Panhandle Players to audition for ‘Living Dead’

Auditions for the Panhandle Players’ “Night of the Living Dead Live,” which will be staged Oct. 3 to 6 at the Chapman Theatre in Apalachicola, are Sunday, July 14 at 3 p.m. and Monday, July 15 at 6 p.m. at the theater.

George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead Live” is the only authorized stage version of the iconic 1968 film. It is a dark comedy that lovingly examines the groundbreaking movie. Once the original story is told, the stage play goes beyond the film and explores questions posed by “Living Dead” fans throughout the years in a series of comedic alternate endings. 

Make-up, lighting, costumes, and even the set will emulate the black and white presentation of the original film. This dark comedy serves up chills and gore to go along with the laughs.

Minimum cast is four males and two females, along with undead. Because this cast configuration requires each actor to play multiple roles, the troupe may go with a larger cast. That decision will be made after auditions. If cast, be prepared to play more than one character. 

Cast includes:

• Ben – Struggles to get the group to work together to survive the ordeal (this role is open only to African-American men)
• Harry – Husband and father who has his own idea about the best course of action
• Barbra – Young woman who is overwhelmed by the onslaught of the undead
• Tom – Young man who, along with his girlfriend, have joined the group’s fight to survive
• Helen – Harry’s wife and caretaker of their daughter
• Judy – Tom’s girlfriend
• Chief McClelland – Local constable who works to bring the situation under control
• Various characters – deputy, TV announcer, White Ben, general, scientist, Karen, radio announcer, Johnny
• Undead – minimum of three onstage zombies, with other undead as needed
• Note: Helen and Judy will likely be played by the same actor.