McKendree University Students to Perform Night of the Living Dead Live Oct. 25 – Oct. 27

(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 21, 2024)- McKendree University students will be performing Night of the Living Dead Live, a hilarious re-imagining of George A. Romero’s legendary classic. The play is slated for three performances from Friday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Oct. 27. The Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s matinee begins at 2:30 p.m. 

General admission tickets are priced at $5, and reservations are recommended. Admission is free for McKendree students, faculty and staff. Please contact the Hett box office at (618) 537-6863 to reserve seats or purchase them online at www.thehett.com.  

Written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer and Trevor Martin, Night of the Living Dead Live brings the 1968 film to life and places it on the stage. More than just a re-creation of the story, the play celebrates the undying influence of the film. Through a series of multiple endings, the play lovingly examines the movie itself and the time period in which it was made. Six strangers surrounded by zombies – what could go wrong?  

Cast members include: Myles McGee of Belleville, Ill., as Ben; Caleb Marriott of Mascoutah, Ill., as Chief McClelland; Eli Franklin of Collinsville, Ill. as Vince; Madison Rohn of O’Fallon, Ill., as Barbara; Sean Harper of Metamora, Ill., as Johnny; Leo Fowler of Springfield, Va., as Tom; Ian Schmitt of Swansea, Ill., as Harry; Marin Jalinsky of Collinsville, Ill., as Helen; Denaysha Jackson of Springfield, Ill., as Judy; DJ Justice of Vandalia, Ill., as the news anchor; Zariah Valentine of Monroe, La., as the reporter; Elizabeth Collins of O’Fallon, Ill., as the general; Haylie Bland of Aviston, Ill., as the scientist; Jolie Wagner of Centralia, Ill., as Karen.  C. Houck of Shelbyville, Ill., as Bill Cardill; and zombies, which are played by Glen’terrius Brown of Monroe, La.; Jessika Hupp of Gillespie, Ill.; Elana Melzer of O’Fallon, Ill.; Brenden Meyer of Granite City, Ill.; and Anna Rose Sheehan of Du Quoin, Ill.

With Mia Wylie of Maryville, Ill., serving as stage manager, the crew includes Kyle Dailor of Bourbonnais, Ill., as technical director intern; Hunter Peterson of Stillman Valley, Ill., as sound/video design; Sidney Williams of Jerseyville, Ill., as sound/video assistant; Lauren Magnussen of Lebanon, Ill., as makeup assistant; and Gabi Cuba of Collinsville, Ill.; Josie Klein of Raymond, Ill.; and Olivia Norwood of Fairview Heights, Ill., as crew members. Alex Brandenburger, a 2024 graduate, returned to provide lighting design.

 

-McK-