Theatrefolk Featured Play: Dead Highway

Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight. Dead Highway by Christopher Evans is a pulse-pounding thriller set in the terrifying aftermath of a viral apocalypse. Six teenagers fight for survival against the undead, facing brutal realities and testing the limits of their bonds. Expect intense action, dark humor, and raw emotion in this gripping story of desperation and resilience.

This high-stakes play offers flexible staging and unique opportunities for your makeup and costume team. Dead Highway delivers a visceral and thought-provoking theatrical experience, perfect for captivating audiences with its chilling portrayal of survival against overwhelming odds.

Why did we publish this play?

Dead Highway is both full on funny and full on horror. That horror piece was key for us. All our current horror/zombie material is more tongue-in-cheek and we didn't have anything straight up apocalyptic. Dead Highway is all that and more. Add to that, this play has a number of fantastic student tech opportunities. What do the zombies look like? How does the set crew put together the car the characters travel in? How is the apocalypse lit? We love this play and you will too!

Let's hear from the author!

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1. Why did you write this play?

I am a big fan of the Walking Dead and wanted to see if their realistic style would transfer to the stage.

2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences?

Teenagers can be resilient in the face of unending odds.

3. What's the most important visual for you in this play?

The last one. Casey in the car surrounded by the dead lit only by her cellphone.

4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be?

Keep it simple and keep it ,as much as you can, gore free. Bloody is good but some administrators might have a problem with gore.

5. Why is this play great for student performers?

It’s so fun to handle this play. From being a Zombie (makeup!) to working as a tight ensemble made this a real joy. The play has sporadic humor in it so it’s not entirely a slog through heavy drama.

6. Who is your favourite character in the play?

Brynn - a tough character to play because she is the one character who is mentally and spiritually broken by the Apocalypse. A very traumatic event broke her. Tough role but if you nail it it’s terrifying.

7. What is your favourite line in the play?

Jennifer’s line: “So, according to you, the universe is a giant alien development plan?”

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