Broadway in Chicago, in conjunction with Starvox Entertainment and Jeffrey Latimer Entertainment, present EVIL DEAD – THE MUSICAL.
“What the f#ck was that?” sums up my experience last night with this Canadian cult classic. It’s also the title of a song in this horror spoof set to music. Since the original production opened in Toronto eleven years ago, 150 productions have presented in cities around the world to sold-out houses and rave reviews. So, “what the f#ck was that?” opening in Chicago yesterday.
“Look who’s evil now” I hated it… from the start. The initial set looked like grade school rejects. A cardboard car ran over a cardboard bunny. It didn’t help that the audio was off for the first ten minutes. The cast’s microphones went in and out as they jovially sang about their Spring break trip. Later, the cabin was constructed pretty solid with rustic details. Yet, the basement entrance, pretty pivotal to the story, was obscured by part of the curtain. The left side of the theatre only saw an occasional head pop out of the cellar imprisonment.
“It won’t let us leave” I wanted to go at intermission but I optimistically stayed. It didn’t get better. The characters are over-the-top stereotypes. The jokes are corny. I have a good sense of humor. I enjoy camp. I thought the “Scream” movies were a hoot. I only laughed once in this entire two hour duration. It was a sexual innuendo about a decapitated head. The rest of the time I grimaced and counted dead bodies. I hoped that as soon as everyone was dead it would end. “We will never die” was the zombie anthem as the finish line lingered just past another musical dance number.
“Blew that bitch away” This show is a ‘stupid bitch.‘ It is a non-equity touring company. Even though there is talent on the stage, the production has cut corners to save money. The set design, the staging, the direction have been compromised. The results are a cheap knock-off version of the original. I should have known this was a thrifty alternative when lobby signs announced they charged $7 for ponchos for the blood splatter zone. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing tickets. And if you already have purchased tickets, I’d recommend getting drunk or stoned to ensure you laugh more than once.
Running Time: Two hours includes an intermission
At Broadway Playhouse at Watertower Place, 175 E. Chestnut
Based on the “Evil Dead” film franchise
Books and lyrics by George Reinblatt
Music by George Reinblatt, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and Christopher Bond
Directed by Christopher Bond
Thru October 12th
Buy Tickets at www.broadwayinchicago.com
For more information and reviews on Chicago theatre, visit Theatre in Chicago.