Evil Dead The Musical Comes to Dr. Phillips Center Oct. 2-4
- Opera del Sol is bringing Evil Dead The Musical to the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at the Dr.
- The stage adaptation reimagines Sam Raimi's cabin-in-the-woods nightmare through an infectious rock score and theatrical dismemberment.
- Director Michael Knight leads the creative team alongside music director John Wilkins, choreographer Amanda Macon, and stage manager and costumer Toni Chandler.
Opera del Sol is bringing Evil Dead The Musical to the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from October 2 to October 4, 2026. The production is part of the 15th-anniversary “Of Dreams and Nightmares” season for Central Florida Vocal Arts, featuring rock music, comedy, and a newly added fourth performance to meet ticket demand, according to Central Florida Vocal Arts.
Production Details and Venue Adaptations
The stage adaptation reimagines Sam Raimi’s cabin-in-the-woods nightmare through an infectious rock score and theatrical dismemberment. While the show is traditionally famous for a physical splash zone where audience members are doused in fake blood, the intimate setting of the Pugh Theater prevents a traditional setup. Instead, lighting and projection designer Kylee Taylor has crafted an immersive visual design to envelope the audience in the chaos of the cabin. Performances run Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m., with tickets priced between $47.50 and $65.20. The production is recommended for audiences ages 17 and up.
Cast and Creative Leadership
Director Michael Knight leads the creative team alongside music director John Wilkins, choreographer Amanda Macon, and stage manager and costumer Toni Chandler. Armon Flukers stars as Ash Williams, joined by Ethan Garrepy as Moose and Robert Laurita as Knowby and Ensemble. The cast also features Hannah McGinley Lemasters as Annie, Adam DelMedico as Scott, Kristen Vire as Cheryl, Felicia Thornsbury as Linda, Sarah Joyner as Shelly, and Drew Lofredo as Ed, with ensemble members Clementine McCard, Nadia Quiles, and Montez Walker rounding out the company.
Thematic Focus of the 2026-2027 Season
Opera del Sol Executive Director Theresa Smith-Levin explained that the 15th-anniversary season explores the full spectrum of the human imagination, noting that theatrical entertainment provides a necessary reprieve. Great theater does not always have to take itself seriously, Smith-Levin stated, adding that the levity of a chainsaw-demon-rock-musical offers welcome relief from a heavy daily life.