It’s hardly a new thing. We’ve watched as quite a few horror cult classics were transformed to musicals (Evil Dead) and watched as horror-musicals became cult classics (Rocky Horror Picture Show, Cannibal The Musical). So what the hell happens when we start hitting those mainstream audiences with all of the above?

On Friday, a few guys from the FEARnet editorial crew and I will have the pleasure of crossing the bridge from Philly to New Jersey for The Toxic Avenger Musical at the George Street Playhouse. And I have to say, as a newcomer to the blood-bathed musical I’m definitely excited to see Toxie on stage with hope that it can merely measure-up to my recent theatre endeavor, Evil Dead The Musical and the big-screen cluck-tastic musical from Troma, Poultrygeist (read about my trip to the Poultrygeist premiere party-with pictures!)

In August while in Toronto for Rue Morgue’s Festival of Fear I was able to take a break from the daily convention grind and sit second row, splatter zone, sidled next to Candarian demons spouting blood by the cups-full (literally, if you’ve seen it, you know what I mean) for my first viewing of the spectacular show. Sadly after a 400 performance stint at the Diesel Theater, the show has closed and currently has performances running in Seoul, South Korea and future productions in Germany and Norfolk.

At this type of show, it’s not just the (partial) shot-for-shot reenactment of the film, the catchy songs like "Ode to an Accidental Stabbing" or "All The Men In My Life Keep Getting Killed By Candarian Demons", the genre references and the excitement of the stage. What leaves an impression on you after a show like this is the ultimate gore factor. Sitting in the splatter zone I thought, mehh, I don’t really neeeeed this poncho, I mean, I’m a big-bad girl, I think I’m ready for whatever drops of blood this show is ready to sprinkle my way. As it turns out, nothing could prepare me for the surprise ending and all out eruption of blood (did I mention the literal CUPS full of blood thrown on splatter zone attendees?).

After that drenching-blood-rain-from-the-ceiling experience, it seems that pairing the cult with the classical theatre is definitely my thing, so I’m overly excited to see what craziness they can throw my way at the--as they put it-- “whoriest and goriest” musical ever, The Toxic Avenger Musical!

Check back for pictures, reviews and some juicy tidbits about the first superhero and superhero musical…from good ol’ New Jersey!

UPDATE: Just checked in at The Toxic Avenger Musical Website where you can vote for your favorites from a selection of some truly wonderful Toxic Avenger Musical T-shirts.

Personal Favorite: "Larceny, Leprosy and Love".  Oh yeah, I’ll be coming back from NJ with that one!

WHEN:  October 1st - November 2nd
PRICE:  visit http://www.georgestplayhouse.org/ for pricing information
WHERE: 9 Livingston Avenue
            New Brunswick, NJ 08901