Evil Dead: The Musical at Limelight Theatre

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Posted 2024-04-07 by groover ⇒ follow

Fri 26 Apr 2024 - Fri 10 May 2024

The Australian premiere of Evil Dead: The Musical features Alyssa Burton as “Fake Shemp”.

A cult classic horror film franchise from the 1980s has risen from the dead – reincarnated as a comedy musical at Limelight Theatre. Written by George Reinblatt and directed by Kieran Ridgway, the Australian premiere of Evil Dead: The Musical is a re-telling of the first two films with five college students excited to spend a weekend in the woods in a seemingly abandoned cabin.

Ash {Luke Miller, left} and Annie {Naomi Capon} ready for action in Evil Dead: The Musical.

But after stumbling upon The Book of the Dead, they accidentally unleash a demonic terror and find themselves face-to-face with untold evil forces. “Evil Dead: The Musical is a wild, energetic and hilarious show that is still accessible to those who haven’t seen the movies,” Kieran said.

Evil Dead: The Musical goes from hilarity to horror as Ash {Luke Miller, right} is forced to fight his former friends.

“With blood, bad puns and inappropriate jokes flying everywhere, along with heightened characters, it creates an out-of-world show experience. The musical has all the main beats of the films with a perfect blend that connects the first two movies.”

Nice beaver! Actor Alyssa Burton gets friendly with the red-eyed puppet in Evil Dead: The Musical.

Involved in theatre since 2018, Kieran started as a pit musician and then created his own original score for Marloo Theatre’s production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest in 2022. Since then, he has been musical director for various shows at Marloo, Art in Motion, Limelight, Stirling, Koorliny and Garrick Theatres and has been recognised for his original compositions and joyful conducting at the annual Finley Awards.

Ed {Max Leunig, left} and Annie {Naomi Capon} take in some light reading with The Book of the Dead.

“As a massive fan of the entire Evil Dead franchise, the minute I discovered there was a musical, I contacted the rights owners to check its availability for Australia,” Kieran said. “My love for the original franchise stems from when I was about 10 and watched the movie with my brother.

Jake {Clayton van Dijk} makes light of the situation in Evil Dead: The Musical.

“As the musical starts from the beginning of the movies, it allows all viewers to enjoy it without the need for watching the original films... however, watching those films will enhance the experience. The main challenge is handling the musical’s insane energy on stage with all the big technical requirements to do it justice for the Australian premiere.”

Cheryl {Escher Roe} wonders what the next chapter will have in store.

The show’s original co-creator and lyricist, Canadian comedy writer George Reinblatt, told Entertainment Weekly: “I just try to write the stupidest lyrics I can. It just seemed like a fun thing to do. The Just For Laughs comedy festival hires me every summer to write jokes for celebrities. But I was just a struggling guy. So, myself and two friends from university decided to put on this play. The Evil Dead films are so goofy, singing was the only thing they were missing!

Ash {Luke Miller, left} gets up close and personal with Linda {Ellie Coburn} in Evil Dead: The Musical.

“We based the musical on the first two movies predominantly, but we also used elements of the third, and the three movies are owned by three separate companies in different countries. But everybody behind the Evil Dead films turned out to be the nicest guys. It would have been so easy for any of them to say no – but everybody said yes.”

It’s showtime! Ed {Max Leunig} is putting on his top hat for Evil Dead: The Musical.

Evil Dead: The Musical plays at 7.30pm April 26, 27, May 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10 with a 2pm matinee May 5. Tickets are $37, $32 concession – book at TAZTix.com.au/limelight or call TAZTix on 9255 3336. Note: the show contains mature content including adult themes, strong coarse language, sexual references, physical violence, strobe lighting and blood, gore and smoke effects and is recommended for people aged 16 and over. Limelight Theatre is on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.