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BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Fun Production of EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL

In keeping with the Halloween season, and in distinct contrast to the serious tone of New Line's brilliant Night of the Living Dead, we have Stray Dog Theatre's lively production of EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL, a campy gorefest based on filmmaker Sam Raimi's Evil Dead trilogy. The first two films are audacious and nutty 'cabin in the woods' tales spiced with bravura camera work and copious amounts of blood and guts. The third movie sends our hero, Ash, back to medieval times to fight an Army of Darkness. This musical version combines elements taken from all three flicks, emphasizes the 'splat-stick' aspects of all of them, and adds a fairly catchy rock and roll score (book writer and lyricist George Reinblatt with a number of composers) to the mix. It's a dizzying, but enjoyable ride that, thankfully, never lets the foot off the gas.
Photo Flash: First Look at Melissa Southmayd, Zach Wachter and More in Stray Dog's SPRING AWAKENING

Stray Dog Theatre presents SPRING AWAKENING: A NEW MUSICAL, now playing through October 20, 2012. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.
BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Hauntingly Beautiful SPRING AWAKENING

The original cast album of Spring Awakening (music by Duncan Sheik with book and lyrics by Steven Sater) is still in heavy rotation in my iPod, not only because it's a terrifically catchy score, but because of its dramatic power as well. And though some may try to draw comparisons to the touring company that came to the Fox in 2009, there's really nothing to be gained by doing that. Stray Dog Theatre's current presentation is a much more intimate and "in your face" production that may well carry more impact. It certainly affected me deeply, in fact, I could hardly sleep after seeing the show, with the songs and performances spinning around my brain in continual motion. This is a beautiful and haunting rendering that provides must-see entertainment for any theatre-goer.
BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Superb Production of URINETOWN

URINETOWN is a satirical musical based on the idea that an ecological disaster could create a situation whereby individuals have to pay for the opportunity to eliminate their wastes in public amenities. If that sounds like an odd concept, you're right, it is. And, with it's grungy atmosphere and grimy costuming, it might seem unappealing. But, Urinetown works because it makes fun of itself, and the conventions of musical theatre, while actually managing to communicate a potent message about conserving our resources and being socially responsible. There's also the clever, dense lyrics and engaging melodies of Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann. Stray Dog Theatre's current production is excellent and because of it drawing sell-out crowds the run has been extended.
BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Thrilling Production of TOMMY

Pete Townshend and the Who's seminal rock opera classic TOMMY comes to the stage of the Tower Grove Abbey courtesy of Stray Dog Theatre adorned in steam punk fashion and scenic design. It's an exhilarating show powered by solid performances, a tight band, and engaging direction that never lets the pace slow for a moment. This is one of the few evenings of theatre that left me feeling goosebumps up my spine as the cast took their bows. A definite must see experience!
BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Dark and Brilliant Production of THE VISIT

Friedrich Durrenmatt's THE VISIT (adapted by Maurice Valency) is like one of those expressionistic German films from the 1920's directed by Robert Wiene or F.W. Murnau come to life on the stage. In fact, the characters and their stylized mannerisms seem like they would be right at home in one of the villages that Dr. Caligari might bring his somnambulist Cesare to for exhibition purposes. That's probably one of the reasons I found this unique and moralistic work so fascinating. Stray Dog Theatre is presenting this macabre and unusual play as the closer for their current season, and it's a brilliantly staged affair.
Stray Dog Theatre Presents YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, 3/24-4/9

Stray Dog Theatre presents YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, a day in the life of your favorite PEANUTS characters as they sing, dance, and experience childhood. Does Charlie Brown finally get up the nerve to talk to that cute little red-haired girl? Will Linus give up his trusty blanket once and for all? And what about Snoopy's life-long feud with the Red Baron? Like the delightful comic strip on which it is based, this beloved musical is happiness for the kid in all of us! The Broadway Musical Revival based on the comic strip 'Peanuts' by Charles M. Schultz. Book, Music, and Lyrics by Clark Gesner. Directed by Gary F. Bell. Vocal Direction by Leslie Sikes. Choreography by JT Ricroft. Featuring Chrissy Brooks, James Cougar Canfield, C. E. Fifer, Mark Saunders, Ben Watts, and Marcy Wiegert.
BWW Review: Stray Dog Theatre's Cute Production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, had the ability to communicate tiny bits of wisdom and insight in the space of three panels (six panels in the Sunday funnies) of rudimentary art. And, while most of his colleagues would head straight for a punchline, Schulz tended to take a more philosophical approach. The musical adaptation, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, originally written by Clark Gesner, and subsequently revised by Michael Mayer and Andrew Lippa, attempts to capture the essence of Schulz's work, but even as an introduction to the characters, the results are mixed at best. Stray Dog Theatre continues their current season with a charming production of this uneven musical, that's engaging and enjoyable more often than not.
Stray Dog Theatre Presents YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, 3/24-4/9

Stray Dog Theatre presents YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, a day in the life of your favorite PEANUTS characters as they sing, dance, and experience childhood. Does Charlie Brown finally get up the nerve to talk to that cute little red-haired girl? Will Linus give up his trusty blanket once and for all? And what about Snoopy's life-long feud with the Red Baron? Like the delightful comic strip on which it is based, this beloved musical is happiness for the kid in all of us! The Broadway Musical Revival based on the comic strip 'Peanuts' by Charles M. Schultz. Book, Music, and Lyrics by Clark Gesner. Directed by Gary F. Bell. Vocal Direction by Leslie Sikes. Choreography by JT Ricroft. Featuring Chrissy Brooks, James Cougar Canfield, C. E. Fifer, Mark Saunders, Ben Watts, and Marcy Wiegert.
Stray Dog Theatre Presents YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, 3/24-4/9

Stray Dog Theatre presents YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, a day in the life of your favorite PEANUTS characters as they sing, dance, and experience childhood. Does Charlie Brown finally get up the nerve to talk to that cute little red-haired girl? Will Linus give up his trusty blanket once and for all? And what about Snoopy's life-long feud with the Red Baron? Like the delightful comic strip on which it is based, this beloved musical is happiness for the kid in all of us! The Broadway Musical Revival based on the comic strip 'Peanuts' by Charles M. Schultz. Book, Music, and Lyrics by Clark Gesner. Directed by Gary F. Bell. Vocal Direction by Leslie Sikes. Choreography by JT Ricroft. Featuring Chrissy Brooks, James Cougar Canfield, C. E. Fifer, Mark Saunders, Ben Watts, and Marcy Wiegert.

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