Interview with creative consultant Jerry Burgin regarding the upcoming theatrical production of Evil Dead: The Musical
Is the theatrical production of Evil Dead based on the original 1981 Sam Raimi movie?
Yes.
What made you choose Evil Dead over a series of other cult horror flics, like Pumkinhead for example?
None of those have been made into musicals. Being a comedy after Little Shop and Rocky Horror it seemed like the logical choice. Bret Runyon (designer DC Theatricks) is Director, Musical Director, Costumer and Production Designer.
So this is a musical? I guess I'm only familiar with the movie.
Yes. It's a very funny musical with The New Alt Theatre Group producing.
Have you ever watched Cannibal The Musical?
I have.
When did Evil Dead first appear as a musical?
The show started at the comedy festival in Montreal and went to Toronto. I believe it first ran in 2005.
How did it make its way to Buffalo, and why is there such a cult following?
The musical is funny and it's not what everyone else is doing - it started as a 2 week run in Toronto and lasted 5 years - also the fact there is so much movement, fighting and blood being shot into the audience tickled me a bit.
So how does that work exactly? Did you guys pick it up and run with it as opposed to the production coming here?
It's the same production - it is a Samuel French licensed show. We have just added our own touches.
How do you take what could arguably be considered one of the most horrific horror movies of all time and turn it into a comedic musical?
Creative writing - they took the best part of all 3 movies, mixed in some great music like the song "Cabin in the Woods". All we did was add great talent from Buffalo.
Does the success of the production depend on interaction from the audience?
Not really... the show carries itself well. The actors that have been cast were picked from the area through audition - it is a show for adults. The stage at The Alt has been raised 3 feet in the air to accommodate people being killed and dragged under the cabin by a female demon played by Maria Droz. The set has a lot of special effects, like a talking moose head above a fireplace.
Why should people come see this?
Well it is a kind of a show not of the norm but funny as a cabin in the woods full of demons...
Show runs March 10 to April 3 (Wed to Sat). Wed and Thur 7:30pm, Fri & Sat at 8pm. General admission $25, and for the spatter zone $30. Tickets can be purchased at www.alttheatre.com or by calling the theatre directly: 716-868-6847
Alt Theatre
255 Great Arrow
Buffalo NY
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Is the theatrical production of Evil Dead based on the original 1981 Sam Raimi movie?
Yes.
What made you choose Evil Dead over a series of other cult horror flics, like Pumkinhead for example?
None of those have been made into musicals. Being a comedy after Little Shop and Rocky Horror it seemed like the logical choice. Bret Runyon (designer DC Theatricks) is Director, Musical Director, Costumer and Production Designer.
So this is a musical? I guess I'm only familiar with the movie.
Yes. It's a very funny musical with The New Alt Theatre Group producing.
Have you ever watched Cannibal The Musical?
I have.
When did Evil Dead first appear as a musical?
The show started at the comedy festival in Montreal and went to Toronto. I believe it first ran in 2005.
How did it make its way to Buffalo, and why is there such a cult following?
The musical is funny and it's not what everyone else is doing - it started as a 2 week run in Toronto and lasted 5 years - also the fact there is so much movement, fighting and blood being shot into the audience tickled me a bit.
So how does that work exactly? Did you guys pick it up and run with it as opposed to the production coming here?
It's the same production - it is a Samuel French licensed show. We have just added our own touches.
How do you take what could arguably be considered one of the most horrific horror movies of all time and turn it into a comedic musical?
Creative writing - they took the best part of all 3 movies, mixed in some great music like the song "Cabin in the Woods". All we did was add great talent from Buffalo.
Does the success of the production depend on interaction from the audience?
Not really... the show carries itself well. The actors that have been cast were picked from the area through audition - it is a show for adults. The stage at The Alt has been raised 3 feet in the air to accommodate people being killed and dragged under the cabin by a female demon played by Maria Droz. The set has a lot of special effects, like a talking moose head above a fireplace.
Why should people come see this?
Well it is a kind of a show not of the norm but funny as a cabin in the woods full of demons...
Show runs March 10 to April 3 (Wed to Sat). Wed and Thur 7:30pm, Fri & Sat at 8pm. General admission $25, and for the spatter zone $30. Tickets can be purchased at www.alttheatre.com or by calling the theatre directly: 716-868-6847
Alt Theatre
255 Great Arrow
Buffalo NY
This looks like something I WANT to see! I think I should get splatter zone tickets too! www.alttheatre.com is the website right?