Evil Dead: The Musical

On November 20 the national tour of "Evil Dead: The Musical" began a three-night run at Parker Playhouse. "Evil Dead: The Musical" is a campy, vulgar, fun-filled and blood-filled poke at the classic horror film with which it shares its name.

The plot basically follows that of the movie. Five young people sneak off to a "Cabin in the Woods," as the first song is called, to have a spring break vacation. The characters are your standard horror characters: the hero with a big smile, his girlfriend, his perpetually horny best friend, his buxom but brain-challenged girlfriend and the bookworm sister of the hero. As soon as you see these five, you know there is trouble ahead and lots of bad decisions to be made.

The score by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt is full of perky infectious music and Reinblatt's lyrics are witty and keep the plot going. Such numbers as "Housewares Employee," "Look Who's Evil Now," "What The Fuck Was That," "All the Men In My Life Keep Getting Killed By Candarian Demons" and "Do The Necronomicon" are typical fare for the evening. There is also a singing taxidermy moose.

The cast of this tour is a very talented bunch of singers, dancers and actors. In the leading role of Ash, David Sajewich's giant smile and matinee idol looks are a perfect fit. As Scott, his best friend, Creg Sclavi is hilarious in his ultra-dim role. In the double role of Shelly/Annie Callie Johnson proves to be one of the best singers in the show with an incredibly bouncy bosom.

Demi Zaino has the character of the book-wormish Cheryl down to a T and Julie Baird is charming as the soon to be decapitated girlfriend Linda. By far the best dancer in the show, Ryan McBride played the role of Ed, the beleaguered boyfriend of Annie as well as supplying the voice of the moose. Andre Di Rosa played the redneck Jake, complete with sprayed-on farmer's tan, and Ryan Czerwonko had brief moments on the stage as a ghost and a body double.

The scenic design by Lindsay Anne Black is clever and creepy and Gareth Crew's lighting design helps set the mood for the show. There is also lots and lots of stage blood. In fact, if you sit in the first five rows, you are in the 'Splatter Zone' and appropriate easily washed or waterproof clothing is advised.

This tour will continue on to Newark, NJ, York, PA, Mesa, AZ and Dayton, OH through April 2015.

"Evil Dead: The Musical" will not change your life nor will it be a cathartic theatrical experience. It will, however, be a well spent two hours and 15 minutes filled with some great singing and dancing, catchy tunes and lots and lots of stage blood. Even if you are not a fan of horror movies, you will find something to appreciate with this show.

"Evil Dead: The Musical" ran through Nov. 22 at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. For information about future performances of this tour, visit www.evildeadthemusical.com. For information about tickets and future events at Parker Playhouse, call 954-462-0222 or visit www.parkerplayhouse.com.