Horror-Comedy Play Is Based on George A. Romero’s 1968 Film

Just in time for Halloween, the ARTx3 Campus brings a classic zombie film to life with “George A. Romero’s Night of The Living Dead™ Live.”

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.

Based on Romero’s 1968 horror classic “Night of The Living Dead,” it follows six strangers seeking refuge in an abandoned farmhouse during a zombie apocalypse. Through multiple endings and a fair dose of humor, the characters face different issues and challenges while desperately trying to survive the night. However, their contrasting personalities and agendas prevent the group from working together.

The play examines the movie itself, the period in which it was made, and the film’s influence on the horror genre. More than just a recreation of the story, the play celebrates the history and influence of the movie.

“The film is basically what we think of as zombies — the modern concept originates from this film,” explained the show’s director, Jonathan R. Hoover. “That’s mainly due to the fact that due to a clerical error upon its release, it was immediately released into public domain. So anyone could make a film using the same ideas and concepts. And it spawned an entire genre of horror. Movies, TV shows, comic books, video games, anything you can think of featuring zombies, it all started here.”

Keeping with the film’s look, the production is presented in black and white. The actors wear gray makeup and costumes, and the set is similarly painted.

The “hero” of “Night of The Living Dead” is the calm, collected and resourceful Ben, played here by Raymond Wallace. In the original 1968 film, Ben was portrayed by literature professor and actor Duane Jones. This marked the first time an African American was cast as the star and hero of a horror film.

Another survivor is Barbra, played by Crystal Jennings. “Barbra starts off the show as a zombie-terrorized, completely helpless woman who is terrified of everything. However, don’t be fooled — her character arc leads her to quite a different place by the end of the show. I get to be a bit of a ‘scream queen’ as Barbra and it’s really fun.”

The rest of the cast includes Jorge Arazoza as Harry, Erica Kriner as Helen, Lily Jennings as Judy, Briar Thompson as Tom, Austin McCann as Johnny, Violet Jennings as Karen, Isaiah Austin as Vince, and director Hoover pulling double duty as Chief McClelland.

The zombies are played by Deja Bates, George Brown, Susan Carolan, Christopher Hale, Kaleb Hughes, Margaret Sides, Greg Tatum, Alice Weeley, Braylon West, Briah West and Will Witt.

As with past October productions at the ARTx3 Campus, theatergoers are encouraged to dress for each performance to participate in a costume contest. Winners will receive tickets to ARTx3 events and other prizes.

“It’s a nice warmup to Halloween,” Wallace said of the production. “This is the sort of thing that you would want to help get you in that Halloween spirit of ghouls and frights and such. Which I do personally think our cast of zombies are aiming to deliver in that regard. So whether you’re the type that likes to be scared by things or if you want to try to pull a prank on someone and say ‘Yeah, we’re going to go see a harmless show’ and then you’re surrounded by zombies and such as the zombies are waltzing the aisles. Or if you just want to come see a good show put on in a lovely community theater, looking to bring some liveliness and entertainment into a city that needs it, come on by. Have a good time.”

Tickets are $13 for ARTx3 members, $18 for nonmembers and $10 for students. They can be purchased at artx3.org/night-of-the-living-dead, by calling 870-536-3375, or in person at the Arts & Science Center.

“George A. Romero’s Night of The Living Dead Live” was written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer and Trevor Martin, and created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattison.

The show is recommended for ages 13 and older. It contains gunshots, fog, strobing lights, depictions of gore, and the living dead.

For more information, contact ARTx3 Interim Director Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or 870-536-3375.

About The ARTx3 Campus

The ARTx3 Campus is the convergence of art, creativity, and community in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The campus features three facilities: The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), 701 S. Main Street, and The ARTSpace and ART WORKS on Main, 623 and 627 S. Main St. All three facilities present programming in the visual arts, performing arts, and STEAM education through exhibitions, performances, classes and local partnerships. Gallery admission is free. Founded in 1968, ASC is accredited with the American Alliance of Museums and features three exhibition galleries, an interactive youth activity space, and the 232-seat Catherine M. Bellamy Theater. Since 2021, the modern and multipurpose ARTSpace and ART WORKS facilities have hosted live music, local and regional art, diverse workshops, and small productions. For more information, visit artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

Support is provided in part by the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas Endowment Fund, the City of Pine Bluff, the Pine Bluff Advertising & Promotion Commission and the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional operating support is provided in part by the Windgate Foundation, Ben J. Altheimer Foundation, Kline Family Foundation, Relyance Bank and Simmons Bank.

Featured image:  Zombie apocalypse survivors played by Erica Kriner (from left), Jorge Arazoza, Raymond Wallace, Crystal Jennings, Briar Thompson and Lily Jennings battle the undead in the ARTx3 Campus’ production of “George A. Romero’s Night of The Living Dead™ Live.” Performances are Oct. 17-20, 2024, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff.

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