Jamie Betik

Cone Man Running Productions and Obsidian Art Space's popular 24 hour play festival, A SPONTANEOUS SMATTERING, was given a seasonal spin for last night's holiday edition. Drawing a crowd of theatre diehards, family, and friends, everyone in attendance was curious to see what these skilled and talented artists would create. Waiting for the show to begin, everyone was buzzing about the #smattering posts they had seen on Facebook, the writers' previous works, and their excitement about what they were about to witness. It doesn't hurt any that everyone was treated to a free shot as they picked up their tickets either.

Attending a World Premiere is always an exciting moment for audiences. There is an allure to the anticipation that the unknown brings. Then, when the theatrical event is nothing short of excellent, there is elating satisfaction to being among the first audiences privileged to see the piece staged. Such is the case with The Landing Theatre Company's breathtaking and gripping production of Aleks Merilo's EXIT 27, which was the winner of the 2012 New American Voices Play Reading Series last summer. This resoundingly incredible play deftly moved me more than anything I have ever witnessed, stirring my mind and breaking my heart many times and on many different levels.

Modern Theatre of the Absurd is alive and very well at Obsidian Art Space, where the World Premiere of Gene Kato's VIRAL INFECTION is enjoying a glorious run. Gene Kato thought the play was un-producible and has kept it hidden away for 21 years. In a way, I'm deeply thankful. Had this play premiered 21 years ago, I wouldn't have seen it. Thus, I am happy the stars aligned justly to afford me the opportunity to see the zany, mad-cap lunacy and thoroughly refreshing thought provoking piece.

As part of a Halloween double feature, The Country Playhouse presents Evil Dead: The Musical (book by George Reinblatt, music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, and Melissa Morris), for three weekends only, October 12 - 27, in the Black Box. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 pm, with a Sunday matinee on October 21 at 7:30 pm, plus a weeknight show on Thursday, October 18, at 7:30 pm. On double feature nights, Evil Dead: The Musical will run right after Frankenstein, playing on our Cerwinske main stage. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below.

Campy horror always has a comfortable home during the Halloween season; therefore, programming the ultimate camp feature EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL is a natural choice. Country Playhouse is currently presenting the raucous, irreverent musical as part of their Halloween Creature Double Feature.

As part of a Halloween double feature, The Country Playhouse presents Evil Dead: The Musical (book by George Reinblatt, music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, and Melissa Morris), for three weekends only, October 12 - 27, in our Black Box. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 pm, with a Sunday matinee on October 21 at 7:30 pm, plus a weeknight show on Thursday, October 18, at 7:30 pm. On double feature nights, Evil Dead: The Musical will run right after Frankenstein, playing on our Cerwinske main stage.

As part of a Halloween double feature, The Country Playhouse presents Evil Dead: The Musical (book by George Reinblatt, music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, and Melissa Morris), for three weekends only, October 12 - 27, in our Black Box. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 pm, with a Sunday matinee on October 21 at 7:30 pm, plus a weeknight show on Thursday, October 18, at 7:30 pm. On double feature nights, Evil Dead: The Musical will run right after Frankenstein, playing on our Cerwinske main stage.