Zombies at The Hett: Night of the Living Dead

by: Jasmine Gage '25

 

Last weekend, I had the chance to attend Night of the Living Dead Live! at The Hett, a play production hosted by McKendree’s Theatre department. The play was a comedic re-telling of the classic zombie movie centered around six strangers completely surrounded by zombies—what’s the worst that could happen?

 

It was the perfect play to attend if you wanted to have a good laugh, support your peers, or even see the undead for yourself. Yes, you heard me–the undead were walking around the set even in intermission. Don’t worry though, the sheriff and his deputy did a good job of keeping everything contained!

 

My favorite part from the play would be how the production managed to fit so many types of potential endings within the play. We watched how the cast tried to leave the house, stay in the cellar, put the women in charge, and even work together as a team. As you would assume none of those ways worked due to the amount of zombies, the untamed “flames” around their base, the constant disagreements, and even everyone having their chance on deciding what was considered best for the group.

 

My other favorite part of the play would be how the six survivors came up with the idea trying to act like the zombies. It was hilarious to watch as the cast walked, talked, and even “ate” like the zombies until that also failed miserably.

 

I had so much fun watching the production, supporting my friends, and even feeling as if I were watching the movie itself through a play. Maybe next time the cast should throw a dance party for the zombies!