BWW Reviews: RE-ANIMATOR: THE MUSICAL

Since the Smith Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors almost three years ago in March 2012, many Las Vegans have felt less culturally adrift. You see, the arrival of the Smith Center meant that, even off The Strip and outside hotel showrooms, there was world-class entertainment to be seen in the city. This includes Broadway musicals, intimate cabaret fare, a beautiful home for performances by Las Vegas' terrific philharmonic and the Nevada Ballet Theatre. And, all of this takes place in a breathtakingly beautiful venue - art deco on the level of the Chrysler Building and the Radio City Music Hall. So many who live in Las Vegas are so grateful to have the Smith Center.

The show running now through Sunday is Re-Animator: The Musical. Based on HP Lovecraft's story "Herbert West - Re-Animator," the musical is running at the Smith Center's Troesh Studio Theater through this Sunday, January 18.

It was mported from Los Angeles complete with a cult show audience similar to that of The Rocky Horror Show. People are traveling from California to Las Vegas to see the show again and they know it and the cast very well. Watching it was closely akin to being in the audience at a junior high play where the audience members greeted with cheers and applause every moment someone they knew spent in the spotlight. But, rather than being annoying or distracting, the enthusiasm was contagious.

The show was heaps of fun.

Directed by Stuart Gordon, who wrote and directed the 1985 film of Re-Animator and who co-wrote this musical's book, the show features a gifted cast with very good voices who, clearly, are having a ball and want the audience to share the fun.

At the Smith Center's small Troesh Studio Theater, seating is on a first-come/first served basis. The front few rows are designated as a "Splash Zone" and those who sit there are given 30-gallon trash bags with which to cover their clothing.

The story is about Dr. Herbert West (Graham Skipper) who studied in Switzerland and learned to bring the dead back to life with an icky-looking green serum. When he tries to use the serum at Miskatonic University in Massachusetts, chaos ensues.

The part of university dean Halsey is played by George Wendt ("Norm" in Cheers) who sings, dances and has a grand time onstage.

Dr. Hill, Dr. West's nemesis, is beautifully sung by Jesse Merlin.

The love story is supplied by Dan Cain (Darren Ritchie) and Megan Halsey (Jessica Howell), a sweet young couple.

Before Las Vegas, the show had a long run in Los Angeles, played the New York Musical Theater Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Hopefully, Re-Animator: The Musical will come back to life again for a longer run in Las Vegas.

Tickets are $44. Order online at http://www.thesmithcenter.com/events/re-animator-musical/