Probably number one on my list of movies that should never, ever be made into musicals, Evil Dead: The Musical refuses to die. Its misbegotten life started in Toronto 10 years ago, where it was an instant hit. The show has since staggered like an errant zombie into theaters all over the world. And now it's coming to Chicago, preparing to wreak three weeks of musical mayhem at the Broadway Playhouse from September 23 to October 12.
Not from Chicago, you may say? Fear not: the unholy harmonies may soon be heard in a theater near you, as the show lurches onward in its North American tour.
Evil Dead: The Musical is based on Sam Raimi's cult classic films Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness. It takes liberties with the plots of the movies, mixing together the characters and concepts of all three films.
Yet somehow, fans of the movies have embraced this misbegotten mashup of blood, gore and rock 'n' roll, unleashed by the creative team of George Reinblatt, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and Christopher Bond.
With song titles like "All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons" and "Do the Necronomicon," it just might be the next Rocky Horror Picture Show. At least, if you believe the buzz this immensely popular show has been receiving.
What's next, you might ask, Evil Dead: The Ballet? Now that would truly be horrific.
