For Immediate Release: Lighthouse Festival announces Evil Dead – The Musical as its 2025 Community Show production

First performed on stage in 2003 in Toronto, the show became an instant hit and moved on to an off-Broadway run

June 25, 2024 – Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival is very thrilled to announce that its highly-anticipated 2025 Community Show will be Evil Dead – The Musical. Directed by Artistic Director Derek Ritschel, this over-the-top production promises to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with humour, horror, and high-energy performances. Auditions will be held later in 2024, with the production set to hit the stage in April 2025.

Evil Dead – The Musical is a campy, comedic adaptation of Sam Raimi’s cult classic film series. The story follows five college students who unwittingly unleash an ancient evil while vacationing in a remote cabin in the woods. As they battle the forces of darkness, hilarity ensues with plenty of over-the-top gore, catchy musical numbers, and outrageous antics. This show is perfect for fans of the original movies as well as newcomers looking for a wild night out.

Director Derek Ritschel, known for his dynamic and innovative productions, is particularly excited about bringing this unique musical to the Lighthouse Festival Theatre stage. “Staging Evil Dead – The Musical is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Ritschel. “The blend of horror and comedy, paired with fantastic music, makes for an incredibly entertaining show. We can’t wait to see our community come together to create something truly special on stage.”

Lighthouse Festival Artistic Director Derek Ritschel.

Ritschel also highlighted the fun and unpredictable nature of the show. “This musical is going to be crazy in the best way possible. From the outrageous costumes and lighting effects to the infectious energy of the cast, audiences are in for a rollercoaster ride of laughter and thrills. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever done here, and I know people are going to love it.”

Why will people love the zaniness of Evil Dead – The Musical? The show combines the best elements of horror and comedy, resulting in a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. The catchy songs, including “Cabin in the Woods,” “Do the Necronomicon,” and “All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons,” will have audiences singing along and laughing out loud. While the infamous “splash zone” will be replaced with something less destructive to the 120-year-old, mostly wood theatre, rest assured that the entertainment level and shock value will be out of this world, keeping the excitement levels high from start to finish.

Auditions for Evil Dead – The Musical will be open to all community members and will take place later in 2024 at Lighthouse Theatre. Lighthouse Festival encourages everyone, regardless of experience, to come out and be a part of this unique and thrilling production.

Mark your calendars for April 2025 and get ready to witness the hilariously horrifying & offensive spectacle that is Evil Dead – The Musical. Stay tuned for more details on auditions and ticket sales on our website at lighthousetheatre.com/community-shows/.


About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all.


Media Contact
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410