Sunday, July 14, 2024

Another Bloody Good Time with Bootless Stageworks

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

You’ve Got Red on You is a “Rom-Zom-Com” that follows unfocused Shaun as he deals with his job, girlfriend, mother, and stepfather amid an apocalyptic uprising of zombies in London. It’s a campy musical based on the 2004 film Shaun of the Dead and provides lots of laughs plus gallons of fake blood. (More on the blood later.)

Shaun (Shaun Yates) feels he is at his best while downing pints with his slacker friend Ed (Shawn D. Kline) at their favorite pub [(Drinking) At the Winchester]. But Shaun’s best is not good enough for everyone in his life, save for his mother Barbara (Rosanne DellAversano) and Ed. He garners no respect at work; roommate Pete (Jose Bernard) is tired of his antics; girlfriend Liz (Mariza Esperanza) can’t get past his immaturity; stepfather Phillip (Dale Martin) is always judging him; and Shaun just slides through life without any planning or reasonable measure of success.

But when a zombie apocalypse happens, Shaun takes the lead and formulates a strategy for survival [The Perfect Plan]. Shaun and Ed fight their way through streets full of the undead to pick up Liz and her flatmates Diane (Shayna Greenblatt) and David (Benji Deivert). From there, the survivors travel to Shaun’s mother’s house where they discover Phillip has been bitten and will soon turn into a zombie. After reconciling their differences, Phillip dies on good terms with Shaun…before Shaun must kill him again.

Shaun decides the group needs a safe, familiar place where they can hole up and more easily defend themselves — the Winchester! But the living must hike a mile amongst the walking dead to arrive safely at their destination. Failed actress Diane suggests imitating the gait and mannerisms of the enemy to pass safely through them [Walking With The Dead].

The dance choreography during “Walking With The Dead” was fun and lively. Director Rosanne DellAversano keeps things fresh with this production by adding cool slow-motion (and replay!) action as well as pop culture references. There’s even a clever Queen-inspired scene injected into a zombie-killing spree. Since Shaun and Ed are avid gamers, video game music often accompanies kills when the two are bearing weapons to destroy their enemies. Kudos to the “Enzomble” — Abbey Ketterling, Lauren Knecht, Grayson Martin, and Antoine Martinez-Jones  for their portrayals of undead attackers who die again and again while swimming in pools of blood.

Full disclosure for those in the "Pit Splatter Zone:" This is a messy show with fake blood splattering all around. Bootless Stageworks is not responsible for damage to clothing or any other personal items. It is strongly recommended that you don’t bring purses, bags, or anything else that can’t get wet, dirty, or needs to be left on the floor. Ziplock bags are suggested for cell phones. Bring your own poncho or other covering as Bootless does not offer or sell such items. If you are sitting in the comfortable tiered seats, there’s no need to worry about protecting yourself or your personal items.

Once at the Winchester, our heroes fight amongst themselves while battling invading zombies. There are lots of casualties and subsequent blood splattering. Who will ultimately survive? How will the world look after order is restored? Will Shaun and Liz reconcile or split apart? Come to Bootless and find out!

Standout performances by Yates [Random] and DellAversano [A Mother’s Love] provided vocal highlights. Esperanza’s misty, windswept version of A Break-Up Song was both touching and hysterical, thanks to the props department. The ensemble cast works well together whether as friends or foes.

Live musical accompaniment is provided by The Zombie Lovin’ Band  Joe Eigenbrot, Jim Fazzino, Zack Geffre, and Deb Bialecki  under the direction of James W. Fuerst.

The remaining performance schedule of You’ve Got Red on You is: Friday July 19, and Saturday July 20 at 8:00pm. Tickets start at $30 and patrons can opt to sit in the "Pit Splatter Zone" ($38) or not. 

Note: the theater boasts that "...our blood delivery system guarantees the MOST SPLATTER EVER" for those opting to sit up front. Tickets can be purchased at their website (https://www.bootless.org/red-on-you/) or by calling Bootless Stageworks at 302.887.9300.

 Tickets are also available at the door, subject to availability. There is one 15-minute intermission. Bootless Stageworks offers a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus some snacks at its concessions stand. The theater space is in the basement of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church at 1301 N. Broom Street in Wilmington.

After the show, you can rally at your favorite local Trolley Square pub. If only there were a Winchester nearby… :)

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