Jobsite Theater’s Night of the Living Dead isn’t even very funny. Insofar as it has a plot, it’s tiresomely repetitive, and the script, by Lori Allen Ohm, isn’t within miles of being the sort of inspired Charles Ludlam-like parody one might have expected. There are a few good moments – a couple of graphically gory shockers, some silly combats, and all the much-too-short scenes involving Jason Vaughan Evans – but in general this is a sloppy, flaccidly directed yawner that’s short on invention and memorable acting. In its 75 minutes, it offers about 30 seconds of real hilarity.
The play begins with Barbara (Kari Goetz) and Johnny (Matthew Lunsford, pictured left), siblings who’ve come to a cemetery in order to place a wreath on their father’s grave. They’re rudely interrupted by a zombie (Evans, pictured right) who struggles with Johnny, leaving Barbara to escape to a house in the vicinity. There she tries to call for help, but her cellphone’s not working, and the blood she sees on her hand seemingly sends her into shock. A rescuer arrives: Ben (Dayton Sinkia), a forward-thinking good guy who helps her fight off more ghouls and then proceeds to board up the visible doors and windows with a few unconvincing planks.
This article appears in Oct 22-28, 2009.