A classic, well-known film to any horror aficionado is George A. Romero’s 1968 film “Night of the Living Dead,” which ushered in a zombie craze. A veritable book of genesis in this genre of horror, you can do yourself one better this Halloween season. Rather than watching it on the couch, until Oct. 29, you can put yourself in the farmhouse with Ben and Barbara.
Produced and directed by Brian Newell, the Maverick Theater has been putting on this unique screen to stage adaptation for the last 18 years.
Sure to peak the interest of horror fans, Newell says that was one of his goals with the Maverick Theater.
“I do these movie adaptations and they really have a niche,” explained Newell. “My main goal with the Maverick was to expose people that don’t go to theater, to live theater. I figured the only way I would pull them in is if they were familiar with the subject matter.”
It is important to note you are not just watching an exact copy of Romero’s screenplay. However, Newell clarified how important faithfully adapting the film was for him.
“The thing that really excites me is trying to create the movie on stage as accurately as possible,” Newell stated. “To create the same tone, the same feeling. I went beyond that in certain areas, I added more zombie action. You’ll see at the ending, there’s a sequence that’s not in the film, but it’s close to what happens at the end. The end results are there.”
With showings selling out every Halloween season, it is safe to say Newell is bringing in a crowd.
There is a level of immersion present in the production that is absent from an at-home viewing. It is one thing to watch actors on a screen, but it is a whole new experience to see everything happen right in front of you.
You will find yourself riddled with anxiety as the survivors grapple with the undead menace. Even though there are only ten listed actors for the zombies, it feels as if there are hundreds. Their groans echo all through the theater, driving home the impression that the cast is surrounded with little means to escape.
What elevates this show so much is the stellar performance of the cast. Human and zombie alike, the cast attributes their strength to the bond they all share.
“We’re a family,” said Frank Tyron, who portrays Mr. Cooper. “A lot of us have been doing this for almost 18 years. People have gotten married through this show. It’s just this wonderful support group. Having that level of familiarity with each other, if something goes wrong on stage, it’s not even an issue. We’re all thinking of it.”
With such a tightly knit cast, it is no wonder their lines flow so effortlessly. It is so easy to get lost in the play, to forget that they are just actors. There is a deep sense that each member of the cast knows their own character intimately.
A particular highlight is actor Jacob Hunter’s alteration to the character of Tom.
“I normally don’t play him the way that I play him this year,” said Hunter, “Normally he’s more just a normal guy, kind of just afraid of everything. This year, getting to play him as a hippie, it’s a lot more fun for me. I get a lot more out of certain lines.”
Not just Hunter, but the whole cast brings something unique to these characters. Whereas the characters in the film felt more one dimensional, this production brings a believable flare to them.
“Judy has evolved,” said actress Hailey Tweter on her role. “By the time I got her she was already kind of the dumb one. I think I’ve taken her and made her dumb because she’s scared and innocent. Rather than just dumb for dumb’s sake.”
It is clear that there is nothing but passion behind this production. Newell has gone to every length along with the cast to deliver an outstanding play. Horror and theater fans alike should be sure to add Night of the Living Dead to their bucket list this Halloween season.
