Evil Dead: The Musical returns for fourth year at the Friction Theatre

The Friction Theatre is thrilled (and maybe a little possessed) to announce the return of “Evil Dead: The Musical” for its fourth blood-soaked year. Based on the cult horror-comedy films by Michigan natives Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell, this outrageous rock musical brings chainsaws, camp, and catchy tunes back to the stage just in time for spooky season.

Performances will take place at Barn 37 at the Midland County Fairgrounds over two weekends, Oct. 17–18 and Oct. 24–25.

Co-founder and Artistic Director Chris Krause said Evil Dead has become a core part of Friction’s identity since its debut. “It was our first big production, and we chose it because it felt like a good representation of what we wanted to do with Friction—provide more adult-focused entertainment with immersive elements that would draw in people who might not consider themselves theatre fans,” Krause says. “It’s the gateway drug to turning people into theatre supporters, if you will.”

The show’s first year was performed outdoors in Stratford Woods Park. “As cool as doing it in the woods was, outdoor theatre offers a myriad of challenges,” Krause said. “Like hail breaking the roof of our set—yeah, that happened the first year.”

Since then, the company has upgraded to indoor performances at the fairgrounds, allowing them to expand the set, add technical elements, and slip in more Easter eggs for hardcore Evil Dead fans.

Audience enthusiasm has also helped drive the show’s return year after year. “It has a very dedicated cult fanbase,” Krause says. “We’ve had audience members come from Detroit, the U.P., Ohio, and Illinois. Evil Dead fans turn up for this show wherever the closest production to them is.”

For Krause, the musical holds a personal and professional significance. “I have been a fan of the films since I was in my teens. The unique blend of horror and comedy is very unique, and a lot of fun.”

“Also, this show is special to us because it’s what made us realize we were on the right track starting Friction. The first year we opened a new credit card and put $17,000 on it to fund the show. It could have crashed and burned, but we made enough back to let us know if we were doing something right. Honestly, in retrospect, it’s nuts to think how easily it could have gone south.

That gamble paid off, and now “Evil Dead” has become something of a good luck charm for the theatre.

The production’s reputation for over-the-top fun continues, complete with a “blood spray zone” for those brave enough to sit up close. Audience members can also take part in Friction’s original Evil Dead drinking game, created specifically for this show. (Fair warning: try to keep up with all the rules, and you might just turn into a Deadite by curtain call.)

While Barn 37 is insulated, it isn’t heated, so attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and embrace the autumn chill as part of the experience. The show has no official age restriction, but it is a very adult comedy, so families should plan accordingly.

For more tickets and showtimes, visit online.