Theatre Company of Saugus's 'Evil Dead: The Musical' - A Horror-Comedy Extravaganza
Come and join the evil dead.
Come and join the evil dead.
Theatre Company of Saugus presents Evil Dead: The Musical, a darkly entertaining production based on the popular 1980 horror films directed by Sam Raimi. A group of friends travel to a cabin in the woods for a vacation. Tragically, they release flesh-possessing demons - who sing.
Blood, dark comedy, and singing demons! Wow, I had the best evening laughing until my face hurt and getting pelted with (fake) blood. Theatre Company of Saugus’s Evil Dead: The Musical is a horror-comedy extravaganza that spills laughs, demon dance numbers, and splatters grotesque limbs to audiences' delights.
The show starts with our characters happily driving on a sunny day to their vacation spot. (If only they knew...) Brady Neiss-Moe stars as Ash, the iconic chainsaw-wielding, wise-cracking hero of the Evil Dead universe. Neiss-Moe was hysterical with his impeccable comedic timing! I howled in laughter when he was hacking off his possessed hand.
Valerie White (Cheryl) cracked audiences up with their talented demon-possession puns. As Ash’s cocky best friend, Scotty (Ian Page), his vocabulary is not extensive, but Page is a riot. Mariah Mulcahy Hanzel (Shelly) and Dana Murray (Linda) were also excellent, either dancing or uttering witty dialogue.
Just stepping off a plane, Annie and Ed (Caroline DeBrota and Andy LeBlanc) meet Jake (Mark Evan Damon) in the woods and end up at the cabin. None are prepared for the evil experience, becoming attracted or falling prey.
Music director Shane Stecher conducts the songs with a live orchestra. Songs include ‘Houseware Employee,’ ‘Join Us,’ and ‘What the F*** Was That,’ a hilarious tango between Neiss-Moe and Page. Every actor is committed to the epic demon dance number, ‘Do the Necronomicon.’
What I really want to talk about and praise is the technical work of TCS’s Evil Dead: The Musical. This show would not be possible without the incredible technical crew.
Evil Dead: The Musical is a highly technical show, from stage management, (Ally Lewis), fight coordination (Amanda O’Donnell), lighting (Billy Thompson), costumes (Vanessa Phelon and Hannah Clifford), and more. The cabin set design by Mark Elliott Damon is amazing. Demon masks are startling by Luisiana Cruz.
Jason Hair-Wynn is a die-hard fan of Evil Dead. His direction goes beyond commendable, mastering everything, from special effects to comedy, and ensuring everyone was comfortable with the show’s grueling subject matter.
“This is by far the craziest show I ever directed!” Hair-Wynn stated about the challenging Evil Dead: The Musical process. In no way was it an easy show to direct, but based on what I witnessed, Hair-Wynn overcame these challenges, achieving an unforgettable theater experience.
The fake blood exhumes more work than you realize. Everything you see onstage is choreographed. Lauren Thompson and Vanessa Phelon, the show’s blood masters, executed the fake blood through tricky preparations. Blood squirts everywhere. The area does not resemble the stage you walked into at the very end of the show.
I can’t even describe the show’s comedy. It’s meant to be witnessed. I will forever remember the cackles from the audience who almost fell out of their seats. The actors deliver the utmost hysterical comedy in line delivery, facial reactions, and tumbling about the stage. Audiences are in for several surprises!
What are audiences going to walk away with? Laughter, fun, and fake blood oozing on clothes. This show is for all horror enthusiasts. Tickets for Theatre Company of Saugus’s Evil Dead: The Musical are sold out but don’t give up hope. Get on the waiting list now because you don’t want to miss this gory and exciting time during the spooky season!
About the Creator
Marielle Sabbag
Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.
Keep reading
More stories from Marielle Sabbag and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Experience Punctuate4 Productions 'Simon Says' at Larcom Theatre
A pretty amazing thing is happening at the Larcom Theatre in Beverly, MA. Punctuate4 Productions is performing Mat Schaffer’s original play, Simon Says. Everyone involved with this supernatural show is excited for audiences to attend.
By Marielle Sabbagabout a year ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters5 days ago in Geeks
Michael Vartan
Michael Vartan has long been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable yet understated actors. Known for his charm, emotional range, and consistent performances, Vartan built a career that resonated strongly with television audiences, particularly during the early 2000s. While he may not dominate headlines today, interest in Michael Vartan now reflects how lasting his impact has been on fans who grew up watching his work. Early Life and Entry Into Acting Michael Vartan was born on November 27, 1968, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Raised between France and the United States, he grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped his worldview. His mother was an American artist, and his father was a French actor and writer, which gave him early exposure to the creative world. Before acting became a serious pursuit, Vartan worked behind the scenes in the film industry. He served as an assistant to directors, gaining firsthand experience with the mechanics of filmmaking. This background gave him a grounded understanding of storytelling—an element that later showed in the depth and restraint of his performances. Breakthrough Roles and Rising Popularity Michael Vartan’s acting career began in the 1990s with roles in films such as The Pallbearer and Never Been Kissed. While these projects introduced him to mainstream audiences, his true breakthrough came with television. In 2001, Vartan was cast as Michael Vaughn in the spy drama Alias. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and his portrayal of the calm, morally driven CIA agent earned widespread praise. His on-screen chemistry with Jennifer Garner played a significant role in the series’ success and cemented Vartan’s status as a fan favorite. Alias allowed Michael Vartan to showcase more than just leading-man appeal. His character balanced action with emotional vulnerability, making him relatable despite the high-stakes spy narrative. For many viewers, this role remains the defining chapter of his career. Career After Alias Following the end of Alias, Michael Vartan continued working steadily in both television and film. He appeared in movies like Monster-in-Law and One Hour Photo, demonstrating his willingness to explore varied genres. On television, he took on leading and supporting roles in shows such as Hawthorne, Bates Motel, and The Arrangement. These performances reflected a shift toward more mature, nuanced characters, aligning naturally with his growth as an actor. Rather than chasing constant visibility, Vartan seemed selective, choosing projects that interested him creatively. This approach contributed to his reputation as a dependable and thoughtful performer rather than a celebrity driven by trends. Michael Vartan Now: Life Away From the Spotlight When people search for Michael Vartan now, they are often curious about why he appears less frequently on screens. The answer is not controversy or retirement, but balance. In recent years, Vartan has stepped back from high-profile roles, focusing more on personal life and selective professional opportunities. He has spoken openly in the past about the pressures of fame and the importance of mental health. This honesty resonated with fans and helped explain his quieter presence in Hollywood. Instead of constant exposure, Michael Vartan now represents a different model of success—one defined by longevity and personal well-being. Though he is not as active as he once was, he remains connected to the industry and continues to receive interest from both creators and audiences. His legacy ensures that his work is still revisited by new viewers discovering his shows through streaming platforms. Acting Style and Lasting Appeal What sets Michael Vartan apart is his subtlety. He is not known for over-the-top performances or dramatic transformations. Instead, his strength lies in emotional authenticity. Whether playing a spy, a doctor, or a troubled partner, his characters often feel grounded and believable. This realism helped him maintain relevance across different eras of television. His performances age well because they rely on human emotion rather than stylistic trends. For fans revisiting his work today, that quality remains just as compelling. Cultural Impact and Fan Connection While Michael Vartan may not dominate social media or entertainment news cycles, his fan base remains loyal. Online discussions, rewatch threads, and renewed interest in shows like Alias continue to introduce his work to younger audiences. His career serves as an example of how consistency and integrity can leave a lasting impression without constant self-promotion. In an industry that often rewards noise, Vartan’s quieter approach stands out. Final Thoughts Michael Vartan’s journey through Hollywood reflects a career built on steady growth, thoughtful choices, and respect for the craft of acting. From his early days behind the camera to his memorable television roles, he carved out a space that remains relevant even years later. For those wondering about Michael Vartan now, the answer is simple: he is living on his own terms, with a legacy already firmly established. His story reminds us that success in entertainment does not always mean being everywhere—it can also mean being remembered.
By Saboor Brohi 4 days ago in Geeks
Comments (1)
I had no idea there was an Evil Dead musical!! I'm a huge fan of that franchise!!