Herbert West (Graham Skipper) is a mad scientist in the purest sense. He wants to reanimate people back from the dead, and he can’t do it alone. For his evil genius plan to work, West will need to employ the brains—and the corpses—of his fellow medical school students.
What could possibly go wrong? Nothing except for an equally insane scientist, Doctor Hill (Jesse Merlin), who wants to steal West’s idea for himself. Bizarre, experimental and totally 1980s, “Re-Animator: The Musical” delicately twists and hilariously turns through its plot, never forgetting its mischievous end goal: to bring life back to those who no longer have it, including the audience.
Filled with brilliant foreshadowing and great songs, the script and the musical accompaniment sing with excellence. The musical aspects aren’t an interlude, but rather a tool to tell the story without becoming tedious. They facilitate an easy flow from one scene to the next, highlighted by clever conversation and goofy “Sweeny Todd”-like sequences. Particular favorite songs include the creepy, pseudo-sexual “If you’re ever lonely” and the epic ballad “I give life.”
To match the various music styles, the choreography is a life-form of its own. Slowing and quickening with the pace of the music, the dances are light, dainty, loud and preposterous. One tango is a metaphorical battle of the wits between West and Hill: precise, calculated and devilish. Other dances are modern and silly, underscoring the scene’s ridiculousness. Overall, the stellar choreography adds yet another notch on “Re-Animator’s” already-tightened belt.
Playing the crazed medical student, Skipper steals the show. His insanity is captivating, contagious and realistic. Although his voice is not as strong as the other actors, what he lacks in pitch, he makes up with innovative dance moves and superior acting.
The character’s fascination with death crosses into chilling strangeness, as does his fiery passion for repudiating the sinister Doctor Hill. Combined, Skipper’s character is a tour-de-force, who can only be conquered by his own reanimation syrum. Other notable mentions include the stunning Rachel Avery as Megan Halsey and the hilarious Marlon Grace as the security guard.
Exploring themes of mortality and destiny, “Re-Animator” poses questions of scientific morality. To what extent should a person chase his demented dream, even with the possibility of helping mankind? Although this question and ones similar are answered with a childish silliness, others remain an adult mystery. The performance tactfully asks: What would you do?
If John Hughe’s “Weird Science” and Bobby Pickett’s “Monster Mash” were to have a love child, it would be “Re-Animator The Musical.” Be ready for the always-wet splash section and some bloody entrails. In other words, prepare yourself for a freaky Saturday night filled with tears, laughs and suspense.
“Re-Animator the Musical” will play at the Hayworth Theatre until July 8. Tickets cost $35 to $60, and the theater is located at 211 Wilshire Blvd.
Natalia Evdokimova has been involved with theater throughout her life and has reviewed theatrical productions for local and citywide publications since 2005.
