NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD - THE MUSICAL to Take Over Pittsburgh This Month

"They're coming to get you Barbra!" The 1968 George Romero Classic Zombie film has been turned into a jukebox musical.

Night of the Living Dead - the Musical will run October 20 & 21 at Lamp Theatre, with shows at 8pm and Midnight, and October 27 & 28 at Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, with shows at 8pm.

Featuring fun campy classic rock tunes like "Zombie Stomp", "House of the Rising Sun", "Graveyard Rock" and "Monster Mash" as well as new tunes written for the event by Greg Kerestan and local rock band Kaelber, this new musical version of Night of the Living Dead is the perfect Halloween trick and treat.

This new Stage Right Original features a book by Greg Kerestan (Lyrics "TINK") and Tony Marino ("TINK" 2016 NYMF) and Original music by Greg Kerestan and regional award-winning rock band Kaelber

Night of the Living Dead - the Musical follows the story line of the 1968 film - Barbra and Johnny visit their father's grave in a remote cemetery when they are suddenly set upon by zombies. Barbra manages to get away and takes refuge in what seems to be an abandoned farm house. She is soon joined by Ben who stopped at the house in need of gas. Beset by the walking dead all around them Ben does his best to secure the doors and windows. The news reports are grim however with creatures returning to life everywhere. Barbra and Ben are surprised when they realize there are people hiding out in the basement: Harry, Helen and Judy Cooper; and a young couple, Tom and Judy. Dissensions sets in almost immediately with Harry Cooper wanting to be in charge. As their situation deteriorates, their chances of surviving the night lessen minute by minute.

Director, Co-Book Writer Tony Marino: "Ours follows the film script pretty faithfully, except when the zombies and other characters break into song! Greg had done a great job using the Chilly Billy character as our thru line, and finding some really funny stuff there. My part was using the truly scary stuff in the movie and getting that onstage. They're coming to get you! That, is still at the heart of it and it's still scary. We're creating this feeling that the audience is in the midst of it. Zombies will be strolling the aisles, the only difference is they will also be tap-dancing!"

Greg Kerestan, Co-Book Writer: "The challenge is the world of zombies has changed so much since this piece. This is where it all began, and it's still scary, but we're jaded now with so many other permutations. So we acknowledge that, but we also highlight what made it so revolutionary and terrifying."

Jason Swauger, 'Harry Cooper' - "Growing up in this area, your relationship with the idea of Zombies is always influenced by George Romero and these movies. But unbelievably a stage version like this one, that is the story we know, but camped up into a real audience pleaser, has never been done. The music in her is so fun and its juxtaposed with these iconic characters creating a really unique theatrical experience."

Other Cast members include: Jason Shavers (AEA, "Wild With Happy" Pgh City Theatre, "Choir Boy" The Rep at the Pgh Playhouse as Ben. Layne Bailey as Barbra, Renata Marino (AEA) as Helen Cooper.

Night of the Living Dead - the Musical will be performed at the Lamp Theatre October 20th and 21st with shows at 8pm and midnight on both days. It will then head to the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center for performances on October 27th and 28th with shows at 8pm only. For tickets to the Lamp Theatre call 724.832.7464 or 724.367.4000. For tickets to the Garden Center call 724.832.7464.

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