Eileen Engel News

Dame Agatha Christie is considered to be one of the most successful authors of all time, with her mystery novels and short stories selling literally millions of copies. In fact, her work has been produced on stage, in films, and on television. Additionally, a lot of the basic ideas and plots have been utilized in countless mediums. But, despite this proliferation, they still remain clever and entertaining in their own right. Stray Dog Theatre's current production of AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is a prime example, combining a great cast, stylish appointments, and solid direction to provide audiences with a terrific experience that's well worth seeing, even if you've been exposed to this, or similar works, before.

Stray Dog Theatre tackles another classic musical, bringing Kander and Ebb's CABARET to the stage at the Tower Grove Abbey on this occasion. and It's a splendid rendition that combines a strong cast with incisive direction. Some bench seats have even also been removed to allow for a group of smaller club tables to surround an extended stage that puts the show right in your lap. I like that. I'm always a fan of any presentation where the audience can actually feel the intensity that the actors are putting forth. This production is definitely worth seeing, and judging by the large crowds, tickets will go fast.

In keeping with the Halloween season, and in distinct contrast to the serious tone of New Line's brilliant Night of the Living Dead, we have Stray Dog Theatre's lively production of EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL, a campy gorefest based on filmmaker Sam Raimi's Evil Dead trilogy. The first two films are audacious and nutty 'cabin in the woods' tales spiced with bravura camera work and copious amounts of blood and guts. The third movie sends our hero, Ash, back to medieval times to fight an Army of Darkness. This musical version combines elements taken from all three flicks, emphasizes the 'splat-stick' aspects of all of them, and adds a fairly catchy rock and roll score (book writer and lyricist George Reinblatt with a number of composers) to the mix. It's a dizzying, but enjoyable ride that, thankfully, never lets the foot off the gas.

It's back! Based on the 80s cult classic EVIL DEAD films, this show is hilariously campy and bursting with more farce than a Monty Python skit. Five college kids take a trip to a remote cabin in the woods and encounter everything from ancient evil spirits to revenge-seeking Candarian Demons. It's all ridiculous and wild, while the term 'Fresh Blood!' takes on new meaning! Check out promo shots for the production below!