SAUGUS — The Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) is back and ready to shock and astound with its newest production, “Night of the Living Dead.”
The production is written by Lori Allen Ohm and is based on the classic horror film of the same name, released in 1968 by George Romero and John Russo.
“The Theatre Company of Saugus is excited to bring ‘Night of the Living Dead’ to our stage,” said Deirdre A. L. Shaw, the show’s co-producer. “Over the past several years we’ve found our niche in Halloween-season shows for the fall. ‘Night of the Living Dead’ fulfills this in numerous ways.”
The story takes place when a satellite probe sent up to Venus returns to Earth. The satellite carried mysterious radiation that transforms the unburied dead into zombies.
TCS’ rendition features seven people who begin to turn on each other as they are trapped in an isolated farmhouse and are held hostage by ghouls.
Shaw made sure to highlight the various spooky, seasonally-appropriate elements of the production.
“First, the obvious: zombies. You can’t go wrong with zombies,” she said. “Second, the 1968 Romero and Russo film, particularly the ending, was such a shock at the time and is still so relevant today. The chances are that it could end in 2021 as it did in 1968 says it all.”
“Night of the Living Dead” is being co-directed by Sean Perry and Matthew Garlin, both of whom are veteran collaborators with the Theatre Company of Saugus.
The cast includes several other TCS veterans in Rhianon Brown, Rachel Curran, Ethan Hildonen, Julie Liuzza, Spencer O’Dowd, Sabrina Ornae, Sean Perry, Andrew R. Quinney, and Kathy Rapino. They’ll be joined by some ensemble newcomers, as well: Eric Brown, Meg Brown, Hannah Clifford, Amy Cole, Tony DeMauro, Christina Hildonen, Reggie Joseph, Vanessa Phelon, Scott Spangler, and Nicole Tabbi.
“Our cast and crew have put in hours and hours to bring this play to the stage,” said Shaw. “They are thrilled to be in front of a live audience again.”
The performances will be held in person at the American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St.
The show will run from Oct. 29 to Nov. 7. Showtimes are Oct. 29 and 30 at 8 p.m., Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. (which will include a costume contest), Nov. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $20-25 and can be purchased online in advance or at the door.
