“Night of the Living Dead” on the Royal Theatre Stage Oct 25-28

The Royal Players kick off their 25th season with the production of Night of the Living Dead, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original 1968 black and white movie right before Halloween. This show is made possible through the sponsorship of Regions Bank.

Show dates are October 25, 26, and 27 at 7 p.m. and October 28 at 2 p.m. Admission prices are $12 for General Admission, $10 for Seniors citizens aged 60 and above, members of the military, and College Students with valid I.D., Prices for children 12th grade and below are $6. Tickets are available now at theroyalplayers.ticketleap.com/night-of-the-living-dead/ or you may call 501-315-LIVE for reservations and pay at the box office. The Royal Theatre is located at 111 S. Market Street, Benton, AR 72015.

With a script adapted to the stage by Lori Allen Ohm, directed by Koty Mansfield and Assistant Director Mason Newberry, this production pays homage to the original movie while incorporating special effects and influences from the “Zombie” culture that has become so well known since the original work began the genre. This play is produced by Phoebe Earles and Erin Marchese, stage managed by Matthew Burns and assistant stage manager, Hayden Griffis.

Chaos descends upon the world as the brains of the recently deceased become inexplicably reanimated, causing the dead to rise and feed on human flesh. Speculation rests on a radiation-covered NASA satellite returning from Venus, but it only remains a speculation. There is panic throughout the nation as the dead suddenly come back to life. The play follows a group of characters who barricade themselves in an old farmhouse in an attempt to remain safe from these bloodthirsty, flesh-eating monsters.

Since the independent film “Night of the Living Dead” horrified audiences on silver screens across the country, originally debuting in 1968, the black-and-white drama has become a cult classic for horror (and zombie) fans. Lori Allen Ohm’s adaptation of George A. Romero’s and John Russo’s original movie production is a shining example of tributes-done-right.