The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical)
| The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical) | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster for the 2024 production of "The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical)" in Ypsilanti, Michigan at Riverside Arts Center (poster by Jef Stevens, used with permission) | |
| Music | Carla Margolis |
| Lyrics | Carla Margolis |
| Book | Carla Margolis |
| Premiere | October 25, 2024 |
The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical) is an upcoming musical adapted from the 1960s cult classic cult film The Brain That Wouldn't Die. Written by Carla Margolis,[1] the musical will have its premiere on October 25, 2024, at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The musical features an original score by Margolis, with arrangements by Shawn McDonald, and explores many different themes through its campy, horror-inspired storyline.[2]
The musical reimagines the film’s plot by expanding it and introducing new characters not present in the original. These additions enhance the storyline, creating a more cohesive and engaging narrative. This expansion and character development enrich the musical’s exploration of contemporary themes and improve its overall dramatic structure.[1]
Plot
[edit]The musical reimagines the original film’s narrative, which follows a scientist who, after his fiancée is decapitated in a car accident, keeps her head alive with a magical serum. Despite her immobility, her head retains the ability to speak and sing. The story explores issues such as body autonomy, personal freedom, objectification, and the ethical dilemmas that arise when science crosses moral boundaries. It also explores how love can drive people to act irrationally, leading to their downfall, and highlights the dangers of pursuing our deepest desires, offering a cautionary tale about challenging the limits of human nature. [3]
The musical expands on the plot of the original film by introducing new characters and elements not present in the 1960s film. These additions are designed to enhance the storyline and improve the dramatic structure of the production.[1]
Cast
[edit]- Janet Paite, RN – Jacqui Blue
- Dr. Bill Dowell – Zach Husak
- Dr. Walter Dowell / Pinky Johnson / The Creature – Timothy Henning
- Dr. Kurt Demikhov – Jared Bugbee
- Ashley Phoenix / Dolores Trunca – Maria Hollobaugh
- Dixie Dome, RN / Cherry Baum – Kimberly Lock
- Joy Capp, RN / Heidi Haze – Amy Van Dyke
- Hazel Crown, RN / Candy Barr – Kennedy Vernengo
[4]https://brainmusical.com/cast-crew/
Creative Team
[edit]- Author (Book, Music, and Lyrics): Carla Margolis
- Musical Arrangements: Shawn McDonald
- Lighting Design and Direction: Jeff Alder
- Special Effects: Marvello
- Set Design: Jef Stevens
- Graphics, Marketing, and Promotion: Something Else! Promotions
Music
[edit]The musical’s score is composed by Carla Margolis with underscoring and additional arrangements by Shawn McDonald, and performed by a band featuring:
- Shawn McDonald – Keyboard 1
- Brian E. Buckner – Keyboard 2
- Brennan Duncan Andes – Basses
- John Churchville – Drums and Percussion
Crew
[edit]- Producer – Star Jelly Performance Company
- Director – Carla Margolis
- Musical Director - Shawn McDonald
- Assistant Director and Audio Engineer – Jef Stevens
- Stage Manager – Katie Kezeliean
Reception
[edit]The musical has been highlighted in local media, including an article in the Eastern Echo. The article notes the musical’s unique blend of horror and musical theater, describing it as a fresh take on the cult classic with a focus on contemporary themes.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "About Us". The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical) Official Website. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "Videos". The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical) Official Website. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "About The Musical". The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical) Official Website. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "Cast & Crew". The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical) Official Website. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "New horror musical arrives in Ypsilanti just in time for Halloween". Eastern Echo. Retrieved 2024-09-13.