I had a zombie makeover, and now I want brains. How you can become one of the undead, too.

A zombie makeup tutorial will be held on Oct. 8 before Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s ”Evil Dead the Musical” performance at The Barn at MoRa.

I decided to get a preview — and yes, I left with a hankering for brains.

The zombie transformation is one of the many activities and events the theater is holding alongside the musical adaptation of Sam Raimi’s cult classic horror franchise filled with slapstick comedy and ’80s retro nostalgia. Due to expected inclement weather from Hurricane Ian, the spooky theater season now begins Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Special effects makeup artist Martin Barry is hosting a zombie makeover tutorial on Oct. 8, and participants will take home a makeup kit to recreate the look.
Special effects makeup artist Martin Barry is hosting a zombie makeover tutorial on Oct. 8, and participants will take home a makeup kit to recreate the look.

Here’s what you can expect when visiting The Barn:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 5 and Thursdays-Sundays through Oct. 30: Outdoor performances of “Evil Dead The Musical.” Each performance is 90 minutes long. Bring your own chair and look out for the Splash Zone, where you may get covered in blood.

  • Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.: A zombie makeup tutorial by Martin “The Clown” Barry, which includes a makeup kit for guests to take home provided by Morris Costumes. The makeover takes about 30 minutes and uses liquid latex, which comes pre-stocked in each kit; however, Elmer’s glue, silicone rubber and spirit gum are good substitutes for those who are allergic.

  • Get 25% off tickets for the double feature screening of “Evil Dead” and “Evil Dead 2” at the Independent Picture House.

  • Through Oct. 30, Saturdays-Sundays at 11 a.m.: Free performances of Shepherd Shakespeare’s production of “Twelfth Night.” Note: The Oct. 1-2 performances have been canceled due to Hurricane Ian.

After the musical and fun activities are over, so is the theater, which has decided to close its doors after three decades of entertaining audiences with captivating plays and exciting musicals.

Lorenza Medley shares a sneak peek at the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s set for ‘Evil Dead the Musical,’ complete with a zombie makeover available at the Oct. 8 showing.
Lorenza Medley shares a sneak peek at the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s set for ‘Evil Dead the Musical,’ complete with a zombie makeover available at the Oct. 8 showing.

“Evil Dead the Musical”

Location: 8300 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212

Neighborhood: Stonehaven/MoRA

Cost: Get tickets online. $37 for searing in the Splash Zone, $49.14 for premium seating, $38.66 for standard seating and $15 for zombie makeover.