EVIL DEAD (11.30.06)

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 4:19am

*** NOTE: The following review is (the same) as the one posted under the thread: "Evil Dead: DIS-ARM-INGLY BRILLIANT". I thought it best to revise as best I could, and send it out again, with a better, to-the-point' title. Thank you. ***

Hello All!

Now, as many of you are well aware, I had the grand opportunity to see EVIL DEAD: The Musical last night (Thursday, November 30th) at the 8:00PM performance at New World Stages. I was able to snag a pair of tickets, treating a friend of mine, two days prior to attending. We sat in the third row of the center orchestra, and we experienced quite the joyride, let me tell you! The first 3 rows of the theater are covered in plastic. Why, you ask? Read on...

If you're at all familiar with the 80's cult-classic film(s), you don't have to read this brief overview. However, for those who are unclear as to 'what in the blue hell I'm talking about,' feel free to take-in this paragraph. The main storyline of the musical incarnation unearths the old familiar story: boy and his friends take a weekend getaway at abandoned cabin, boy expects to get lucky, boy unleashes ancient evil spirit, friends turn into Candarian Demons, boy fights until dawn to survive.

First and foremost, the acting was really something else. The company always had a tight grip on maneuvering from somber and serious to rollin'-on-the-floor comedic. All of their voices were incredible, that of course, should be credited as a very positive aspect of the show's production. Captained by the incomparable Ryand Ward (Ash), the band of seemingly bright-eyed, warm-spirited, horny-as-anything misfits turned possessed, cold-hearted, Candarian demons consist of: Jennifer Byrne (Linda), Jenna Coker (Cheryl), Renee Klapmeyer (Shelly), Brandon Wardell (Scott, Spirit of Knowby), Tom Walker (Ed, Moose), and Darryl Winslow (Jake). All of the aforementioned cast members most definitely know how to put on a show!

As wonderful as this cast is, the orchestrations brighten the show even-more-so. With a score composed by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt, with Mr. Reinblatt taking-on the task of penning book and lyrics, the 16-song tuner envelopes any-which-audience member from the very beginning. I adore the entire score, really, but if I *had* to choose my "Top 5 Favorites" they would be (in no particular order): "All the Men in My Life", "What the...?", "Ode to an Accidental Stabbing", "Housewares Employee", and "Cabin in the Woods".

I cannot go on without making mention of the technical and visual aspects of the show either. I found the lighting (strobe included), the smoke, the gun/gunfire, the knives, and the ever popular chainsaw were all popular with the audience last night! The good folks in "The Splatter Zone" were wearing ponchos ... except for me and my guest who decided not to get them, and enjoy the ENTIRE experience. We had a BLOODY good time, to say the least! It was reaffirmed when he told me: "There's a line between 'very good' and 'amazing', and this show was 'amazing'!" That, to me, meant a heck of a lot!

As expected, I was the one starting all of the big pops (before, during and after) death scenes, amazingly monumental moments in the film extremely well-crafted and revamped for the stage adaptation, and everything else that struck me as 'genius'. Now, I know several others out there will disagree, but I figure that being 19, fairly young compared to other theatergoers, I feel that this show has 'something' special.

In closing, I really, really, REALLY enjoyed this musical. I had my doubts, not having seen any of the films, but I was told that it was going to be a fantastic evening of straight-up fun times! Boy, were "my peeps" right! I can't tell you just how much I got from this show...as a fan of theater, as a fan of "pure talent," and as an aspiring composer/lyricist myself 'looking for a direction to take my work.'

My friend and I have plans on spread the good word to others, sharing in the merriment and (sometimes) bewilderment of this soon-to-be 'cult-classic' of a musical ... so-much-so that we have made plans to purchase tickets to a future performance where we plan on sitting front row this time, with 2 or 3 other of our closest friends and colleagues. EVIL DEAD: The Musical WILL soon be dubbed: The ROCKY HORROR of My Generation. Oh, it's true! Just remember, you heard it HERE first!

Best,
- Mike

[RentHead2]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 8:26am

I saw this one on my birthday (11/26) and I really enjoyed it: omigod the blood bath scene was insane. People in the audience loved it and really when I get tickets again I am totally doing "SPLATTER ROW." Now I know why all my guy friends want to see this one...very cute!

[NathanLaneStalker]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 9:18am

I've heard it on other boards first but thanks for the wonderful review I've yet to see it but I promised Darryl and I'll go (even though I'm not really a blood person.)

Any news on a possible cast recording?

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:12am

EVIL DEAD: The Musical is set to go into the studio later this month and the album will be out (at least, available in the theatre) by January. No other specifics that I know of...but, hey, I'm trying my best!

[bigbigbill]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:16am

Thanks for the info!

[ThE nEw KiD]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:19am

Am I the only one who thinks this show is utter S**T and a waste of time??? I seriously HATED it. ughh.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:37am

^^^ Yes.

Yay for a cast recording!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:43am

NewKid, why so much hostility? I'm not trying to spark anything, I'm just asking out of ya know, curiousity and all that good junk, honest-to-goodness. I just feel that "utter ****" is rather harsh ... 'course, that's just my humble opinion, and it really shouldn't matter.

[RentHead2]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:48am

If you go into the theatre expecting this show to be the next Grey Gardens you may be unpleasantly surprised. This show to me was similar to Rocky Horror Picture show, but its good clean fun and these actors look like they are having a ball up there. Cheers to this show: just sorry I didn't get to sit in the splatter row.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:53am

Hey, there's always 'a next time'! Keep on the positive, and you'll get there ... and let me tell you this, you're not gonna wanna leave! Heehee! I feel that EVIL DEAD will be "our" ROCKY HORROR -- For those of us; 18, 19, 20-somethings...It'll be nice to have "The Necronomicon", as much as I *adore* "The Time Warp". Much love to all supporters!

[NathanLaneStalker]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:56am

I thought people were saying Reefer Madness was our next Rocky Horror! :)

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 11:07am

I don't think that comparison works all that well -- ROCKY HORROR and EVIL DEAD pretty much cover the whole horror/thriller/b-movie spectrum as far as I'm concerned. Heh! I do loooovvvvve REEFER MADNESS though, don't get me wrong!

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 11:10am

Love the show. Want to go back. Want a recording NOW.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 11:13am

All in due time, my friend.

I'll be sure to let you know how the recording process is going, and the pending release date, etc., etc.!



"This is my BOOM STICK!"

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 12:30pm

I popped in again last night to see how the show is holding up and it's as tight as ever-even more so! This is a wonderful production-everything is done well and as it should be for a piece in this genre.

My favorite two songs-What the f*** was that, and Housewares employee never fail to crack me up, no matter how many times I see them.

IMO if someone doesn't enjoy this show, they just can't let loose and have fun. period.

[MandaGurl]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 4:21pm

I F***ing love this show to death!!! Sooo amazing, true its not for some, but its fantastic to those who get it. I've seen it twice already and am going again Jan 2nd!! Front Row Splatter Zone Baby, right next to Cheryls door..you know what that means..LOL

-Amanda*

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 4:40pm

We'll be seeing this show on New Yer's Eve and have seats in the "Splatter Zone".

We're hoping it's an evening to dismember.

[gumbo2]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 5:08pm

I really liked the show when I saw it, but honestly, it needed more blood! My brother and I sat in the splatter zone and really we were expecting vast amounts of blood for almost the whole time. I agree that the acting and singing was great, but I feel like they could've gone slightly further in showing how ridiculous the whole thing is.

And Do The Nechrinomicon was actually one of my least favorite numbers. I thought it was trying TOO hard to be like the Timewarp. Also, by that point I was thinking "that's great, but kill them already!"

But, with it's faults it was still thoroughly entertaining and I had a great time.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 5:23pm

I'm seeing this show later on in the month for a field trip.

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 11:43pm

Actually I thought it was utter crap. As did my friend and a couple of people who walked out. I didn't go in expecting anything. I had nothing to reference. I'd heard nothing about it and I never saw the movie and I wanted to leave at intermission. I never do that so I stuck it out. I hate stupid humor. Even good mindless comedy has some major intelligence going on underneath. I didn't feel that so much. It just made no sense and I'm not talking about the comedy of it. The whole time I was just thinking why? What's the point of this. The songs aren't really constructed well. I've really come to appreciate people like Larry O'Keefe and actually Mel Brooks because it's something to create an organic truly funny piece.

Maybe if I saw the movie I'd have liked it, but that's a problem in and of itself.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/2/06 at 12:48am

This show is definitely not for you then.

Anyhoooo- I can't wait for the cd and I hope they really do go into the studio and make it. I'm constantly singing the songs in my head and I'm dying to be able to hear them at home!

[Crazy_for_the_Q]

Posted: 12/2/06 at 1:38am

This is only my opinion, but to me you either have to enjoy stupid comedy or be a fan of the movie (which involves enjoying stupid comedy) to like this show. I am a HUGE Evil Dead fan and this musical is DEAD ON with the movie. It's like the movie on stage and I LOVE it.

If you don't like pointless humor, then don't see the movies and don't see the musical. If you want to have fun and laugh your ass off, go see it.

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 12/2/06 at 3:11am

I'm sure you don't mean this but you seem to imply that in order to have fun and laugh your ass off in a show you have to like stupid humor. That's not true... just in case someone would read that incorrectly.

[magic8ball]

Posted: 12/2/06 at 3:22am

I have to comment on these last few remarks about stupid humor in the show. Granted, the lyrics aren't the best, but the music is catchy, the book is solid, the performances by the cast and the band are dynamite, and the production design is top-notch. This is not to mention the fact that the show is just plain fun and doesn't take itself too seriously like most stuff running on the boards nowadays. So, no- you don't have to like "stupid humor" to enjoy this show.

Updated On: 12/2/06 at 03:22 AM

[Luscious]

Posted: 12/2/06 at 1:45pm

"It was reaffirmed when he told me: "There's a line between 'very good' and 'amazing', and this show was 'amazing'!"

You and your friend really need to get out more.

Updated On: 12/2/06 at 01:45 PM