Theatre students excel with Evil Dead: The Musical

Blood, songs, demons, dancing and more! UGA Theatre's production of "Evil Dead" brought the audience a musical filled with comedy horror, catchy songs, and plenty of fake blood. 

"Evil Dead" is a rock musical featuring four college students who camp out in an old cabin in the woods, when they discover an ancient book that unleashes demons and the undead into the world. Inspired by slasher films and filled with plenty of comedy, “Evil Dead” left the audience laughing. Entering the Fine Arts Theatre, audience members were greeted by student-made horror trailers that simulated the feeling of being at the movies. The utilization of film did not stop there, as the play used pre-recorded film that blended seamlessly with the onstage performances. The show was filled with creativity and passion, from the moment the curtain rose, with energetic and charismatic performances. The detailed realistic backgrounds and moving parts, including a talking moose head, pulled the audience into the world of the play. “Evil Dead” is a performance that will not be soon forgotten. 

Anthony Marotta, director of the play and associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Film, discussed how proud he was of the cast and crew and what they achieved to make the production a reality. 

“The joy for me was seeing the students take ownership of the show from every angle,” Marotta said. “The cast was fearless onstage, and the backstage teams matched them beat for beat with smart, creative problem-solving and a ton of pride in the work. Our biggest challenges came from the need to create a process where comedy, horror, music, dance, fights, puppetry, blood effects, costumes, and design all come together seamlessly while keeping everyone safe. It took careful planning, rehearsals, and constant communication. The most rewarding part has been experiencing the collaboration it took to make that happen.” 

Hard work by the vast and crew was not lost on its audience. All aspects came together to create a fun and memorable show, from the blood splash zone to the stunning vocals, it was a show to remember. 

“This show pulled people in because it was shamelessly fun and full of surprises, but the real impact came from how clearly the students shone through it,” Marotta said. “The production was messy in the best possible sense, and people walked out buzzing about the work these students pulled off. I think it gave folks permission to show up, laugh hard, and root for our students in a big way. It also showed the campus just how much craft and imagination our theatre students bring to the table.”

Audiences itching for more amazing performances should make sure to reserve tickets for the spring season, which is filled with amazing shows such as “Kingdom”, “The Finest Hour” and “Sense and Sensibility.”