Famished! A Victorian Zombie Musical
Telus Stage (10437 – 83 avenue) August 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23
More information: facebook.com/TheOctoberPeopleProductions
An interview with Kat Evans.
Famished! A Victorian Zombie Musical. Photo credit: John Evans.
Describe your show in five words.
Zombies, singing, dancing, World Domination.
Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?
The place: Victorian London. The plan: World Domination. The problem: Zombies. The solution: Musical Comedy! Evil genii Dr. Corvus and Mr. Gray face terrors unimaginable as they defend the Empire from raving, wholly uncivilized, undead hordes from darkest Africa.
Set deep within the bowels of Victorian London, our tale follows exquisitely mustachioed evil genii Dr. Corvus and Mr. Gray, in their unending pursuit of fine brandy, finer cigars and total world domination, Their task may prove difficult however, considering gallant explorer Henry Forbes has mistakenly brought home a deadly cargo of ill-mannered, ravenous zombies from the jungles of Africa. All in the cherished heart of the civilized Empire could be lost, from beautiful and financially-desirable Amelia, to her parents Colonel and Lady Avery, to grubby whore Annie, to ranting loon Silas, to all other kinds of insignificant women, children and poor people.
Against a foe as considerable as this, only one solution remains for dashing Mr. Gray and maniacal deviant Dr. Corvus. The unleashing of something more terrifying and powerful than London could ever possibly imagine…
What attracted you to Famished?
John and I happened to be in Edinburgh at the Fringe in 2007 when the original production was on, and we were told in no uncertain terms by some of the volunteers that we HAD to go see it! We went, and immediately hatched a plan to bring it to Canada. It is full of the wry British humor that we both love, and a musical about Victorian Zombies? What’s not to like?!
What are some of the themes the show explores?
It is absolutely a tongue-in-cheek comedy, but it is clever in that there is a lot of commentary on Victorian British Society. Classicism, nationalism, racism, and the clash between science and religion of the time are all touched on, as well as love, power, and of course the undead.
Kat & John Evans do some fantastic design and special effects work – can you give us a preview of what we can expect to see at the show?
Well, without giving away too much, there will be practical makeup special effects executed both on and off stage, as well as some very fun video work! We put a lot of work in to the entire design, from sound to set to lights, to full on Victorian inspired costumes, hair and makeup! It has been a great time building this show!
Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?
Come and have fun with us! It is ridiculous and Monty Python-esque, and a really good time. And you may even get to leave with a keepsake from the show!
Bonus question: Any names you want to drop who have been involved in your show (Edmonton arts people or otherwise)?
Our production is chock full of local talent! Our cast and crew are:
Cast (In Order of Appearance)
Owen Bishop – Henry Forbes/Victim
Kara Chamberlain – Dawkins/Victim/Zombie Sailor
Marsha Amanova – Jones/Victim/Collins
Kat Evans – Silas Grimshaw
Nadine Veroba – Amelia Avery
Amanda Neufeld – Lady Avery
Curtis Knecht – Colonel Avery
Dean McQuay – Mr. Gray/Dr. Everington
John Evans – Doctor Corvus
Meredith Honda – Annie
Production Team
Curtis Knecht – Director / Vocal Coach
Allison Robinson – Stage Manager
Jake Hastey – Assistant Director / Choreographer
Joshua Laing – Music Director
Kat & John Evans – Production Design, Video, Sound, Media & Print
Danielle Carlson & Leizan Knecht – Running Crew
The 33rd Edmonton International Fringe is August 14 – 24. Get your tickets at tickets.fringetheatre.ca.