Diamond Dead 
by Danielle Martin
I love Zombies. I think they’re cool, and so do all the other people who stood in line to see this show with me. And it was written by the same dude who composed Rocky Horror Picture Show.
I mean, c’mon, they’re un-dead and a bit ambivilant, which is sort of like me and everyone else I know, so what’s not to like? Well, if it’s Landless Theatre’s Diamond Dead at the Warehouse theatre, a whole lot, apparently. This show has been my disappointment of Fringe ’08.
The stage is set for a rocking out with skulls galore and a projector, and a couple of headstones that would be reminiscent of a little brother’s first garage band as NTV veejay Pussy takes the stage in an audience warm-up that’s meant to get the rocking rolling.
The problem comes with the fact that such warm-ups are only good when you can sit on your couch at home and channel surf. Having to watch four people who I don’t know sing metal that they themselves don’t know doesn’t prime me for a sense of community that the evening might want to bring. And so, the tone was set for the rest of the evening.
Aramaggedon’s upon the band and us as the first chords of the evening are struck. We are unwitting witnesses to the two plot-lines: global catastrophe and long awaited to be realized love. And apparently the far right in America knows about the first part. The group is being protested by a religious zealot and cousin of G.W. who have come to protest the band’s presentation.
- This forced political dialogue offered one of the low points in the evening, first because it doesn’t belong. Fact: Zombies don’t care about politics. They care about rock. And even if this fact is wrong (which I doubt), don’t be unclever in this town about it. The result gives the short stick to a rather sweet little love between a human and the man she made undead.
What’s frustrating about these 90 minutes is that there is an abundance of talent on that stage. Everyone can sing, everyone can play, and when the group is jamming out to accessibly full throttle rock hits “This Girl Can Rock”, “Seize the Night”, and “Crash Test Dummies in Love”, the audience is totally smitten. The lead singer Aria DeWinter exudes sex appeal and angst, while the remainder of the band appear to have danced out of Tim Burton’s imagination. It should have been a great night dappled with moments of quirky fun, but in focusing on the spectacle, the story being told cannabalized. Ironic, but unfortunately, not entertaining.
Running time: 90 minutes
- Tickets: Diamond Dead is closed.
I guess I’m late in the game on this but I was just skimming the reviews and I was shocked that Diamond Dead got such a low grade. This was amazing and one of the best shows that I’ve seen at the Fringe EVER! The cast was great, the music was great, the script was dumb but funny and it def. deserved the best musical award.
WOW!!!! I agree with Russ 100%! I had a blast at this show!! Well done cast of “Diamond Dead”!!!!
It’s not Danielle’s fault. We don’t give programs – partly to preserve the “mystery,” but mostly to protect our dignity. 🙂
Our leading actress (I don’t think she will mind me saying)is Rachel Anne Warren. I hope we hear her name much more often around DC! She happens to belong to a top band called Gunwife Gone in Baltimore.
Incidentally, Dr. Diabolicus is the lead singer of the Diamond Dead band. Aria deWinter is the lead character in the musical. A minor point, but Dr. D. said he would eat me if I didn’t clarify.
If anyone asks… yes, they really are zombies.
Um, Danielle? I think Aria DeWinter is the name of the character, not of the actual lead singer. I don’t think the band was actually zombies.
Danielle – Thank you very much for your time and courtesy to review our show. Diamond Dead is not for everyone, and though it was not entirely your cup of tea (I hope the left-leaning zombies didn’t offend too much – it’s all in good fun), we heartily thank you, Lorraine, Joel and everyone at DCTS for your amazing comprehensive coverage of the Fringe. You truly kicked the butt of another Washington City publication, which shall remain nameless. 😉
For those who love “The Dead,” look for this band to rise again around Halloween – possibly in a music venue. Thanks to the loyal fans who have stuck with us since 2004.
For Danielle and anyone else, we now return you to our regular non-fringe Landless programming. Hope to see you next season!!!
Best,
Andrew
Wow, did you see the same show I saw? The band totally rocked, you’re exactly right on that; it was standing room only Friday night and they blew the roof off of the warehouse!
The political jokes were really funny and got some of the biggest laughs of the night. I mean, I thought all zombie movies were political films about the fears of the atomic age and communism, but maybe I’m wrong.
It seems like this review was very nit-picking; the people who got up for the pre-show seemed to have a good time, rocked out and got into the spirit of things. I’m sorry Danielle didn’t get up there and do her best heavy-metal impression, maybe she would have fun like everyone else!
Diamond Dead – Pick of the Fringe Award for Best Musical!