Re-Animator The Musical

The highest compliment I can give this production is that I’ve already seen it twice (going for a third time very soon) and been on the warpath getting people I care about to experience it for themselves, not taking no for an answer.
Also, splash zone or bust.

I was a bit afraid to see the musical at first. I found out that there is a splash zone for blood and a decapitation. Thought I might get queasy and throw up during the show. I had never seen or heard of the 80s Re-​Animator film before then.
I ended up really really liking this musical! It’s got that cheesy 80s horror cult film appeal. I didn’t end up feeling sick at all cuz although the effects were fun, the gore was obviously fake. At one point some brain pieces went flying over my head. The show was hilarious as soon as it started. The songs were awesome. I love the Re-​Animator theme song!
If you choose to sit in the splash zone be prepared to get wet with fake blood! Try to see this musical before it leaves LA! It’s definitely worth it!

Entertaining, Hilarious and Cheesy! Lots of oohs and ahhs and OMG, did that just happen moments =) Get there early, it’s open seating. Avoid the first 5 rows and don’t wear white unless you don’t mind getting drenched or sprayed with fake blood and drinks, Ew! =P I sat on the 6^th row and I’m glad I grabbed a trash bag because there were many close calls, phew! The lady in front wore white jeans and boy was she sweating LOL
It’s a small theatre and every seat in the house is good. The seats are actually very comfy. They slide forward when you first sit down so don’t get startled (I sure did). I thought I was going to fall =P
Overall great show and Big Thanks to Unilocal and Katie B. for the hookup! =)

i’ve seen this show twice now– back in late 2011 and last weekend for opening weekend. the show is amazingly hilarious and brilliant. if you’re THINKING about seeing this– just do it! it’s definitely worth the price of admission

I just hit my third time seeing «Re-​Animator» — once at the Steve Allen Theatre and twice this run at the Hayworth (thanks to Ms. Katie B. and Lee A.) — and I finally got the chance to sit in the «splash zone.»
In conversation with friends I’ve compared this to seeing a Gwar show with how they’ll shoot all sorts of bodily fluids at people as they punch and headbutt each other in the mosh pit, but really it’s more like that scene from the first Addams Family movie where Wednesday and Pugsley are sword-​fighting and saying random quotes from «Hamlet» as they spray blood on the unsuspecting audience (
).
If you’re going to sit in the splash zone (the first three rows of the middle section), you need to know that you’re getting hit with blood, guts, brain matter, colon leakage, some sort of beverage, and possibly vomit. While they do hand out «ponchos» (garbage bags, really), it’s a much better experience to just go for it and sit there and take it all as it hits you.
OK, seriously, one of the nights I went there was a little girl in the FRONT row. While everyone else was cowering behind their garbage bags she sat there grinning as she got hit with splashes of blood. The gauntlet has been thrown, you wusses.
When the blood shoots your way, you smell the freshness of the soap its made with first, then there’s the cold shock as it makes contact with your flesh.
If I had one complaint about the experience of sitting in the splash zone, it’d be that with the A/​C running and my constantly getting re-​soaked with the fake blood, I was getting quite the chill.
The blood from «Re-​Animator» comes out in the laundry; however, it took three washes with exfoliating scrub to get it off my arms, chest, and face.
Moving on from that experience, though, I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed the music and acting. Kind of funny to see the show, recognize the guy playing Dan (Chris McKenna) on one of the latest episodes of «House» and then go see the show again.
Graham Skipper is hysterical as Herbert West, the main character of the show, adapted from a movie, based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft. And I’ve seen Jesse Merlin (Dr. Hill) in so many other things (as the captain in a Star Trek take of «HMS Pinafore,» as the criminologist in numerous Rocky Horror productions, and as Werewolf Hitler in «FDR: American Badass!»). He’s always great to watch.
And, yeah, who can really complain about Norm from «Cheers» (George Wendt) playing the dean?
Plus, you’ve got several of the people who worked on the 1985 movie (Stuart Gordon, John Buechler, etc) putting their all into the musical production.
If you love «Cannibal: The Musical!» or «Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter» or you go for things like say «Metalocalypse» where there’s music and inexplicably over-​the-​top cartoon violence, you’ll get a kick out of «Re-​Animator.»

Thanks Katie B. for hooking us up with free tickets. Another great event.
Not wanting to get wet, I sat in the back far away from the ‘Spatter Zone’. The musical was great. Cast did a great job given the small stage. But since the stage was so small, there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. All the seats had a great vantage point of the stage.
For those on the ropes about going to see this musical. In the words of Nike. Just Do It! Even though I didn’t have to pay for my tickets this time, I wouldn’t mind paying to see it a second time.

I looked up the movie prior to coming here. While I read the event description, I still was not sure what I signed up for. We attended the Saturday showing and YES I wasn’t a plus one! The theatre was intimate and filled up quickly. Wondered how many Unilocalers were there.
It ran for 90 minutes without intermission and the staff really emphasized that part. The show was good considering this was a preview night. There were only a few yet forgiveable kinks. A must see if you like zombies AND musical. Who doesn’t, right?!
Thank you Katie B.

Loved it!
As a fan of musicals as well as corny and cult classics (with Rocky Horror and the 2005 version of Reefer Madness
being my two most watched DVDs), I loved this production. I highly recommend it for someone who enjoys such irreverence.
Without being tiny, the Hayworth Theatre is intimate enough to make every seat feel like a front row seat; even if you are not in the splash zone! Even with no intermission, the quick set changes and captivating story kept me interested and I never looked at my watch!
Without giving away the story, I can say that it was horrifically hilarious! While there were gruesome and gory moments, they were purposely so fake that I never got grossed out. The actors did a great job of staying in character amidst the laughter in the audience. I don’t think I could have kept a straight face up there.
While I did have a moment of conflicting thoughts when trying to see George Wendt (Norm from Cheers) as the Dean, I was quickly drawn into the characters and storyline.
A little tidbit that makes this production ‘authentic’: the special effects are done by the same team who did them for the 1985 Re-​Animator movie!
Go see it now!

I haven’t been to a musical as funny and entertaining as the «Re-​Animator» for a while. Never was there a dull moment, as I always on my feet, not knowing when the next surprise they will have in store for the «splash» zone in the first 4 rows. It’s amazing how they made great use of the little stage.
Since the size of the Hayworth Theatre isn’t that big, every seat in the house almost feels like a front row seat given our close proximity to the stage even though we were in seats in the last row. There’s no assigned seating, so seating is first come first served. So, do come early! I would recommend to anyone who wants to attend to seat themselves in the splash zone to get the best possible experience. Be prepared to get wet!
There’s plenty of free street parking around if you watch an evening show.

I do not wanna spoil the fun of this show so will not give too much away, but this has been one of my favorite musicals of all times. I can see why people keep coming back 3, 4, 64 times even!
The theatre itself is quiet small but it adds to the intimacy of the show. What I really enjoyed was the gory comedy. Eye balls popping out, heads being decapitated, kitties in the fridge!!! I was envious of the splash zone and wish I was getting bled and vomitted on!!! OHhh how fun. I wish I can give it more stars
||sings|| Re-​Animator! Re-​Animator! Re-​Animator!!!
Also I think the man next to me farted during the show –_​– (side note irrelevant just wanted to let the public know thats not cool)

I’m so glad I wasn’t splashed with blood because I totally didn’t come prepared!
I actually came a little late, so I was forced to sit in the splash zone on the left side of the theater. No one wanted those seats! So we got a great view, but I was on the edge of my seat the whole night, on the lookout for some blood. Oh and if you sit in the middle section, beware, because that blood shoots super far!
This show rocked. I came in without any expectations and loved it. It’s a small scale production, but my bf recognized George Wentz (from Cheers), so there seem to be some known actors too. I loved how they utilized the props, fake blood, and the small scale effects on this show. It’s great that there wasn’t an intermission either because I felt the story flowed wonderfully non-​stop.
Dialogue was witty and fun. You should probably not bring young kids though. =P
We stayed afterwards to hear the audience feedback to the director and producer. It was really funny too.
The Hayworth is an old theater and the seating is very intimate. So you should have a good view of the stage, wherever you sit. My only complaint is that the seats aren’t too comfortable.
Thanks Katie B. for the free tickets! I had a bloody (or should I say blood-​less =P) fun time!

The Lowdown==- Not your typical musical. It’s nerdy, gory, slapstick, and most of all hilariously offensive.
When the disclaimer at a musical is that the first 3 rows are splash zones (looked more like 5 rows), you know you are bound to have a good time. I must say, I haven’t been quite as entertained in a musical as this. I was not a follower of the original cult classic, but now that I have been exposed, I needed to find out more about where to find that glowy green syringe. Thank you Laura S. for taking me and Katie B. for the tickets.
-=-Story-​=- Typical musicals have a lot of downtime, but it was pretty minimal for Re-​Animator The Musical. Sure, there were some off-​balanced scenes that threw everyone off, but those were quickly rejuvenated by the fast paced story and random bursts of gore.
-=-Favorites-​=- My favorite characters would be the hilariously creepy Dr. Hill (Jesse Merlin) and the awkward genius Herbert West (Graham Skipper). Let’s just say that zombie duets and zombie dance routines were a part of this show.
-=-Venue-​=- Knowing that the venue was a mere block away from MacArthur Park, I knew that the Hayworth Theatre wouldn’t be Pantages fancy. It was exactly as I believed with single occupancy restrooms (3), narrow low hallways, and scary exterior. Inside the actual theatre though, I was subtly impressed by the comfy seating, vaulted high ceilings, and HVAC system (stuffy and hot is a huge turn off for smaller productions such as these).
10 week limited engagement at the Hayworth Theatre (DTLA) starting on May 3^rd.

I originally planned on purchasing tickets to the Re-​Animator musical, but it was just my luck when I saw free tickets offered through Unilocal!Although free makes everything better, this funny and entertaining show would be worth paying for. Definitely go see if before they head off to New York!
This is not your typical musical. I don’t want to give away too many details, but I will say that the musical’s story follows the movie pretty closely. Even though it’s a fairly small production, the effects and staging worked out well. My bf and I sat in the back row (I knew ahead of time by reading old reviews on Goldstar about the «blood») and could still see everything pretty clearly.
Thanks Katie B. for getting free tickets for us!

Holy Macaroni is this a great show! Three cheers to the cast and crew for providing me a campy evening of schlock-​o-​tainment! I had a smile on my face from start to finish.
Show runs at The Hayworth for 10 weeks — with previews this week (use discount code 008). I just used it for tickets for next Saturday night — it works! So excited to see this show again!!!
Kudos cast and crew fantastic show! Great show for folks who love horror, comedy, schlock and comedy.

I was sooooo scared of losing my dinner by coming to this show. If I had sat in the spatter zone, I would have contributed some authentic splatter myself. Yes, it’s gory and messy. But it’s by popular demand and it was sold out! The girl behind me couldn’t get an extra ticket for her friend but I luckily had an extra plus one to offer.
It was a very entertaining show. The leads had pretty clear voices and there was good acting. The girl with the ukulele up her bum was a scene stealer sometimes with her facial expressions.
I thank Rain F for writing the first review like I knew she would when I saw her check-​in the previous night and went straight to her page the next morning to see what she thought.
Thank you Katie B and the Hayworth Theatre for an entertaining evening.

Lucky me, I was trolling the Unilocal events page and stumbled on a chance to see this show for free! Free has always been my favorite price so not know what I was getting into, I RSVP’d and made my plans.
First off, any show with a ‘splatter zone’ is bound to be good. But this was just wonderful. The lyrics were hilariously engaging. The actors had just the right mix of slapstick and ernesty. I have never seen the movie so I can’t comment on how closely it follows, but I highly recommend this show for the wildly amusing cast and music. I’m planning on going back soon.
Only a 10 week run so make it quick.

I liked it but it’s just not for me.
You’d think that the event description would have stopped me from going… nope! Even though the audience complained that there wasn’t enough splatter, the musical is pretty gory. There were some parts where I closed my eyes, eww.
There is a designated splatter zone and audience are given trash bags to cover themselves up if they wish to do so. I think it’s the first three rows as rows four and five are considered premium seating.
I like the musical scoring, the pianist did a nice job and the actors were mostly on point. I won’t point out the nitpicky stuff, just go and see it for yourself. It was confusing at first. In the end, everything will make sense. So if you like zombies and blood spatter, go for it! The director promised more spatters next time. They don’t officially open ’til next Thursday and they are offering discounted tickets.

Directed by Stuart Gordon (director of the original film), Re-​Animator the Musical was bound to be brilliant… and brilliant, my friends, turned out to be an understatement.
Re-​Animator the Musical is an exemplification of the perfection that is a campy horror musical, and is honestly one of the greatest things i have ever witnessed.
Enough good things cannot be said about this overwhelming genius cast. The huge amount of talent that is on such a small stage cannot be adequately described.
The Steve Allen Theater is the perfect venue, aswell. Super tiny, so I can’t imagine there being a bad seat. Plus, free parking!
Try to get there early and sit in the front. I have attended 8 times and have sat in the splash zone each time. Something about getting blood and intestine bile sprayed on you is just so fulfilling.
The only bad thing I can say is that there isn’t a soundtrack available yet!
Set to close on August 14^th, so if you’re contemplating going, hurry!

I went into this show without being familiar with the story or movie. I didn’t know quite what to expect but ended up having THE best time! The cast is perfect and totally draw you into the story through their performance. I had the privilege of being in the «splash zone» (highly recommend, by the way). This was the most unique, hilarious, and fun show I’ve attended, by far. **An added bonus, lots of free parking behind the building!

«Re-​Animator» is a hilarious musical parody of the 1980s cult sci-​fi horror film «H.P. Lovecraft’s Re-​Animator» (which was, in turn, based on the short story «Herbert West – Reanimator»).
The cast is amazing, the writing is amazing, everything is amazing. The actors have wonderful voices and make incredible use of the little stage. And the show is hilarious, especially if you’ve seen the movie it’s based on (a parody is always funnier when you know what it’s a parody of).
One of the best parts: the first 4 rows are the «splash zone» — meaning you get a few surprise bursts of fake blood. You can either choose to wear one of their plastic garbage bags, or be a real fan and show up in all white. It’s awesome. (Make sure to show up and get in line 30 minutes early if you want one of these coveted spots.)
Also, for the occasional midnight show, the have a band for the one hour beforehand.
Oh, and it’s BYOB. Hilarity ensues.