The Workhouse Arts Center is raising the curtain on its bold 2025/26 Performing Arts season this fall with the cult-classic sensation Evil Dead The Musical, running through November 2, 2025 at the Workhouse’s intimate W-3 Theatre. Perfectly timed for Halloween season and paired with the Workhouse’s beloved Haunted Trail, this outrageous rock musical comedy offers a theatrical experience unlike anything else in Northern Virginia — complete with a “Splash Zone” for adventurous theatergoers ready to get (fake!) blood-soaked.
Written by George Reinblatt (book and lyrics) with music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris, and Reinblatt, and music supervision by Cipolla, this over-the-top production mashes up Sam Raimi’s cult horror films The Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2 into a laugh-out-loud parody filled with ridiculous demons, campy effects, catchy rock numbers, and buckets of stage blood.
The story follows five unsuspecting college students heading to a remote cabin in the woods, only to awaken an ancient evil that turns them into demons. With his trusty chainsaw, Ash — a humble housewares clerk turned reluctant hero — takes on the undead in a riotous mix of comedy, music, and horror homage that has become a global cult hit.
“This show is pure fun,” said Joseph Wallen, Workhouse Arts Center’s Director of Performing Arts. “Whether you’re a horror fan, a musical theater fan, or neither, you’ll leave laughing. And for those brave enough, the Splash Zone makes you part of the show!”
The full cast includes:
- Kyle Donovan (Ash)
- Megan Kempton (Cheryl)
- Ally Baca (Annie/Shelly)
- Caleigh Riordan Davis (Linda)
- Shakil Azizi (Scott, Ash u/s)
- Geraden Ward (Ed/Moose, Jake u/s)
- Josh Carias (Jake)
- Mel Gumina (Cheryl u/s)
- Cera Baker (Annie/Shelly u/s)
- Aliya Gardner (Linda u/s)
- Alan Gutierrez-Urista (Scott u/s)
- Ryan Muha (Ed/Moose u/s)
PERFORMANCE DETAILS:
Performances are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; start times vary by date — check the Workhouse ticketing site for the most accurate schedule. The show runs approximately two hours with one intermission.
TICKETS:
Single tickets start at $40, with discounts available for students, seniors, and military (active duty and veterans). A limited number of “Splash Zone” seats are available for those seeking an immersive, and likely ‘wet’ experience. Tickets can be purchased online. Concessions, including snacks and drinks, are available for purchase at the venue.
Running in tandem with Evil Dead, Workhouse is also proud to announce the spine-chilling return of the Workhouse Haunt, Northern Virginia’s legendary outdoor haunted attraction, now celebrating 12 seasons of scares.
This year’s event, Apokalypse: Kingdom of Shadows, promises even darker thrills, more immersive storylines, and terrifyingly interactive experiences designed to challenge even the bravest thrill seekers. Guests travel in small groups for frightening experiences that bring them through the abandoned, historic buildings and into the dark woods where they will encounter terrifying characters and sights unfit for the faint of heart.
New experiences for this season provide more interactive scares to challenge even the bravest of souls including:
The Horsemen – following inspiration from the legendary, mythical harbingers of Apokalypse stand ready to usher in the terrors that await! A story-driven walking trail experience with scares and special effects. Rated PG (ticketed event).
Blood and Rust – a makeshift compound has promise for safety and security away from the dread of the Apokalypse but once invited to the sanctuary, unexpected intentions are unveiled. A more intense, aggressive experience. Rated PG-13 (ticketed event).
The Gauntlet – step into the shoes of a team of defenders to protect a landing zone for rescue. An interactive laser tag style challenge awaits you as the undead compete against you. Rated PG – very physical/active experience (ticketed event).
Blackout: See No Evil – enter the darkness and do your best to follow the path to escape the unseen horrors that you surround you and prey upon your senses. Rated PG-13 (ticketed event).
Halloween Groove-Yard Party – the quad will be alive every night with a DJ or live band serving up musical jams with an assortment of holiday inspired food and beverages. (Rated G – not-ticketed and free of charge, items are priced for purchase).
Pop Up Haunt Shop & Night Market – in the ‘spirits’ of the season, unique souvenir shopping experiences will emerge ‘after dark’ with a Haunt Shop featuring seasonal goodies and select works from Campus Artists, and the all-new Night Market which showcases unique ‘tricks & treats from local vendors! (Rated G – not-ticketed and free of charge, items are priced for purchase).
“The Workhouse Haunt is more than just a haunted trail — it’s a full-scale theatrical production,” said Joseph Wallen, Workhouse Arts Center’s Director of Performing Arts. “We bring together local talent, students, and seasoned professionals to deliver Northern Virginia’s most immersive Halloween experience.”
EVENT DETAILS & TICKET INFORMATION:
- Preview Night (Dress Rehearsal): Sat., Oct. 4, 2025 – limited tickets available.
- Haunt Nights: Select Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, Oct. 10 – Nov. 1, 2025.
- Special Event: Halloween Ball on Nov. 1, 2025.
- Pricing: Tickets start at $30 for advance purchase online. Package deals available. Reservations are recommended.
About the Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center, a project of the Workhouse Arts Foundation, welcomes more than 165,000 visitors annually for world-class performances, gallery exhibitions, classes, and community events. Located on the historic grounds of the former Lorton Prison, the Workhouse has been transformed into a thriving hub for creativity, connection, and cultural engagement in Northern Virginia.
