EMA Review: SCREAM’D: AN AUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY Irresistible ★★★★★1/2
By Erik Engman
Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic, EatMoreArtVegas.com
IG: ErikReviewsVegas
"What's your favorite scary musical?" Back by popular demand for a fourth (and final?) time, Majestic Repertory Theatre brings back its acclaimed production of Scream’d: An Unauthorized Musical Parody, written by Troy Heard, with music arrangements by Brandon Scott Grayson. And it’s looking sharper than ever!
Let me cut to the chase: this show parodies the horror movie Scream. I would suggest watching it first, but if you didn’t, you’ll still understand the story. The musical, like the movie, covers the killing of various residents of the fictional town of Woodsboro by a mysterious masked figure known as Ghostface. Who is behind the murders and why? You’ll find out by the end of the night.
As I mentioned in my review of Crafted, Writer/Director Troy Heard doesn’t mock the source material, but embraces it while playfully poking fun at it. You can say he carves his own path, bringing in jokes, sharp wit, and some of your favorite 90s songs from artists like Lit, NSYNC, Brittany Spears, Goo Goo Dolls, Blink-182, and the Backstreet Boys. Now there are added harmonies, which add to the excitement. I tell you, it’s a bloody good time!
Heard’s set is a perfect mishmash of elements that brings Woodsboro to life. I especially liked the video store corner, which brought back fond memories of working in a video store back in the 1980s. The staging was extremely clever, my favorite being the garage door scene. It was so wrong, but so right! Add the dynamic lighting designed by Marcus Randolph, the sound design by Aldair Callejas, and the fun costumes by Gabbie Kenney, and you get a non-stop party atmosphere that pulls you into the action. This is a cutting-edge musical parody!
The ensemble works together like a well-oiled chainsaw as Majestic brings some of their heavy-hitters into this production. Liz Harper (Sidney Prescott) is a spitfire. Steffan Scrogan (Randy Meeks) amazes me more with each showing of his genius and range. Ray Winters (Billy Loomis) gives us his brooding, emo best. Katie Marie Jones Carey (Casey/Tatum) is always dynamic and fantastic to watch. Jeffery Dubey (Dept. Dewey Reilly) is hilarious, stumbling and bumbling around. I can never get enough of Samantha Souza (Gail Weathers), who is a powerful force of nature on stage. Joey Derby (Stu Macher) is a tornado of talent as he blows the roof off the place. And Michael Kaczurak steals the show playing “Everybody Else”, especially with his raunchy Principal monologue at the end of Act 1. I might just have to steal that if I ever audition for A Public Fit, just for fun. Ha!
The band was off the hook! I kept thinking how great the ambient music was, then looked over to see the band creating it. Special props to Lin Wilson on keyboards, Presley Michaela on guitar, and Harley Swisher on bass. I’m sorry I missed Anisa on drums (they had a substitute, who was also great), but she always rocks the house!
I think you get the point. This is a dazzling, energetic show from beginning to end that succeeds on every level. My face hurt from smiling the entire time, even when it wasn’t mouthing along to the songs. You can say it never got dull. (Sorry, I love the knife puns!) They are billing this iteration of the show as Scream’d: The Final Encore, so it seems it won’t be back for a long time, if ever! I’m just glad they took another stab at it. It’s a celebration of the movie Scream, the 1990s, and our youth. You can definitely say… it’s a cut above the rest!
One warning: the show is a parody of a violent movie, so although they don’t restrict ages, think twice before bringing your young’uns. It is suggested for ages 16 and above.
One last thing. This upcoming Thursday, September 24 at 7 p.m. is Majestic’s 10th Birthday Celebration! Come celebrate at their Gala Fundraiser Cabaret, where you will enjoy amazing food from Main Street Provisions, a silent auction, immersive surprises, and live performances from their most popular productions over the past decade. Hosted by Brent Barrett. Tickets start at $104.50 and up, depending on the amenities. More info is on their website listed below. This is a great chance to ensure quality theater in the Vegas Valley for years to come!
What: Scream’d: An Unauthorized Musical Parody
When: Thursday through Saturday, September 25 through November 21
Where: Majestic Repertory Theatre, 1217 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Tickets (including fees)/website: General Admission $46.95; VIP Cabaret Seating $66.95; Additional Meet & Greet add-on for $20
RATING: Irresistible ★★★★★1/2
Director/Scenic Design: Troy Heard; Choreographer: Silver Storm Cayton; Music Director: Harley Siu Swisher; Choral Director: Jason Manlapaz; Costume Design: Gabbie Kenney; Lighting Design: Marcus Randolph; Sound Design; Aldair Callejas; Production Stage Manager: Ana Gudino.
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