Selma Arts Center is well in its run of a raucously fun, Evil Dead, the Musical which I had the pleasure of seeing this past weekend. This show, which adapts several films in the Evil Dead series, gives room for physical comedy and zany antics, has a score that is deceptively demanding, and follows a premise that is as B-plot level ridiculous–and is aware of its ridiculousness–to entertain audiences whether they have knowledge of or are ignorant to the Evil Dead films. Selma Arts Center, as has been proven in past productions, successfully leans into the camp and schtick without apology and, by show’s end, the bloody good time promised is delivered in gallons.
(L to R: Oscar Arellano (Scott), Kaci Clason (Shelly), Lilianna Herrington (Cheryl), Erin Brown (Linda), Chris Ortiz-Belcher (Ash); Photo source: Selma Arts Center)
Five friends, of various relationships, go to a–suspectedly–abandoned cabin in the woods. However, when an ancient spell is uttered, the forest and cabin’s hauntings come alive and, well, much death ensues. Chris Ortiz-Belcher leads the groups of friends as Ash and is fantastic in comedy and crooning. His chemistry opposite girlfriend, Linda (played by Erin Brown when I attended; the role is doubled with Chloe Mae Tabor), is endearing and wholesome, until death overtakes Linda. Brown’s vocal chops are suited well opposite Ortiz-Belcher in a lovely turn at “Housewares Employee.” Lilianna Herrington plays Cheryl, the religiously timid little sister to Ash, and plays the role with complete abandon, having the bulk of the terrifying repercussions when Cheryl falls victim to demon-hood. Herrington’s vocals are powerhouse-level among the solid cast, with kudos given to vocal director Ke’Lea Flowers for executing such stellar vocal work.
( L to R: Gavin Flores (Ed), Emily Swalef (Annie), Bryan DeBates (Jake); Photo source: Selma Arts Center)
Rounding out the friend-group is just-met couple, Scott and Shelly, played with delectable horniness and a knack for comedy by Oscar Arellano and Kaci Clason, respectively. One of the supporting standout performances comes from Emily Swalef’s soap-opera-esque hysterics and dramatics as the heroine, Annie. Swalef’s vocal triumph is sprinkled throughout the musical but takes full stage in her excellent leading of “All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Kandarian Demons.” (Shoutout to choreographer Miz-Unique Slater for the wonderful staging of this number and a enjoyably wacky, energetically exhausting “Do the Necronomican.”) Bryan DeBates’s Jake offers a more grounded comedic relief from the high-comedy the rest of the cast dives into. Bates’s solo, “Good Old Reliable Jake” is a total hoot.
(Cast of Evil Dead, the Musical; Photo source: Selma Arts Center)
Claudio Laso and Summer S. Session’s co-direction is stellar in its consistency, delivery of, and commitment to the silliness and campiness this musical requires. With film-based musical spoofs, one needs to balance honoring the source material while still staging a solid production; Laso and Session have done both with a keen eye for finding the right amounts of camp and musical legitimacy. Christina McCollam Martinez’s cabin set is perfectly homey, spacious, and inclusive of decor that comes “alive” often enough to warrant the attention to detail. Vinny Galindo’s lighting design does the job in appropriately setting the horror-moodiness while also making effective use of spots and specials for many of the punchlines and upbeat songs. Jacquie Ford’s costumes along with Elizabeth Heinrichs’s hair/makeup/SFX design are in great lock-step, especially with their masks and splendid variety of outfits and looks for when the ensemble joins the leading players.
Evil Dead, the Musical is a deadly good time, whether you end up with blood on you or not. I chose to sit with my party in the Splash Zone and, let me report, I was grateful for every bloody mess shared. You have until September 7th to head to the cabin and try your luck with the heroes, villains, and demons of Evil Dead, the Musical, so plan ahead and don’t miss it!
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