‘Evil Dead’ is alive and well again

"Evil Dead: the Musical" brings both avid theatre-goers and cult horror film followers together for a gruesome good time.

With extended showings and extremely successful ticket sales at its last performance, "Evil Dead: the Musical" is making its revival Friday at the Valentine Theatre's Studio A Space on Adams Street.

James Norman, the director, said the experience is unique, macabre experience based off the movie series, very different from traditional theatre.

"As a director, this show was out of my comfort zone," Norman said. "With that said, I have had so much fun with it. It is just a raucously fun night in the theatre."

This show may go out of the viewers' comfort zones, as gore and blood will be everywhere — even on the audience members.

The first three rows in the theatre are called "blood splash zone" seats, and no one sitting in that vicinity is safe from taking home a bit of the action.

"The audience is very close to the action — mere feet — which enhances the experience for both the audience and the actors," Norman said.

The show debuted in February with sold out shows and extended through March due to its popularity.

Norman said nothing about the performance has changed, but seating arrangements have been altered.

"We have installed risers so that all of the seats are raised except for the first row, so that all audience members will have an excellent view," Norman said.

Norman said the show is a bargain because it is compelling yet reasonably priced.

"In these tough economic times, you have to produce shows which will appeal to people and entertain them," Norman said. "In addition, I got to work with some of Toledo's best talent and the Valentine staff is so supportive. I always hope that the audience has a great time and leaves the theatre laughing and, just maybe, they forgot their troubles for 100 minutes."

"Evil Dead: the Musical" opens on Friday with two performances. The first show begins at 7 p.m. and the other follows at 10 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for front row "blood splash zone" seats, and $15 for the rest of the "safe" seats. To purchase tickets visit www.valentinetheatre.com.