“The Evil Dead-the Musical” review by Lawrence Riordan

Somewhat Recommended **  I went to “Evil Dead” not expecting to like it, and I can’t say that I did. The story concerns five college age kids who break into a cabin in the woods. Unfortunately, a professor of classics and archeology owns it, and has discovered the long presumed lost “Book of The Dead” which he has stashed in the basement. Ash and his friends find the book, play an audio-recording of the professor, and set forth long-vanquished demons upon the world. Ashe’s sister and friends are promptly turned into zombies, and it will be up to Ash to destroy them and save the world even with one hand and no genitals. I understand that this is supposed to be a satire on a horror franchise from the eighties of which I profess total ignorance, but isn’t satire supposed to at least somewhat criticize the genre from which is drawn. These feels like taking a bad-horror film its logical extreme and then reveling in it.

I should say for purposes of full-disclosure that I have a weak stomach, am easily embarrassed by graphic allusions to, or depictions of, sex, can’t watch violence, and would rather hear tons of coarse language unless it has a redeeming artistic, if not social, importance. Consequently this musical with its frequent allusions and displays of: fellatio, masturbation, castration, genitals (I feel like I already mentioned those, hm?), decapitation, mutilation, and blood (I feel like I mentioned that already too) is not ideally suited for someone of my temperament. So, why a “Somewhat Recommended?” Well, I’m rounding up, but I have to say while not enjoying the play, I wasn’t miserable, and everyone around me was clearly having a good time.

I found myself politely joining the laughter at the most inpolite jokes,  and the actors were great performers with wonderful voices even though the songs were terrible by any musical or lyrical standards (I suppose they were meant to be just that). Ash,was every bit as the  superficial macho hero who gets the girl. His girlfriend was every bit as the gorgeous woman who adores him for no reason. His best friend was a straight up-bro. The lighting design created a very campy mood and the special effects were impressive, but silly. The set appeared to be a non descript cabin in the wooods ( that may have been one of the song titles as well) and not everyone in the audience left before the play ended. In short, everything was executed well even though it was being executed as a pop bordering on filth entertainment.

Price:$29.99-$67.99

Show Type: Musical

Running Time: 2hrs

Just a few more days THRU OCTOBER 12th– don’t waste your money on this one.

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

If you do dare to buy tickets go to  www.BroadwayInChicago.com