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‘Evil Dead: The Musical’ is campy Halloween fun
By Eric McCrea
Halloween is in full effect at Salem Community Theatre with its new “splash zone” while they treat horror fans and show-tune enthusiasts alike to “Evil Dead: The Musical.”
Based on the Sam Raimi films starring Bruce Campbell, the musical features eclectic songs and campy choreography with a story that combines elements from the series into a two-hour gore-fest.
Five friends, led by devoted S-Mart employee Ash (Matthew Schomer), head to a remote cabin in the woods for spring break. When demonic forces waylay their hormonal fun, Ash finds himself in a battle to save the world. When his sister, Cheryl, played by Tara Lee Holl, becomes possessed, he locks her in the basement, but she pops up often to scream bad omens, extend invitations and provide monstrous amounts of comic relief.
Meanwhile, Annie (Carly Ellis) makes her way to the cabin, which used to be owned by her father, and she might just be the exorcist this spring break needs.
Schomer was in his element as the shining star Ash. He delivered every cheesy one-liner with gusto, especially during songs such as “Housewares Employee.” His persona was a stylish blend of part game-show host and part cartoon superhero.
Lexi Denney was luminescent as Ash’s girlfriend, Linda. She saturated the character with near psycho levels of enthusiasm. She and Schomer had great voices, but their harmonies felt like they competed rather than blended.
Holl had great timing as Cheryl. She almost had two roles – as sweet Cheryl and hell-raiser Cheryl. She made both of them distinct. She also showed great skill at vamping when needed.
Ellis also showed great versatility, playing both the intellectual Annie and the vapid Shelly, switching from one to the other with vertigo-inducing speed. She showed command of dialogue in her scenes with Nick Berger’s perpetually overlooked Ed.
Jon Price was incredible as mountain path expert Jake. He redefined the redneck archetype and made his character impossible to ignore. If he hadn’t found his niche before this, he’s found it now.
Newcomer Billy Page was fun as the foul-mouthed, amorous Scott. He performed like a tougher Brian Posehn and got some big laughs, most notably for his re-animated quips.
An amazing set designed by director Dan Haueter awed the audience when the curtain opened and exemplified the dedication everyone had in making this show successful. Special effects and plot points were over the top, and the cast had a raucous time selling them.
Sound cues were unreliable, forcing the actors to compensate on the fly, but everyone handled it well, and the audience didn’t hold a grudge.
This show includes violence and adult language, making it inappropriate for younger audience members, but it is a perfect way to get in some extra Halloween entertainment.
“Evil Dead: The Musical” will be performed Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with limited seating in the special splash zone. For reservations, call Salem Community Theatre at 330-332-9688.