This isn't a redemption story... (This Bridge Theater)

Over My Dead Body: A Fabulous Zombie/Ghost Variety Spectacular Written by Zac Campbell-Hoogendyk Directed by Sarah BE Review by Kate Barry

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To neatly summarize a performance like Over My Dead Body would be an injustice to the story and the performance in general. Billed as a “spectacular,” I would categorize This Bridge Theater’s current offering as an easy to absorb morality play. Masked as an after life journey, this is play shows what it takes to love yourself no matter what.

From the start, this play by Zac Campbell-Hoogendyk is twisting with dark humor, puns, puppet shows and even moments of breaking the fourth wall. Such theatrical and writing devices are used to preserve and deliver sensitive, sometimes delicate but relevant topics of gender identity, transitioning and death by suicide. Cleverly performed at the Louisville Pride Foundation, the play might be small but the message is powerful. In these days of social media where everyone has an opinion and our leaders debate bathroom laws and gender affirming care, one young life assigned one gender at birth is examined and reflected upon as they take a journey on the other side with two very notable historical figures.

Jack played by William Nickles is the young person on that journey. Nickles is a noteworthy every-person struck by death by suicide and the impact on their loved ones. The emotional depth of his performance provides a foundation for the play. Nickles’ character witnesses their zombie-self cause mayhem while their human parents struggle with grief, anger and regrets in the shadows of Jack’s true self-identity. Assisting Jack in the after-life are Marilyn Monroe, played by the ever versatile Naomi Wayne and George Washington Adams played with enigmatic enthusiasm by Alfie Jones.

 If you are wondering what do Adams and Monroe have to do with gender identity and grief, I urge you to see the play to find out for yourself. Wayne brings their strong character vocals to two musical numbers and a very admirable Monroe impersonation, complete with the signature breathy vocal tone. While Wayne’s performance appears to be drag on the surface, they present a revealing and poignant turn in the second act. Alfie Jones’ Adams character serves as a spirit guide along with Monroe. Jones’ makes an impact as Adams with his monologues exploring enslavement in society and what it means to accept yourself.

The small but mighty cast is full of strong performances. The body Jack leaves behind played by Myranda Thomas is a perfect example of physical humor. In addition to her flesh eating and stiff motions, Thomas is given the chance to put her vocals on display with a beautiful original song by Taylor Thomas. Keith McGill’s appearance as the father character truly discusses what it means to be a bad person and what a bad person deserves. Tonilyn Hussey and Julia Howe share a sweet scene between mother and friend as they find common ground in grief.

Again, I do not want to over simplify things. Death as a theme in literature typically symbolizes a transformation of some sort. As Jack completes his journey through the after life, the character fully embraces who they were born to be, not who they were assigned to be. And while Over My Dead Body may be a spectacle, it has a hopeful message that applies to everyone.

Over My Dead Body This Bridge Theater 8/23-8/26, 8/30-9/2 Louisville Pride Foundation 1244 South 3rd Street Louisville KY