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Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

The Evil Dead film trilogy has become a favorite for B-horror fans, and even purists would have to admit adding cheesy one-liners, campy showtunes, and dancing only enhances the story. Musical theatre enthusiasts be warned: this show is for “mature (and immature) audiences only.” Crude language and sexual innuendos abound, but are aptly used to augment the show’s humor.

A smaller Monday crowd did not stop cast and crew from presenting a wildly hilarious and delightfully grotesque evening of song, dance, and chainsaws. The seven-person cast is bursting with high-energy talent—their no-holds-barred physicality amps up the ridiculousness of their characters, creating an all but cartoonish world where anything could happen (and it does). The set—something of a character itself—is appropriately creepy and fairly minimal but full of surprises, and props are effectively and unpredictably used.

All but one cast member returned to reprise their role from last year’s production. Samn Wright portrayed Ash, our smug and manly protagonist with good intentions and a knack for heroism. Wright’s natural good looks and suave delivery make him ideal in Bruce Campbell’s legendary role. Noah Whitmore shines as Scott, Ash’s shameless and assertive buddy. Whitmore provides some of the best over-the-top comic and dramatic moments. Wright and Whitmore have great chemistry onstage, evidenced by their duet “What the Fuck was That?”

Chioma Anyanwu plays Ash’s little sister, the jittery and whiney Cheryl, and Aurelie Roque returns as Linda, Ash’s endearing girlfriend. Roque and Anyanwu’s stark character transformations between human and demon are the strongest and most entertaining. Anyanwu throws her whole body into the role and delivers groan-worthy puns with such commitment that they are still enjoyable. Roque and Wright’s duet, “Housewares Employee,” provides the requisite yet deliciously cheesy love song of the evening.

Ethan Miller and Dana Joel Nicholson also return in their roles, and each stood out with their own song feature as Ed, the “Bit Part Demon,” and “Good Ol’ Reliable Jake,” respectively. Miller’s dancing throughout especially impresses, and Nicholson’s vocals and comedic timing excelled on the unexpected “Ode to an Accidental Stabbing.”

The new cast member this year, Katie Karel portrays both Shelly, Scott’s wanton girlfriend, and Annie, talkative daughter of the scientist who discovered the Necrinomicon and unleashed the demons from their slumber. The characters are utter contrasts and Karel plays each to the fullest, notably on Annie’s feature doo-wop song, “All the Men in My Life (Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons).”

All the cast members are excellent vocalists, and a highlight is anytime when their true singing voices came through. The cast executes lively and well-coordinated dance numbers throughout. Between the acting, singing, and dancing, everyone pleasantly steals the show at one time or another.

Egads!’s Evil Dead: The Musical is a great way to awaken the spirit of Halloween in you; you’ll be dying of laughter by dawn. And there is no better way to experience this show than sitting in the splatter zone. As the demons would say, “Join us…”

REVIEW:
Egads! Theatre Company
Evil Dead: The Musical
October 7–November 4, 2011 (Reviewed October 10)
Off Center Theatre in Crown Center
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO
For more information, visit http://egadstheatre.com or http://evildeadkc.com

Top Photo: Samn Wright as Ash in Egads!’s Evil Dead: The Musical 

By Kristin Shafel Omiccioli

Editorial Assignments Executive Editor; Traditional and New Classical Contributor

Kristin Shafel Omiccioli, a native of Madison, WI, holds composition degrees (M.M., B.M.) from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Kristin's compositions have been performed at national and regional new music festivals and conferences throughout the United States. During her time at UMKC, Kristin also focused on double bass performance and arts administration. She was a student leader and performer in many of the Conservatory's student organizations and ensembles, including Musica Nova, Composers' Guild, the Conservatory Student Association, the orchestras, and Wind Symphony. Her composition instructors were James Mobberley, Paul Rudy, Zhou Long, and Chen Yi, and her bass instructor was Sue Stubbs. Formerly a guitarist, Kristin performed with big bands and her own jazz combo in Madison, WI, having studied jazz guitar and theory with Roger Brotherhood in Madison and jazz voice and theory with Hal Melia in Kansas City at UMKC.

Kristin enjoys being active in the performing arts community. She has volunteered with the Chamber Music Society of Kansas City and Charlotte Street Foundation, and has played in the bass section of the Northland Symphony Orchestra, among other bass gigs around the metro. Kristin currently serves as principal bass for the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and Heritage Philharmonic, and is a section bassist for Kinnor Philharmonic. She joined the writing staff of KCMetropolis.org in February 2010 and has been KCM’s executive editor since July 2011. Read her blog at mylittleheartmelodies.com.