Evil dead the musicaL
OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 13, 2022
All the elements of the cult classic films The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness combined into one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time! Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It's all up to Ash (a housewares employee turned demon-killing hero) and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons tell bad jokes ... and all to music.
Evil Dead the Musical
Book and Lyrics by George Reinblatt
Music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris, and George Reinblatt
Photos by Chase Yarwood-Gustafson
CAST
ASH: Bruce Huffman
SCOTT: Javier Peña
JAKE: Cody Wayne Morris
ED: JD Willis
CHERYL: Liz Pegg
SHELLY/ANNIE: Cassie Thompson
LINDA: Yasemin Aksel
SHEMPS: Kate Peckham and Hunter Steele
ARTISTIC STAFF
DIRECTOR: Ann Marie Hall
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Mystie Watson
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Susan Brindley
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR: Whitney Branan
SCENIC DESIGNER: David Galloway
COSTUME DESIGNER: Ashley Kopera
FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER: Lauren Gunn
STAGE MANAGER: Mystie Watson
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: EJ Pink
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Thomas Halfacre
SOUND DESIGNER: Gene Elliott
PROPS: Melissa Andrews
SOUND ENGINEER: Chris Randolph
PUPPET DESIGN: Aliza Moran
MASK DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION: Duane Craig, AG Howard with Howard Arts Studio
PROPS CONSTRUCTION F/X DESIGN: Tim Romine, Chris Randolph
POSTER GRAPHICS: Andrew Chandler
MEET THE CAST
Bruce Huffman (Ash) most recently made his Assistant Directing debut working on Guys and Dolls at Theatre Memphis. Bruce has performed on Memphis theatre stages for 25 years and was last seen as Alan in Torch Song at The Circuit Playhouse, and as Bobby Strong in Urinetown. Other credits include: Gabe in Next to Normal (Ostrander Nomination Supporting Actor in a Musical), Adam/Felecia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Ostrander Nomination, Lead Actor in a Musical), Paul in A Chorus Line, Mark in Altar Boyz, George in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Edward in Blood Brothers (Ostrander Award Lead Actor in a Musical). This is his first show with New Moon Theatre Company. Bruce serves on a committee for the LGBTQIA+ mental health community in Tennessee. “Many thanks to Ann Marie Hall for this opportunity. "Sending my love to Robert and Biscuit. Go vote, y’all.”
Javier Peña (Scott) has performed all over town and we’re glad to welcome here! Some of Javier’s recent productions have been Gomez in The Addams Family at The Harrell Performing Arts Theatre, Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Theatre Memphis (Ostrander nominee), Rudolpho in Matilda at Playhouse on the Square, Bobby in Company at West Boca Theatre Co. and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at Andrews Living Arts Studio. When not onstage you may find Javier building with Legos, or jamming on the piano, drums, guitar and ukulele. He would like to thank God, the cast and crew of Evil Dead, my wife Mariah and the rest of my family for their constant love and support, and my ever-growing family of friends here in Memphis.
Cody Morris (Jake) is very excited to be taking the stage in this crazy musical! His hobbies include, theatre (duh), playing video games, and spending time with his corgi puppy and boyfriend. He was last seen on stage in Something Rotten! at Playhouse on the Square where he played Robin and various ensemble roles. Some of his favorite roles to play have been Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Drunk Santa in A Christmas Story, and Steven Kodaly in She Loves Me! He would like to thank the production team for the opportunity to be a part of this fun show and his cast mates for being so fun to work with on and off the stage!
JD Willis (Ed) is just happy to be here! Recently described by a friend as “frat-tastic”, JD is currently a sophomore at Rhodes College where he is pursuing a double major in Music and Computer Science! Recent shows include La Cage Aux Folles (Jean-Michael) and Ragtime (Younger Brother, 2022 Ostrander winner: Best Supporting Actor in a Musical) both at Theatre Memphis, as well as “Laurie” in Little Women at Rhodes College. I’m his free time, JD enjoys playing piano and lying in bed while watching whatever show he is currently watching. JD was also named People’s 2nd sexiest man alive, though some people disagree and think that he was robbed by Paul Rudd, but that is neither here nor there. JD has definitely gotten over it. Huge thanks to his friends and family for their non-stop encouragement and support. He would like to give a special shoutout to his dad, who first introduced him to and gave him his love of cult classics like Evil Dead! Enjoy the show!
Liz Pegg (Cheryl) is joining New Moon for the first time! Liz has appeared in La Cage Aux Folles (MME Renaud) Theatre Memphis, Hairspray (Penny ) Brooklyn Players - New York City, Once Upon a Mattress (Winnifred ) McKeesport Little Theatre - Pittsburgh PA, The Polar Express Live (Baker) NYC Premiere and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie ) Old Schoolhouse Players - Pittsburgh PA. www.lizpegg.com
Cassie Thompson (Shelly/Annie) is so excited to be a part of her first New Moon production! Last season, Cassie performed in Urinetown (Penelope Pennywise) and Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit) at Theatre Memphis and May We All (Liz) at Playhouse on the Square. Favorite credits include Debbie Does Dallas (Debbie), Into the Woods (Cinderella), A Midsummer Nights’ Dream (Helena), The 39 Steps (Woman) and Cats (Jennyanydots).
Yasemin Aksel (Linda) is thrilled to be part of this killer production and cast! She is currently a senior pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater at the University of Memphis and this is her first show at the New Moon Theater. Some of her favorite credits include Marie Antoinette (The Revolutionists) and #8 (The Wolves) at the UofM stage and Chava (Fiddler on the Roof) at Musahipzade Celal Theater in her home country, Turkey. If not doing theater, you can find her reading thriller books, working out or spending quality time outdoors with friends. She’d like to thank Ann Marie Hall for the opportunity, all the production team for their hard work, her mom Ozlem for her unconditional support and lastly the Harmanci family and Esra Ozdenerol for leading her to Memphis to pursue her dream. "Enjoy the show!" IG: @yaseminaksel
Kate Peckham (Shemp) is thrilled to rejoining New Moon for another fun filled production. Kate is no stranger to the stage, having grown up in the Memphis theatre community. After a long hiatus, she returned to performance with the Memphis Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast, Absent Friends. She appeared in New Moon’s Shockheaded Peter. Kate has also worked with Lost In Found Productions, as the Magical Unicorn in Rites of Spring and a ghostly tour guide in The Parting, and with FemmeMemphis and Lone Tree Live as Dr. James Barry in Pants. Kate would like to thank her parents, Emily and Jim for making her weird and supporting her love of performance.
Hunter Steele (Shemp) is excited to be making his New Moon debut! Hunter was last seen as Tom in Shattered Secrets (Emerald Theatre Company) and as Max in Bright Star (Germantown Community Theatre). Other favorite credits include Mr. Mistoffelees (Cats), Buddy (Elf Jr.), and Roger (Grease). Special thanks to Ann Marie, Whitney, and Susan for letting me be involved in the undead fun! Instagram: hunterj_s