UGA Theatre is set to present “Evil Dead: The Musical” at the Fine Arts Theatre this fall. The production is based on Sam Raimi’s cult-classic horror films and features a combination of rock music, comedic elements, and theatrical effects.
The story follows a group of college students who visit a cabin in the woods and inadvertently release an ancient evil. The result is a series of events involving possessed friends, rock songs, and significant amounts of stage blood.
Director T. Anthony Marotta, who has a long-standing appreciation for 1980s horror films, shared his perspective on the show’s appeal. “We’re here to explore horror, not glorify it,” he said. “At its core, ‘Evil Dead’ wrestles with the horror of losing our humanity — and the laughter that helps us survive it.”
The production will feature practical effects, puppets, and audience participation. There will be a “splatter zone,” where attendees can expect to be covered in stage effects. Marotta described the experience as “a carnival of excess, where the gore reaches cartoonish extremes, the demons are larger than life, and laughter becomes the release that makes the horror bearable.”
Scenic designer Brielle Sanders, a second-year MFA student, contributed to the set’s design. She noted, “Anthony and I decided early on that having a more realistic environment would make the humorous and shocking moments land harder — maybe even all over the audience. The charm of this show is in its sheer fun.”
Each performance will begin with preshow fake horror film trailers made by students from the UGA department of theatre and film, Grady College’s entertainment and media studies program, and the UGA MFA Film program.
Department head Julie Ray commented on the production’s creative approach. “This show captures everything that makes live theatre so thrilling — bold ideas, inventive artistry, and an audience ready to join the fun,” Ray said. “It’s a bloody good time in every sense.”
The musical features book and lyrics by George Reinblatt and music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris, and George Reinblatt.
Performances are scheduled for November 13-14 and 18-21 at 8 p.m., with matinees on November 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. at the Fine Arts Theatre. The show is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets are $18 for the general public and $6 for UGA students and can be reserved at ugatheatre.com/evildead, by phone at 706-542-4400, or in person at the Performing Arts Center or Tate Center box offices.
