Arts & Entertainment

Zombies Invade Dexter in 'Evil Dead: The Musical'

The Dexter Community Players will perform Bruce Campbell's classic horror show for Halloween weekend.

Residents looking for an extra spooktacular good time this weekend can grab their chainsaws and "boomsticks," pack up the family and head over to the in Dexter for the performance of Evil Dead: The Musical.

The story loosely follows the 1980s films The Evil Dead and Evil Dead II directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell. A group of college kids on spring break sneak into an isolated cabin and accidentally unleash demon zombies when they come across the Necronomicon, an ancient book of the dead. The kids confront ghosts, trees full of evil spirits and household items that come to life.

"This is a fun, campy musical that will keep you laughing," director Jason Smith said. "We're really happy with audience turnout since we opened the show last weekend. We've had nothing but smiles and laughter and already people are coming back to see the show a second time."

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The show features a talented cast of actors from Southeast Michigan. Brendan Bachman brings the iconic character of Ash to life, together with Dexter native Corrina Gauss as his girlfriend, Linda, Chris Bryant as Ash's best friend, Scott, Ann Hernandez as Scott’s trampy girlfriend, and Stacey Smith as Ash's little sister.

The outrageous — and profanely adult — spoof, features a unique "splash zone" with audience members in the first three rows getting up close and personal with cast members.

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"Demon killing is a messy business, as the first three rows of the audience will experience. The blood of the innocent often rains down on the splatter zone," Smith said. "Some people will get a little blood and others will get drenched, but everyone comes away laughing."

One of the elements of the Dexter Community Players' production that truly sets it apart from other productions of Evil Dead is the effects. This production was graced with Dave Hettmer, one of the effects technicians that worked on Army of Darkness, the third of the Evil Dead films.

"The chainsaw we use in the show is built off an exact replica of the original movie prop," Smith said. "I wanted to bring as much of the movie into the show as possible."

Smith said directing the show has been a dream years in the making.

"I'm a fan of the Evil Dead films and horror movies in general. Several years ago I came across the soundtrack for the musical and said, 'I have to do this show.' It's a fun, fantastic show," he said.

Evil Dead: The Musical runs at the Copeland Theatre on Friday through Sunday. Splatter Zone seating is limited. Performances will be held at 7 and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $17 for Splatter Zone and $15 general admission. For more information, visit www.dextercommunityplayers.com.


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