BWW Interviews: EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL Directors Talk STAGE DOOR INC.'s Halloween Tradition with the Cult Classic

It's the month of October and as Halloween grows nearer, many theatres are gearing up for their Halloween shows. Currently Stage Door Inc. is getting ready for its biennial cult musical EVIL DEAD. I was lucky enough to chat with EVIL DEAD directors Angela Case and Marc Anthony Glover to find out more info on their seasonal treat.

First things first, use 3 words to sum up EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL.

SDI: Hilarious, classic and bloody

Okay, I've never seen it; what is it about?

SDI: It's going to be a stereotypical horror film based on cult classics from the 80's except that it's live onstage. There are 5 typical college students who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force and things go crazy from there. It's ridiculously hilarious,100 percent campy and the perfect entertainment for fans of the cheesy B-horror films. Let's not forget that it's zombie before zombie was cool.

So EVIL DEAD is one of Stage Door Inc.'s biennial Halloween shows. How did this show become such a staple with the theatre?

SDI: Well one year we did ROCKY HORROR and that was such a big hit with the community that everyone wanted us to do it for the following season's Halloween show. Unfortunately we couldn't because we had already chosen to do EVIL DEAD. So we did EVIL DEAD and that turned into such a success that everyone (the same who wanted ROCKY again) wanted us to do EVIL DEAD again for the next season. As a result, a discussion was had and we decided to switch them up every other year as part of our Halloween tradition in order to make everyone happy. It's turned out really well. Every year we know that the community is going to be pumped up for one or the other.

The people spoke, and you gave them what they wanted! That's a great compromise instead of trying to do both every year.

SDI: Oh we do listen to the people. One season [laughter] we did both of them. It was great fun, because we always have tons of fun with those 2 shows, but it was very tiring at the same time. It's definitely something we don't want to do every year.

How do you re-invent the show and keep it fresh from its last production?

SDI: Well, just having an entirely new cast helps with completely changing the show up. It evolves solely from the new perspective of the new cast. We try to do other things differently as well. For example we never resort to the same design aspects again. Everything is always different; different set, costumes and lights for example. This year is exciting because we get to design it for the first time in our new space.

What's the most fun about directing EVIL DEAD?

SDI: The most fun is just interacting with the cast and creating things that are new and different with them. EVIL DEAD is always going to be based on cheesy horror films, so the cast will sit around coming up with new jokes and make things traditional for Stage Door. The process is ever evolving. It's really interesting watching the actors play around a bit and take the script to come up with their own slapstick comedy to incorporate into the production.

EVIL DEAD, like ROCKY HORROR, has become such a part of Stage Door that it's something the theatre as a whole, really looks forward to every year. It's talked about year round and during the season's other shows, we might think of little things that we can add or change for EVIL DEAD and the idea will be stored away until EVIL DEAD time approaches. Our Halloween shows are near the end of the season and are sort of the last big hurrah where we can let our hair down and up the ante.

Since it's during Halloween, what weird things tend to happen during rehearsal?

SDI: Oh, weird things don't just happen around Halloween. They happen all of the time because like most theatres we have a resident ghost. He followed us from the old space to the new one. His name is Ben.

Ben the ghost. Interesting name.

SDI: His name came from a ghost radar app. He's just very mischievous. Doors will open or close, and mirrors might fall or shatter. You can talk to anyone that's worked at a theatre and they will have stories about the resident ghost.

Blood was one of the 3 words that you gave to me earlier. I gather that there will be lots of fake blood! How much blood do you use?

SDI: There will be tons of blood. We're going to go through about 40 gallons. We've perfected the batches of blood with a new secret mix. Luckily in our new space, having a concrete floor will lead to quicker and easier clean up because it's going to get everywhere.

What do you suggest the audience members come prepared with?

SDI: They need to come with an attitude to enjoy themselves and they need to know that their sides will hurt from all of the laughter they're going to do. They will also need to come with clothing and old shoes that are okay to get stained. It's all in good fun, so nobody is safe from the laughter or the blood! The audience will get splattered.

So when I see this show...I'm going to need an arsenal of protective gear?

SDI: You might! We will be selling zombie protective kits, which will include some things to help protect audience members.

Parting words?

SDI: As one of our most popular shows tickets are going fast, so they should be purchased ASAP. Why don't you join us?

Well there you have it folks. Stage Door Inc. presents EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL this Friday, October 17th until November 2nd. All Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays at 11:59pm. Get your tickets now, because the people are demanding and everyone wants a piece of the action. For tickets and more information visit http://www.stagedoorinc.com/#!current-show/c1jbj.

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