cast members include Jennifer Byrne, Jenna Coker [1], Renee Klapmeyer, Tom Walker, Ryan Ward, Brandon Wardell [2], and Darryl Winslow. Christy McIntosh [3] joined the cast on 2/10/07. Female understudy: Amy Shute, male understudy: Ryan Williams.

[edit] Cast

Role Actor
Ash Ryan Ward
Linda Jennifer Byrne
Shelly Renée Klapmeyer
Scott Brandon Wardell
Ed Tom Walker
Annie Renée Klapmeyer
Moose Tom Walker
Jake Darryl Winslow
Fake shemp Ryan Williams
Spirit of Knowby Brandon Wardell

[edit] Band

Instrument Band Member
Conductor/Keyboards Daniel Feyer
Guitar/Banjo Jake Schwartz
Drums/Percussion Brad "Gorilla" Carbone

[edit] Musical numbers

Act One

  • "Cabin in the Woods" (Ash, Linda, Scott, Shelly, Cheryl)
  • "Housewares Employee" (Ash, Linda)
  • "It Won't Let Us Leave" (Cheryl)
  • "Look Who's Evil Now" (Cheryl, Shelly)
  • "What the Fuck was That?" (Ash, Scott)
  • "Join Us" (Cheryl, Moose, House Spirits)
  • "Good Old Reliable Jake" (Jake, Annie, Ed)
  • "Housewares Employee" (Ash, Linda)
  • "I'm Not a Killer" (Ash)

Act Two

  • "I'm Not a Killer" reprise (Ash)
  • "Bit-Part Demon" (Ed)
  • "All the Men in My Life" (Annie, Ash, Jake)
  • "Ode to an Accidental Stabbing" (Jake, Annie, Cheryl)
  • "Do the Necronomicon" (Candarian Demons)
  • "It's Time" (Full Company)
  • "We Will Never Die" (Candarian Demons)
  • "You Blew That B**** Away" (Full Company)

[edit] Cast recording

An original cast recording was made in December of 2006 and will be released on April 24, 2007 on Time Life Records.

[edit] New York production closing

It was announced on January 31, 2007 that Evil Dead: The Musical's New York production at New World Stages would be closing Febraury 17, 2007. [4]

[edit] Toronto Production

It was said on the myspace site that the production would continue in Toronto on May 1st.

[edit] External links