TAMPA — Just in time for Halloween, Stageworks Theatre will launch its 2025-2026 season with the cult favorite “Evil Dead: The Musical,” a campy mashup of horror, comedy and rock-and-roll that invites audiences to laugh, scream and even get splattered. The production opens with a preview night on Thursday, Oct. 23.

“Evil Dead: The Musical” will run Oct. 24-Nov. 16 at Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa’s Channel District. Evening performances will be presented Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. There will be no Saturday matinee on Nov. 1. There will be a special late-night performance on Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31, at 11:30 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $50. To learn more, visit www.stageworkstheatre.org.

The production brings Sam Raimi’s cult-classic films — “The Evil Dead” and “Evil Dead II” — to the stage in a gleefully gory parody about five college students whose weekend getaway unleashes a supernatural force. Complete with outrageous dance numbers and foot-tapping songs, the show gives audiences the choice of a “splashzone” for a blood-soaked immersive experience or a safe, dry seat further back.

“’Evil Dead: The Musical’ is the perfect mix of comedy, horror, and rock-and-roll fun,” said Karla Hartley, Stageworks Theatre’s president and producing artistic director, adjunct professor of theater at the University of Tampa and the show’s director. “I’m especially proud to direct a production that showcases the energy and creativity of UT students alongside our professional team. It’s a wonderful way to kick off a season filled with bold and imaginative storytelling.”

Jaryn McCann, who appeared in Stageworks’ production of “Evil Dead” in 2021, reprises his role as Scott. Logan Franke makes her Stageworks debut as Linda with Paul Iankov cast as Jake. Annalise Drab plays Fake Shemp, Mark Wildman takes on the role of Ed, T.J. Howsare and Marguerite Reed play Cheryl and Annie, respectively. Ben Sutherland, a senior at the University of Tampa, is cast as Ash, and the Ensemble is made up of fellow UT students Elliana Gorecki, Alexandra Pugliese, Alexis Manfredy and Stephon Mikell Jr.

The creative team includes Jarrod Bray, scenic design; Lindsay Ellis, costume design; Danny Aggers, lighting design; James Putnam, master carpenter; Lianne Klein, scenic artist; and Heather Kruger, production stage manager and choreographer Heather Kruger. Xander McColley will head up the band as musical director. He will be joined by Jono Magro, drums; Paul Stoddart, guitar; and Alex Pasut, bass.

Lauren Brigman and Scott Swenson are sponsoring this production.