Gore and Laughs Galore! (Mind's Eye Theatre Company)

Evil Dead The Musical Book and Lyrics by George Reinblatt

Music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris, George Reinblatt

Additional lyrics by Christopher Bond Additional Music by Rob Daleman

Based on characters created by Sam Raimi

Directed by Mimi Housewright

Review by Erin Hargan

Entire contents are copyright @2025 by Erin Hargan. All rights reserved.

    Mind’s Eye Theatre’s production of  Evil Dead: The Musical brings Sam Raimi’s 1981 cult classic movie to the stage with a blood soaked romp filled with catchy songs, demonic possession, and the eerie power of an ancient text. 

     A group of five friends make their way to an isolated cabin, a place they know they aren’t supposed to be, unaware that there is something more sinister lurking within.  With the assurance of the main character Ash (played by the charismatic Kat Lewis), the group decides to stay.  Every horror fan knows this is a bad idea! What follows over the course of the night is a hilarious descent into chaos.

     The story follows the five friends-Ash, Linda, Cheryl, Scott, and Shelly-as their get-away takes a turn when they discover the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, the fabled Book of the Dead. By reading the book, the story turns from lighthearted adventure to chaos as they unwittingly unleash an evil force that eventually turns them into demons.  

     The standout of the production is Ash, played by Kat Lewis.  She brought confident swagger, sarcasm, and comedic timing to the role of Ash, making every chainsaw wielding moment both outrageous and thrilling.  The actors playing Linda, Cheryl, Scott, and Shelly are equally entertaining, each leaning into the absurdity of their characters with infectious energy. Lucy Fitzgerald, as Ash’s girlfriend Linda, is initially charming in her role before turning into a demon. Played by Nicholas Gabis, Scott is macho and constantly lusting for his girlfriend Shelly, who is equally funny and flirty (played by Joy Beth DeWitt-Riley).  Ella Witt, in the role of Ash’s sister Cheryl, is another standout in the cast, going from being the annoying sister to a foul mouthed demon delivering bad puns and comedic one liners.  The supporting cast brings more laughter and chaos to the production.  

     With exaggerated reactions and well-timed funny moments, the entire cast works together to turn every demonic possession, scream, and musical number into a laugh-out-loud show, while the rock inspired music, lively choreography, and lots of fake blood-including that in the popular splatter zone- add even more outrageous fun to this campy, gory production.  Even if you’ve never seen Evil Dead or aren’t usually a fan of horror or musicals, this production is impossible not to enjoy! 

Evil Dead the Musical Mind's Eye Theatre Company and Art Sanctuary October 16-25 2025

Art Sanctuary

1433 S Shelby St

Louisville, KY mindseyetheater.com