Chainsaws and catchy tunes: Theatre performs Evil Dead: The Musical

Theatre recently had their first show of the year, Evil Dead: The Musical: High School Version at the auditorium.

The musical is about five college students going on a spring break trip to an abandoned cabin in the woods and they come across supernatural occurrences. They performed the show a total of five times, and four shows were open to the general public. The final show was performed for select CTE and Fine Art classes during the school day. 

The theatre students worked really hard on this musical and made sure to put on a show. 

“Our kids are beyond talented and hardworking and amazing collaborators,” theatre director Katie Townsend said. “It's just really nice to see all of our hard work and dedication come together in a successful show.”

Senior Xavier Ramos was the lead with his role as Ash, and he said he was proud of how the performances went.

“Opening night was amazing. It was a really strong and amazing performance and I thank a lot of my actors and crew members for how they handled themselves,” Ramos said. “Especially ‘cause it was an opening night for a lot of new people as well. I love all of them, and we all did amazing.’’ 

Freshman Jordyn Price was part of the ensemble cast for Evil Dead. This was her first time being part of a production at the high school level.

“It went really well, actually we only got to do one run through,’’ Price said. “So I think with us doing it, that second time it went really well.’’

Technical Theatre Director Diamante Martinez enjoys working with theatre students.

“It’s our show. I love making art with people,” Martinez said. “It’s more fun when you get to do it alongside others who feel just as passionate about the art as you do.”

Senior Isaiah Alberto Hernandez, who played Scotty – one of the main roles, said he was happy that everything went according to plan. 

“Timing was perfect. Lyrics were perfect. Choreography for the dances was good,’’ Hernandez said. ‘’It felt good afterwards.’’

Actors typically face stage fright, like Senior Milyric Justice Perez – actress for the role of Annie – but she shared how she overcame that feeling.

‘’I got stage fright at first because it's like now you're introducing yourself as a character,” Perez said. “But once I get up there again after the first impression, I know what I’m doing.’’

One common sentiment shared by the students was their bond with one another. Junior  Rigoberto Arredondo played the role of Ed and said his favorite part of theatre is the community they’ve built.

“I love theatre. I love the community so much,” Arredondo said. “It’s really accepting and just a really nice community to have around you.’’