Pictured: Kevin Webb 

Black Button Eyes Productions has announced the lineup for its 2018 – 2019 season, kicking off late this summer with the world premiere of NIGHTMARES AND NIGHTCAPS: The Stories of John Collier, a non-musical adaption of British author and screenwriter John Collier’s phantasmagoric short stories. Written and directed by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford, the production will feature choreography by Derek Van Barham and star Kevin Webb with additional casting to be announced.

The season continues in winter 2019 with EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL, a parody of Sam Raimi’s classic Evil Dead horror films. Directed by Rutherford with choreography by Barham, the musical features book and lyrics by George Reinblatt with music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt.

Black Button Eyes Productions’ 2018-19 Season (from the press release):

August 17 – September 15, 2018

NIGHTMARES AND NIGHTCAPS: The Stories of John Collier
Adapted and directed by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford
Choreography by Derek Van Barham
Featuring Kevin Webb
at The Athenaeum Theatre (Studio Two), 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago

Before the Twilight Zone, there was British expatriate John Collier, writing humorous stories about the bizarre and fantastical for The New Yorker and sardonic screenplays in Hollywood throughout the first half of the 20th century. In this world premiere adaptation, an ominous host weaves together Collier’s comic tales of love, loss and the mysterious for the audience’s delight.

January 11 – February 16, 2019

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL
Book and Lyrics by George Reinblatt
Music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt
Directed by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford
Choreography by Derek Van Barham
at Pride Arts Center (The Broadway), 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago

It just wouldn’t stay dead. Black Button Eyes Productions brings this loving musical parody of Sam Raimi’s classic Evil Dead films back to the city for its Chicago storefront premiere. When a group of fresh-faced college kids go to a cabin in the woods for spring break, it’s only a matter of time before spells are spoken and demonic possession begins. Take in the horror and hilarity in the gritty storefront setting where this show belongs!