Just in time for Halloween, the ARTx3 Campus brings a classic zombie film to life with George A. Romero’s Night of The Living Dead™ Live.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.
Based on Romero’s 1968 horror classic Night of The Living Dead™, it follows six strangers seeking refuge in an abandoned farmhouse during a zombie apocalypse. Through multiple endings and a fair dose of humor, the characters face different issues and challenges while desperately trying to survive the night. However, their contrasting personalities and agendas prevent the group from working together.
The play examines the movie itself, the period in which it was made, and the film’s influence on the horror genre. More than just a recreation of the story, the play celebrates the history and influence of the movie.
“The film is basically what we think of as zombies — the modern concept originates from this film,” explained the show’s director, Jonathan R. Hoover. “That’s mainly due to the fact that due to a clerical error upon its release, it was immediately released into public domain. So anyone could make a film using the same ideas and concepts. And it spawned an entire genre of horror. Movies, TV shows, comic books, video games, anything you can think of featuring zombies, it all started here.”
Keeping with the film’s look, the production is presented in black and white. The actors wear gray makeup and costumes, and the set is similarly painted.
The “hero” of Night of The Living Dead™ is the calm, collected and resourceful Ben, played here by Raymond Wallace. In the original 1968 film, Ben was portrayed by literature professor and actor Duane Jones. This marked the first time an African American was cast as the star and hero of a horror film. Wallace's previous credits at ARTx3 include 2024's Puffs (Cedric/Mr. Voldy) and The Secret Garden (Mr. Craven), and 2023's The Play That Goes Wrong: High School Edition (Inspector Carter/Chris).
Another survivor is Barbra, played by Crystal Jennings. “Barbra starts off the show as a zombie-terrorized, completely helpless woman who is terrified of everything. However, don’t be fooled — her character arc leads her to quite a different place by the end of the show. I get to be a bit of a ‘scream queen’ as Barbra and it’s really fun.” Jennings has previously been seen in ARTx3's productions of Puffs, The Secret Garden, Three Murders and It’s Only Monday!, Charlotte’s Web, and A Seussified Christmas Carol, and Cleveland County Community Theater's Meet the Creeps.
Jorge Arazoza, who portrays the abrasive, ego-centric Harry, is one of several actors making his ARTx3 debut. "This is actually the first show I’ve ever done in my life," he said. "We came to watch Matilda a couple of months ago and I saw this on the website and I thought it would be kind of cool to audition for. And I like horror movies."
The rest of the cast includes Erica Kriner as Helen, Lily Jennings as Judy, Briar Thompson as Tom, Austin McCann as Johnny, Violet Jennings as Karen, Isaiah Austin as Vince, and director Hoover pulling double duty as Chief McClelland.
The zombies are played by Deja Bates, George Brown, Susan Carolan, Christopher Hale, Kaleb Hughes, Margaret Sides, Greg Tatum, Alice Weeley, Braylon West, Briah West and Will Witt.
As with past October productions at the ARTx3 Campus, theatergoers are encouraged to dress for each performance to participate in a costume contest. Winners will receive tickets to ARTx3 events and other prizes.
“It’s a nice warmup to Halloween,” Wallace said of the production. “This is the sort of thing that you would want to help get you in that Halloween spirit of ghouls and frights and such. Which I do personally think our cast of zombies are aiming to deliver in that regard. So whether you’re the type that likes to be scared by things or if you want to try to pull a prank on someone and say ‘Yeah, we’re going to go see a harmless show’ and then you’re surrounded by zombies and such as the zombies are waltzing the aisles. Or if you just want to come see a good show put on in a lovely community theater, looking to bring some liveliness and entertainment into a city that needs it, come on by. Have a good time.”
Tickets are $13 for ARTx3 members, $18 for nonmembers and $10 for students. They can be purchased online, by calling 870-536-3375, or in person at the Arts & Science Center.
George A. Romero’s Night of The Living Dead™ Live was written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer, and Trevor Martin, and created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattison.
The show is recommended for ages 13 and older. It contains gunshots, fog, strobing lights, depictions of gore, and the living dead.
For more information, contact ARTx3 Interim Director Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or 870-536-3375.
