Marshfield Community Theatre Presents “Night of the Living Dead”
Marshfield, MO | Oct. 16, 2023 — As the shadows grow longer and the crisp autumn air settles, Marshfield Community Theatre is preparing to unleash a theatrical experience that promises to send shivers down your spine this Halloween season. Brace yourself for “Night of the Living Dead,” a riveting stage adaptation that breathes life into the beloved cult-classic film.
Written by Lori Allen Ohm and based on the original film by George Romero and John Russo, Marshfield Community Theatre proudly takes the stage with the licensing support of Dramatists Play Service.
The show runs Oct. 26 to 29 at 7 p.m., with additional late-night performances on Oct. 28 and October 31 at 10 p.m.. With a runtime of approximately 1.5 hours and a PG-13 rating, this theatrical experience is designed to captivate audiences of all ages.
The story centers on the aftermath of a failed satellite probe mission to Venus, which leads to the dead rising from their graves to attack the living. As the horrors intensify, seven individuals find themselves trapped in an isolated farmhouse, their lives held hostage by ravenous ghouls.
The show’s director, Kelby Lorenz, said that it is something truly unique from the usual MCT productions audiences may be used to.
“For one thing, the show is designed to be completely in grayscale,” he said. “From the set, to the costumes, to using makeup to gray out our actors’ skin, it feels like the 1968 film has come to life on stage.”
In addition to the look and feel of the show, Lorenz said that this show is special because of the story itself, featuring commentary on social issues of the time when the story is set.
“The story is set in 1968, and features a young, black man as the protagonist,” he said. “This was groundbreaking territory for the time, and we don’t shy away from that in how we’re telling the story. I think it’s important for us to have these conversations and draw comparisons to what’s happening in today’s climate as well.”
These themes and story points have led to the cast of Night of the Living Dead being one the most diverse in MCT’s history. The production features talent from various backgrounds, races, sexualities, and abilities, celebrating the power of the arts to unite and reflect the richness of our community.
Assistant Director Susie Smith said this in talking about the cast’s diversity, “Working with such a diverse and talented cast has been a rewarding experience. ‘Night of the Living Dead’ is a testament to the power of theater to unite people from all walks of life in the name of storytelling and entertainment.”
Night of the Living Dead runs Oct. 26-30 at 7 p.m., with additional shows on Oct. 28 and 31 at 10 p.m. In addition to the shows, MCT is hosting a Spooky Soiree between the Saturday performances and a costume contest before the Halloween performance.
For media inquiries, interviews, or press passes, please contact:
Kelby Lorenz
MCT Marketing Director
marketing@marshfieldtheatre.org
High-resolution images and additional information are available upon request.
About Marshfield Community Theatre:
Marshfield Community Theatre (MCT) is a vibrant hub for local performing arts, dedicated to providing an avenue for creative expression through live-theatre productions. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, MCT relies on the support of the community to continue its mission of fostering artistic excellence and unity.