By Mary Beth Dagg

The tickets are already flying out of the Box Office at ArtsWest. The big question? Will you sit in the Splatter Zone or not?

I was invited to a rehearsal for ArtsWest upcoming production of Evil Dead: The Musical which opens Oct. 20. This was my chance for a highly coveted sneak peak at the Seattle premiere of this rock musical and I was extremely curious how they were going to pull off this particular show.

Evil Dead: the Musical is based on the 1980s slasher films Evil Dead 1, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness. These movies are arguably one of the most beloved cult franchises in cinema history, using comedy, gore, slapstick, blood and one-liners. I had to find out how ArtsWest was going to bring this phenomenon to the stage.

The rehearsal revealed a crack young cast quickly mastering a rocking funny show. Director Christopher Zinovitch was in the throws of teaching an outrageously spirited, sweaty and sexy zombie dance set to a tune called “Do the Necronomicon,” and they had the moves down within the hour. The music and tone reminded me very much of Rocky Horror Picture Show. Only better. I’m told the tech team has been working on the flying blood and special effects for months.

The story centers around five college students who are on their way to a secluded cabin in the woods when they accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them into flesh-eating demons. It's all up to Ash and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. It’s a boy-meets-girl, boy-saves-friends story full of demons, zombies, and campy special effects.

Who knew these slasher movies could be made into a stage musical? A group of ambitious college students in Toronto did. In August 2003, their production debuted in the back room of a small bar in Toronto. It quickly became a hit and, in November 2006, the musical made its Off-Broadway debut to delighted crowds and critics.

With musical director Kim Dare at the helm, the score includes some outrageous and contagious numbers like, “Ode to an Accidental Stabbing,” “What the F was that,” and “Blew That B%$# Away.”

“It’s really the perfect timing for this show on many levels,” says Zinovitch. “Not only is Halloween coming, but, as a society, we are living in fearful times. This show allows us a collective community experience where we get to have some fun and laugh at the fear. I want people to walk out of the theater feeling upbeat, exhilarated and having had their shock fancy tickled.”

James Padilla, who plays Ash, the housewares salesman turned demon-killing hero, says “It’s my dream role. I hope people walk out of here thinking it’s the most amazing show they’ve ever seen.”

Keep in mind, this adults-only gore-fest features a good smattering of naughty language with a huge splattering of flying blood. So, leave your kids and fancy clothes at home. Complimentary ponchos will be provided for those wanting to sit in the “Splatter Zone,” but just to be safe, dress down for this show. Or, if you want to take home a “piece of the action,” just wear a white T-shirt.

Tickets are going fast, so don’t delay. You can get them online at artswest.org, in person at the Box Office at 4711 California Ave, or by calling 206-938-0339.

Show Schedule:
• Wednesdays-Sundays, Oct. 20-Nov. 13. Curtain times are Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
• Late-Night Performances on Saturdays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 13 at 11 p.m.