Beware the Splash Zone: Evil Dead at Haddonfield Plays and Players is a Campy Romp

by Dominic Traini

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of seeing Evil Dead at Haddonfield Plays and Players. I had never seen the original movie or any of its sequels or adaptations, so I was going in completely blind. All I knew was that the 1981 film was a campy cult classic and that the original Broadway production famously featured a “splash zone” for all the excessive blood. So when I walked into Haddonfield Plays and Players’ off-location home at the Deptford Community Center, I was hoping this production would make use of both those iconic elements. It’s fair to say that I was not disappointed. 

The Deptford Community Center was the perfect venue for this show. Its down-to-earth setting created a sense of homemade fun that made way for the show’s absurdity. This was only enhanced by the choice to play 1980s hits before the curtain, immersing the audience directly into the world of the piece. The set, designed by Chris Miller, recreated the film’s iconic cabin perfectly — the mounted moose head was a personal favorite of mine. I was also impressed that Miller and the tech team managed to incorporate a live band seamlessly into the environment. The band was a perfect addition to the abundance of the show featuring: Robbie Simmons (Keys), Benjamin Brantley (Guitar), Matthew McPherson (Drums), and Ashlan Petrillo (Conductor/Music Director) 

Ryan PJ Mulholland was an inspired choice for Ash, the everyman-turned one-handed, chainsaw-wielding hero. He balanced the first half’s goofy cheesiness with just enough restraint to avoid turning into a full-fledged cartoon in the second. A standout moment came when Ash’s hand became possessed by demons, forcing him to physically fight himself. Mulholland’s physical performance during this scene was awe-inspiring. This “Jekyll and Hyde” esque struggle had the audience riveted.

In addition to playing the lead, Mulholland also directed, designed sound effects (along with Miller), props and costumes, and co-designed wigs. In lesser hands that might have been too tall a task, but he proved equally adept behind the scenes. His direction guided the tight-knit cast through a series of campy bits that grew funnier with each scene. Lauren Patanovich, who not only choreographed but also served as Rehearsal Stage Manager and co-Costume/Wig Designer, helped bring that blend of movement, rhythm and comedic timing to life. Together, Mulholland and Patanovich shaped a production that was both chaotic and cohesive, the perfect tone for Evil Dead. 

Cara Horner, the Associate Director, and Nicole Plasket, the Performance Stage Manager, kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Eric Baker’s lighting design heightened the horror-comedy aesthetic. It was moody, exaggerated and perfectly timed to the gore and gags. The work of Chase Roberts as Sound Engineer, Chris Miller as scenic painter, Nathan Rivera (crew) and EZ Does It Flooring as set builders helped create a world that was visually rich but still felt handmade, exactly what a show like this calls for. 

Lauren Patanovich was both lovable and terrifying as Cheryl, perfectly capturing the duality of the dorky sister turned fast-talking demon. Her singing voice was excellent, belting all the high notes the role demanded. Ali Gleason took on double duty as Annie, the overly talkative red-haired “final girl” and Shelly, the not-so-bright blonde dating Scott. Gleason differentiated the two so effectively that I didn’t even realize they were played by the same actress until intermission. 

My personal standout was CJ Kish as Scott. Though his stage time was brief, Kish made a huge impact as the trashy loudmouthed best friend. His character voice was spot-on, perfectly embodying the over-the-top camp the role required. His unprovoked hatred of Cheryl was especially funny. Having seen Kish in several productions over the years, I can confidently say he disappears completely into every role he takes on. I can only hope he continues performing in the area as it’s always a pleasure to see his character work. 

Rounding out the cast was Josh Buffington, who played an unassuming yet hysterical Ed. His physical comedy during his repeated interruptions and his big solo moment (cut short mid-song by Ash’s riffle) was a highlight. Sara Vattimo brought the house down with her vocals as Linda while maintaining the character’s comedic charm. Justin Walsh was a standout as Jake, playing him with a headstrong Elvis-like charm and strong vocals to match. Finally, Nathan Rivera appeared in multiple roles throughout the show, using his physicality to comically torment the leads in scene after scene. 

Unfortunately, the limited run of this production has already ended. However, I’m eagerly looking forward to whatever this creative team and cast tackle next. I may have gone in blind, but I left completely converted, covered in laughter instead of blood.