Reviewed by Cynthia Terry, Front Row Reviewers
Great Hall Theatrical Experiences brings spine-tingling thrills and captivating melodies to the Angelus Theatre with Take My Death Away, a Halloween musical blending eerie suspense, humor, and romance. With tickets quickly vanishing, act fast to secure your seat for this unforgettable show!
The ominous atmosphere hits me the moment I walk into the Angelus Theatre. Unsettling lighting and sound effects fill the space, creating the perfect mood for a spooky night. The set design, created by Garion Jorgensen, instantly catches my eye. A towering tree stretches its branches toward the audience as though about to ensnare them in their seats. A beautiful mural, partnered with old chandeliers, fills the ceiling, giving off major Phantom of the Opera vibes.
The technical aspect of this show plays a crucial role in presenting this unique musical. The sound design, crafted by Gabi Pack and Darin Erickson, brings the haunting atmosphere to life with chattering voices, howling winds, and unsettling whispers. The wistful sounds of the violin stand out for me—it wraps the entire performance in a layer of melancholy and mystery, elevating the tension throughout.
The lighting design, also done by G. Pack, creates feelings of grief with its dark, ghostly purples and then sudden reds, inflicting emotions of power and control. Colored strobe lights add a distorted effect that causes the audience to experience fear.
The choreography by Madison Valgardson is a visual spectacle. The actors use every part of their bodies to tell their story, down to the last fingertip. A standout moment involves the ensemble using black umbrellas in a synchronized dance number. The complex coordination with the props demonstrates a clear unity among the company.
The music, composed by playwrights Stephen Gashler and Teresa Gashler, adds a dark tone, filled with clashing harmonies and flowing melodies that beautifully capture the play’s haunting essence. My favorite musical moment is when Sadie, played by Elise Reynolds, cries out a raw, soaring melody without words, her voice blending with the ensemble’s sorrowful lyrics behind her. The contrast between her deep emotional turmoil and the ghostly chorus creates a stunning portrayal of loss that vibrates through the heart of every audience member.
The pacing flows with highs and lows, building a staircase of energy that leads to a powerful climax full of complicated moral decisions as the characters explore different types of love and loyalty. I appreciate how the villain isn’t easily defeated. Just as you think the tension is resolved, he returns with a new nefarious plan, keeping the audience on edge until the very last moment.
The costumes, designed by Venus Morgan, are stunning. Eve’s costume, in particular, is captivating. Her ghostly gray dress lights up during intense moments of passion. The make-up brings the play to the next level as it enhances the decaying faces of the dead.
Heather Peavler (Eve) is the grounding factor of this musical. Not only is she stunning, but she brings an extraordinary depth to her character. Her need for love, acceptance, and self-worth adds a layer of humanity to the supernatural themes. I particularly love how she evolves from a helpless damsel in distress into a fierce self-advocate. Her vulnerability, strength, and desperation for connection give the show a soul. She is the light in the dark.
Tommy Brown (David) is a vocal standout. From his first belted note, I knew his exceptional musical talent would carry us into a new realm of mystery and love. As he wrestles with a difficult choice, his emotional intensity teaches that love is complicated but worth the sacrifice.
Elise Reynolds’ (Sadie) voice is unique and controlled, filled with a sorrow that slips expertly in and out of wavering cries and confidence. I especially appreciate her performance when she shakes with the effort of fighting against the manipulative puppet master. With a chill-invoking cry, it’s evident that she has an emotional range that effectively showcases a character torn between her past and present.
Sadie’s chemistry with Isaac, played by Michael Mehner, is believable and touching. Their scenes together, as they reminisce about their childhood games and the possibility of love, are some of the show’s most times. The moment that truly makes me fall in love with Mehner’s character is when he awkwardly and endearingly practices how to express his feelings for the grieving Sadie.
Kristoff, played by Steven Pack, commands the stage with an unsettling ease. He brings a chilling presence to the role, with his smug confidence giving way to madness as he manipulates every character he encounters. His devilish smile draws the audience in as he fights to keep his soul alive.
Special recognition must go to Noah Smith, who stands out among the ensemble with his captivating and sinister body language, adding a unique energy to each role. He doesn’t need words to tell a story; his incredible physicality says it all. His unnatural movements as a demon send an eerie tingle throughout the audience. The ensemble, as a whole, compliments him well with their distorted movements that enhance the dark atmosphere of the play.
While every role plays a vital part in the story, the production star goes to Cameron Churchill (Pat) whose dreadful, ghostly moans send the audience into an uproar of uncontrollable laughter the second he walks onto the stage.
His energy is only matched by his partner in crime, Tanna Lavery, who plays Pat’s mischievous wife, Jessie. The ghostly duo find joy in haunting their great, great, great, great, “I may have forgotten a great,” granddaughter. Their hilarious banter and adorable chemistry bring much-needed comic relief to balance out the show’s dark themes.
Besides the hilarious scene where Pat and Jessie try to haunt the unsuspecting Issac by jumping around and yelling ridiculous things, the most notable moment of the entire show is the epic violin duel between David and Kristoff, primarily when the actor Churchill performs an incredible, gravity-defying front flip. It is one of those jaw-dropping moments that remind me how much skill and effort went into every aspect of this production. The combination of sinister music, choreography, and incredible stunts creates a visually stunning and unforgettable scene.
Directors Gabi Pack and Brandon Pack have done an amazing job directing this production. Their careful balance of humor and dark themes keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The show beautifully explores the idea that while life is fleeting, love can transcend even death. This theme is woven throughout the show and is delivered in a profound and hopeful way.
Take My Death Away is a must-see Halloween event. With its stunning visuals, powerful music, and deeply moving performances, it delivers a thrilling and emotional experience that will amplify the eerie holiday spirit.
Content Warning: Take My Death Away contains mentions of spirits, demons, and possession, as well as some intense moments, earning it a PG-13 rating. It may not be suitable for younger children.
Great Hall Theatrical Experiences presents Take My Death Away by Stephen Gashler and Teresa Gashler
Angelus Theatre, 165 N Main, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
October 18-30, 2024, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $10-20
Contact: (801) 358-8134, angelustheatre@gmail.com
Facebook: Great Hall Theatrical Experiences
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