Award-winning local artists reimagine the infamous “splash zone” with immersive lighting, outrageous comedy and plenty of blood-soaked fun.
ORLANDO, FL. — (September 21, 2026) Opera del Sol, a program of Central Florida Vocal Arts, continues its 15th Anniversary “Of Dreams and Nightmares” season with a production that lands decidedly on the nightmare side—though perhaps not the kind audiences were expecting.
Evil Dead The Musical, the cult phenomenon that combines outrageous comedy, horror-film nostalgia and rock musical energy, takes over the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts October 2–4, 2026, now with an added fourth show due to demand!
Based on one of the most beloved cult horror franchises of all time, Evil Dead The Musical follows five college students who venture to an abandoned cabin in the woods, accidentally unleash an ancient evil and quickly discover that sometimes the best defense against the undead involves a chainsaw.
Packed with demons, mayhem, irreverent humor and an infectious rock score, the show gleefully embraces everything audiences love about musical theatre — and plenty they probably never expected to see in one. Along the way, the cast tackles some of life’s most important questions: Can love survive demonic possession? Is a chainsaw a reasonable fashion accessory? And exactly how much fake blood will the Dr. Phillips Center allow on the Pugh Theatre stage?
For longtime fans, Evil Dead The Musical is also famous for its legendary “splash zone”, where adventurous audience members can purchase seats close enough to the action to become part of the blood-soaked fun. For CFVA’s production, presenting the work at the Dr. Phillips Center in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theatre, a true “splash zone” isn’t possible, so in usual fashion, CFVA is re-imagining what is possible.
Through an immersive lighting and projections design by award-winning designer Kylee Taylor, enveloping audiences in the chaos of the cabin and extending the visual world of the production beyond the stage. The result promises to capture the outrageous spirit audiences expect from Evil Dead, while creating a theatrical experience unique to CFVA and the intimate Pugh Theater.
Leading the mayhem is award-winning Central Florida director Michael Knight, joined by Music Director John Wilkins, Choreographer Amanda Macon and Stage Manager and Costumer Toni Chandler. The production also brings together some of Central Florida’s favorite theatrical talent, blending some of CFVA’s favorite performers with new-to-company talent.
Armon Flukers, last seen as Man 1 in August’s critically acclaimed Songs for a New World, stars as Ash, an ordinary housewares employee whose weekend getaway takes a decidedly demonic turn. Other CFVA alumni gracing the stage include Ethan Garrepy (Ilya, Heated Ribaldry) as Moose and Robert Laurita (Ensemble, Sunday in the Park with George) as Knowby/ Ensemble. They are joined by Hannah McGinley Lemasters as Annie and Adam DelMedico as Scott, alongside Kristen Vire as Cheryl, Felicia Thornsbury as Linda, Sarah Joyner as Shelly, Drew Lofredo as Ed and ensemble members Clementine McCard, Nadia Quiles and Montez Walker.
Central Florida Vocal Arts and Opera del Sol’s 2026–2027 “Of Dreams and Nightmares” season explores both sides of the human imagination—from the dreams that propel us forward to the fears, fantasies and delightfully deranged nightmares that haunt us. Evil Dead The Musical embraces the latter with both arms—and possibly a severed hand.
“Great theatre doesn’t always have to take itself seriously,” Opera del Sol Executive Director Theresa Smith-Levin said. “Sometimes its job is to surprise and delight. Sometimes the levity of a chainsaw-demon-rock-musical provides the reprieve and relief many need from a life that feels too heavy. There is real value in gathering together, laughing together and experiencing something completely unexpected together.”
Tickets and More
For media inquiries, contact Danielle Ziss at Danielleziss@Centralfloridavocalarts.org
WHAT: Evil Dead The Musical, presented by Opera del Sol (a program of Central Florida Vocal Arts)
WHO: Audiences aged 17 and up
WHEN: Friday, Oct 2 at 8 PM | Saturday, Oct 3 at 2 PM (just added) and 8 PM | Sunday, Aug 30 at 3 PM
WHERE: Alexis & Jim Pugh Theatre at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts |
445 S. Magnolia Ave Orlando, FL 32804
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: https://www.drphillipscenter.org/show/evil-dead-the-musical-16kr
We welcome opportunities for cast and crew interviews and performance reviews. Please reach out directly to coordinate interviews or show tickets.
