Yes I know this page is supposed to be about movies and videos, but this week I saw something that although it was NOT a movie, it was based on one, or rather two. It was:

EVIL DEAD The Musical





Now a little known fact about ole CHIM CHIM is that he just loves musicals! CANNIBAL THE MUSICAL runs through my VCRs rather regularly, and it's a family event when the music station plays GREASE 2. And of course, it's a given that CHIM loves the EVIL DEAD trilogy of movies!

So when CHIM heard that there was a theatrical stage musical based on EVIL DEAD 1&2, he promptly put out the good word and organized a little road trip to Toronto to see it.

Good thing ole Chim had the forsight to reserve tickets, cause the line was around the block. It was performed at the TRANZAC CLUB, an excellent little place just off Bloor St. The house was packed and the liquor was good and TOM SULLIVAN the creator of much of the special effects for the EVIL DEAD movies was there, so Chim had a chat and got him to sign my program. The show itself was unbelivable!!! The story is basically an amalgamation of EVIL DEAD 1 & 2 with some of Bruce Campbell's catchy lines from ARMY OF DARKNESS tossed in.



It opens with the voice over describing the Necronomicon, and a huge version of the book above the stage.



The music was catchy and well done, my personal favourite songs being 'Look Who's Evil Now' and of course 'What the Fuck was That'. The actors did a great job and not only was it fairly faithful to the movies, it was also funnier than hell, full of farce and camp!

The set itself was very cool, and very animated, just like the movie.



And the action had it's share of gory mayhem. Maybe not at the level of the movies, but Ash does cut off his own hand and chainsaw his girlfriend and Scott does manager to dance with his intentines distended.



There is a groovy dance number called 'Do the Necronomicon' that could even give the 'Time Warp' a run for the money.



Yes, ole CHIM just ate this up and had a blast. But I wasn't the only one, there was a 350+ capacity sold out crowd with a second show added. And it ended with a well deserved standing ovation!

It was CHIM's understanding that the Renaissance Films, Anchor Bay and Studio Canal granted rights for a two week run for free and rights would have to be renegotiated for further shows. But with the show such a success, it's likely it will be around again maybe in a cabin in the woods near you!! Stay tuned to www.evildeadthemusical.com!!!