They stomp around on stage with their usual demand for “Brains!” They try to eat the faces of those that are alive. Oh, and they break into song too. Musical of the Living Dead, created and directed by Marc Lewallen and Brad Younts (with music by Mary Spray), serves up zombies, blood, guts and a whole lot of tongue-in-cheek musical fun for the third year in a row.
Jill Valentine, as the sweet but spaced-out Barbara, is spot-on. So is Quinton Guyton as Ben. With impeccable comic timing, the two of them bring out some of the more subtle jokes in this over-the-top ‘zom-com’. Their on-stage romance is endearing even as they mow down some zombies. Adam Yencho, who begins and ends the musical as Barbara’s despicable brother Johnny, is at his best when he switches roles for a moment to become the smarmy news anchor, Rex Position.
There is absolutely nothing subtle about this production. It is committed to the comedy inherent in the over-dramatic. Having said that, there are certainly gags that are over-done and moments that get lost in hysterics (such as the married couple’s constant squabbling).
Musical of the Living Dead is written in the form of a musical, which allows for a number of digs at musical theater itself. Characters break into song every few minutes, singing irreverently about their innermost thoughts and feelings. They tap dance and perform as a chorus line. A zombie even takes up a hat and cane while leading a chorus of zombies in the “No more room in hell/Brains” number. The songs are lively and hilarious, particularly a barbershop quartet number about the men’s weapon of choice, as well as the “To the mall” number through which the characters determine that the safest place for them to be while the undead are swarming about is, in fact, the mall.
The Charnel House is a small space. That along with the fact that blood, limbs and bits of flesh are thrown at the audience, really make you feel as though you are a part of the show. Protective ponchos are recommended for those who sit in the ‘splatter zone’ (the first five rows), but the audience is warned that the splashes of blood may reach further back than that. If you would rather not be splattered, I would highly recommend sitting behind the sixth row. I would also recommend bringing some beer. The show is B.Y.O.B., and a drink can only heighten the hilarity in my opinion (if you’re 21 or older, of course). But, most importantly, I recommend rounding up some friends who are eager to “Get Halloween started already!” and go to the show for a gore-filled good time.
Rating: ★★★
Musical of the Living Dead continues through November 17th at The Charnel House, 3421 W. Fullerton, (map), with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm. Tickets are $24-$28, and are available online through BrownPaperTickets.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at MusicaloftheLivingDead.com. (Running time: 2 hours, includes an intermission)
Photos by Michael Courier
artists
cast
Jill Valentine (Barbara); Quinton Guyton (Ben); Adam Yencho (Johnny, Rex); Mandy Whitenack (Helen); Billy Sullivan (Harry); Liz McArthur (Judy, Karen); Jonathan Hymen (Ted); Mary Spray (Trudy); Vance Brinkerhoff (Steve); Ashley Bush (Fran); Jacob Clausen (George); Jaime Falu, Danny Martinez, Landree Fleming, Stacey Smith (understudies)
musicians
Matt Mehawich (keyboards); Justin Paloma (guitar); Jimmy Shay (drums); Josh Paloma (bass)
behind the scenes
Mark Lewallen, Brad Younts (co-directors); Matt Mehawich (musical arrangements); Gary Whitenack, Diane Whitenack (producers); Brian Peterlin (technical manager); Paul Clark (set); Carisa Barreca (choreography); Sam Wells, Kelly Bolton (house staff); Liz McArthur (marketing); Michael Courier (photos)
