Evil Dead, the Musical reviewed by Frank Meccia

[rating=3]I cannot believe that I did not see this show the last time it was in Chicago, back in 2014.But I do remember the cult movies from the 80’s, Evil Dead ,Evil Dead 2, Army of Darkness, these campy B-rated horror movies were cult classics, but it took 5 Canadians in 2013 to create a musical version. Since then there has been over 500 productions of this musical. It has played to standing room crowds in Toronto, Korea, Las Vegas, Off Broadway, the first North America tour in 2014 was cast from Chicago. This Rock Musical has now become a cult classic, just like Rocky Horror back in the 70’s. (oops I am dating myself).

This production, the sets have been completely revamped from the original version. Using the latest of laser lights, CGI and projections you feel as if you’re in the woods, in the attic, on the road, and being spied on. The show is based on,

Five college students who go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash (a housewares employee, turned demon-killing hero), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons tell bad jokes… and all to music. The songs in the show are completely off the wall as well. Titles like “All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons” and “What the F**k Was That?”, all that while fake blood is splattered everywhere, 65% of the theatre is a splatter zone, and a lot of those in the audience did not want to wear the plastic ponchos provided, I of course picked the back so that I could stay dry.

Directed by Matty Gregg, you can meet him at the gift purchase section upstairs, he will be glad to answer all the questions you might have about the show. Lyrics and music are by George Reinblatt and Frank Cipolla. The show will be playing till Feb 29^{th before moving to the next city on the new North America tour.}

Performances will continue thru February 29th with performances as follows:

Show Type: Musical

Box Office: 773-404-7336

www.evildeadtickets.com

 In the Upstairs Mainstage Theatre, ticket prices are $30-$35 dollars, the website says 1hour and 40 min with a ten minute intermission, that is wrong, it is only 70 min with no intermission, but you can stay afterwards to meet the actors and have pictures taken.

“Evil Dead the Musical” is not ticketed thru the Greenhouse Theater Center, for all ticketing questions please email　^{info@roshientertainment.com}

Parking is tough on Lincoln Ave, so use the parking garage at 2316 N. Lincoln, tickets will be validated at the box office and parking is only $6.00 and is good for 4 hours, which means you can eat at some of the great nearby establishments. Greenhouse theatre is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Evil Dead, the Musical”.