“Evenings In Quarantine: The Zombie Opera” Has Got Bite!

Dan Barkasi

When awareness of “Evenings In Quarantine: The Zombie Opera” hit at the most recent Horror Realm convention, the concept itself was quite intriguing - an opera, with a story centering on a zombie apocalypse.  Now, this writer is a huge fan of “Repo! The Genetic Opera,” which was a stunning masterpiece of creativity.  My first thought was that this could be quite similar to “Repo! The Genetic Opera” in style, to which is a welcome notion.  However, it was unknown how well it would be pulled off.

The plot revolved around three friends trying to survive the zombification of their world, with each having a particular motive.  One – Ronnie – was hoping to get to her father, who was located at a safe zone in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, PA.  Another – Izzie – was desperately trying to get to and save her younger brother.  The third – Charles – was hopelessly in love with Ronnie, and would stop at nothing to save her.  That’s all that will be revealed here, as to not go further in depth and spoil what happens in the show.

What can be said, however, is that this production was an enjoyable and unique look at the zombie universe.  No zombie-related undertaking has ever been quite like “Evenings In Quarantine: The Zombie Opera,” with its combination of filmed and live pieces, all of them performed in an operatic fashion.  Throughout the entire production, a full-length film served as a background, of which the stage performers would react to throughout the entire show.  For example, while at a house party, trying to save a friend, there are people in the background, and the actors react to them as such – especially when there’s an invasion of the undead persuasion.  This interactivity was pulled off without a hitch, and thankfully so, as any mistiming could have been disastrous.  Good preparation and skill shown off, for sure.  Zombie extras are also used extensively, with numerous undead appearing from many areas of the theater to hunt down our protagonists.

The story itself worked on every level, boasting effective plot twists, a few scares, and even with some well-placed doses of humor.  Most notable being the reports of a local newscaster, describing the most current events relating to the crisis, with each subsequent update being more grim than the last.

Of course, one of the most important bits of an opera is the singing.  Low-quality songs and vocal performances will send any opera crashing in a blaze of ineptitude awfully quick.  However, we are graced with spot-on singing and songs that are crafted to a tee.  To those fans of the aforementioned “Repo! The Genetic Opera,” the songs here aren’t towards the industrial end of sound.  Instead, they are much more traditional opera, which fit the production well and were performed faultlessly.

“Evenings In Quarantine: The Zombie Opera” receives my utmost recommendation.  It’s a clever, one-of-a-kind show that rounds out to be a wonderful experience.  Here is where I’d say if you get the chance, go and see this.  However, every performance is now sold out.  If you’re one of the lucky ones that have tickets, enjoy, as it is truly a wonderful show that any open-minded zombie aficionado should enjoy.  If not, then hope for more dates in the future.  With the show quickly selling out – and considering the quality of the opera – future performances would not come as a surprise.

Evenings In Quarantine: The Zombie Opera

Dan Barkasi


A new twist on the zombie is rising in the city of Pittsburgh.

On October 15, a stage presentation titled “Evenings In Quarantine: The Zombie Opera” will be unleashed upon Lawrenceville, PA.

The plot revolves around three college friends who have thus far survived a zombie apocalypse, and must attempt to reach a military safe zone, all while dealing with their own individual obstacles along the way.

A full-length film will serve as the backdrop for the stage show, displaying many areas of Pittsburgh of which go hand in hand with the zombie universe.

The show is the brainchild of Elizabeth Rishel and Bonnie Bogovich, stemming from the creation a few songs, all the way to the full-blown operatic production before us today.

“Evenings In Quarantine: The Zombie Opera” looks to be a unique approach to a zombie-themed production, possibly similar stylistically to the utterly brilliant “Repo! The Genetic Opera.” This is most definitely a special event worth checking out, as it looks to be an entertaining opera that could tickle the fancy of any horror fan out there. A full Zombies & Toys review of the show will be up in the near future as well!

Tickets are currently on sale now, and can be bought at the show’s official web site, www.thezombieopera.com. The dates for the show are October 15-17, as well as October 21-23. The show will happen at the Grey Box Theater , which is located at 3595 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.

C'est Moi:  I had the privilege of meeting with Bonnie and Liz who are the creative genius behind The Zombie Opera while at Horror Realm.  I have no doubts that their enthusiasm and energy will be obvious with their show.  I must admit, at first thought I was not that interested in a zombie opera.  Sure, it sounded neat, but it wasn't my cup of tea.  After speaking with them and learning more about the show I became more and more eager to see it.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to make the drive.  But lucky for all of us who can't attend, our good friend Dan will be able to report back to us.

From what I learned from speaking with Bonnie and Liz, the show is definitely not to be missed.  They filmed a movie that will be playing on a giant screen behind the actors as a part of the show.  This backdrop will certainly enhance the experience and help tie the show together.  The costumes and props look great and I love how the zombies are wearing those masks.  I look forward to Dan's review and will work on featuring Bonnie and Liz on ZT so we can hear what they have to say.