30 DAYS OF NYMF: Day 11- Re-Animator The Musical

Book by Dennis Paoli, Stuard Gordon, and William J. Norris
Music and Lyrics by Mark Nutter
Adapted from the story by H.P. Lovecraft
Based on the film H.P. Lovecraft's Re-Animator produced by Brian Yuzna

I love horror. Since I was a kid I've been obsessed with horror films - one of the greatest, of course, being H.P. Lovecraft's Re-Animator. As a teen, it was eye-opening to say the least to see the terrible (and terribly funny) things happening on that screen. Now, to get the opportunity to play the iconic anti-hero of HerBert West has been an enormous honor, and to delve into his quirks and bizarre personal (however questionable) morality under the tutelage of Stuart Gordon himself has been more exciting than I could begin to describe. What a show to be in, that makes people laugh, squirm, and scream all within the span of a few minutes! Frankly, performing this musical has redefined what I think we should all expect from a live theatrical performance. Audience members coming in costumes. People screaming "More blood!" as I'm hosing them down during my final number. The old lady in the back row yelling to the character Meg, "Don't go in there!" as she's about to make a very bad decision... It's that rare moment when actor and audience truly have a shared experience, and one made even more unique by that most special of genres: horror. The fans are rabid, incredibly generous, and devoted. They respect the artistry and care that goes into scaring someone, and recognize how laughter and screaming are indeed strange but necessary bedfellows. I love horror, and I love making people laugh. More than that, what I love is the little kid coming up to me after a show, covered head-to-toe in blood and gore, and asking for a hug with a huge smile on their face. Now if that's not a reason to be an actor, I don't know what is.

-Graham Skipper, actor who plays HerBert West

To buy tickets or to learn more about Re-Animator The Musical go to www.nymf.org/reanimator or call 212-352-3101

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