Zombies at SCT!

Adaptation of Night of the Living Dead

one of two special October events 

(Seattle, WA) – Seattle Children’s Theatre is excited to present the stage adaptation of George Romero’s iconic Night of the Living Dead, opening October 3, 2008 in the Charlotte Martin Theatre and running through November 1, 2008. Night of the Living Dead is an evening production geared toward teens and adults 13 and older, and one of our two special October offerings. 

            On choosing this edgy production to start the 2008-09 season, SCT Artistic Director Linda Hartzell says, “For years, teenagers have been asking us when we are going to do something that is funny and scary and just for them. Night of the Living Dead fits the bill on all counts. It is not slasher scary or cinematic horror. It is high-camp, PG-13, scary fun." 

            The story is familiar even to non-horror fans. Johnny and Barbara drive into the country to leave a wreath on their father’s grave, but they aren’t alone in that cemetery. And once that first Zombie attacks, there’s no stopping the relentless march of the undead. 

            Night of the Living Dead was written by Lori Allen Ohm, based on the movie by George Romero and John Russo, and will be directed by Linda Hartzell. The production team includes Fight Choreographer Geoffrey Alm (SCT’s 2008 production of Hamlet), Projection Designer Lara Kaminsky, Choreographer Kathryn Van Meter (High School Musical, SCT Drama School’s Summer Season production of Urinetown: The Musical), SCT Resident Sound Designer Chris Walker (The Neverending Story, Busytown), Costume Designer (and SCT Costume Shop Manager) Rana Webber, Lighting Designer (and SCT Production Manager) Michael Wellborn, and Set Designer Carey Wong (The Neverending Story, The Hundred Dresses). 

            The cast of Night of the Living Dead is stocked with SCT favorites, and includes Troy Fischnaller (The Hundred Dresses), Sarah Harlett (The Hundred Dresses, The Neverending Story), Reginald André Jackson, Peter Jacobs, Galen Joseph Osier, Marianne Owen (The Hundred Dresses), Darius Pierce, MJ Seiber (Busytown), and Kathryn Van Meter (also Choreographer of the production), in addition to an ensemble of Zombies comprised of Hattie Claire Andres (High School Musical, Urinetown: the Musical), Felicia Bertch, Emily Golden, Emma Kelley, Corey Lennon (Urinetown: the Musical), Madeline Noonan (Urinetown: the Musical), Nick Pineda, Mickey Rowe (High School Musical), Chelsea Taylor, and Sam Tilles. Anne Kennedy and Eric Reidmann are understudies. 

            SCT has a number of unique events and activities associated with the production, including a special 21-and-over performance. Hartzell has worked a walk-on zombie role into the production for special celebrity guests; the current list of confirmed guest includes KING5’s Evening Magazine host John Curley, ArtZone in Studio host and Almost Live! alum Nancy Guppy, and long-time KEXP DJ Riz Rollins. In addition, SCT’s Drama School is offering a special Zombie Workshop, integrating movement, stage combat and make-up, graduates of which will also fill the walk-on zombie role. 

            SCT has set up a Facebook page called Zombies at SCT! The page features a schedule of celebrity guest zombies and more information about the Zombie Workshop and Zombie Street Team (a team of volunteers helping us to promote the production), and will include a variety of features from the production: set design models and costume sketches have already been posted, with plans to add rehearsal photos and audio/video previews once rehearsal begins in early September. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zombies-at-SCT/24877859618 ) 

Night of the Living Dead will be presented in SCT’s Charlotte Martin Theatre. Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas Street, under the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Tickets for Night of the Living Dead are $20 ($24 for Halloween weekend) and may be purchased by calling the SCT Ticket Office at (206) 441-3322 or by visiting www.sct.org. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by calling the Group Sales Office at 206-859-4054. Night of the Living Dead is strongly recommended for ages 13 and older only. 

Seattle Children’s Theatre would like to thank season sponsors Boeing, Microsoft and Safeco Insurance Foundation, show sponsor 4Culture, and season affiliate Target for their generous support.  

Seattle Children’s Theatre celebrates its 34th season in 2008-2009 and performs September through June in the Charlotte Martin and Eve Alvord Theatres at Seattle Center.  Since its inception, SCT has gained acclaim as a leading producer of theatre, educational programs and new scripts for young people. SCT has presented nearly 200 plays, 99 of which were world premieres, and entertained over 4 million children.

By Lori Allen Ohm – Based on the film by George Romero and John Russo

Directed by Linda Hartzell 

WHAT:          That’s right – zombies! Campy, scary fun for teens and older. 

WHERE:        Seattle Children’s Theatre’s Charlotte Martin Theatre

201 Thomas Street, Seattle (Seattle Center) 

WHEN:          Opening Night – October 3 at 5:30 pm

                        Public Performances – October 3, 2008 through November 1, 2008

 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 5:30pm & 8pm, with additional performances the week leading up to Halloween – check website for complete schedule) 

TICKETS:     Tickets are $20 ($24 for Halloween weekend) and may be purchased by calling SCT’s Ticket Office at (206) 441-3322 or by visiting www.sct.org.

                        Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by calling the Group Sales Office at 206-859-4054.

                        Night of the Living Dead is strongly recommended for ages 13 and older.  

INFO:             It seems like a night just like any other, but just when Barbara and Johnny thought car troubles were their biggest problem, a whole new headache rises. That’s right—Zombies! 

A funny, scary, campy classic especially for teens—or older. Just like the movie, but live, or rather dead, right there in front of you.