Raise Your Hand... From the DEAD!!

by Natalie Nicole Dressel
directed by Jay Dutcher

JUNE 2023 in the Hollywood Fringe
Sat, 6/3 @ 8pm (Preview)
Fri, 6/9 @ 10:30pm
Sun, 6/11 @ 2pm
Thu, 6/15 @ 7pm
Sat, 6/17 @ 3pm (Live AND Streaming!)
Wed, 6/21 @ 6:30pm
Sat, 6/24 @ 7pm

Buy Tickets (This link takes you to the Hollywood Fringe site.)

Masking policy below.

Ten years after a string of unsolved murders, dead bodies start to appear again, so Private Investigator Shaker brings in the disgraced former officer in charge, retired Animal Control Detective Palmer, for questioning. Palmer claims innocence and blames the murders on a living, disembodied hand. At first suspicious of Palmer, Shaker is convinced when attacked by the hand herself. Now the two of them must team up to solve this mystery before the body count rises.

Is Palmer fit to return to duty? Will they be able to keep former victim Pinkie Tuscadero safe? How is the nefarious Dr. Manos connected to all of this? And most of all, What is the hand? Where did it come from? What does it want? All these questions and more will be posed in the B-Movie horror/comedy opus: Raise Your Hand... From the DEAD!!

Raise Your Hand... From the DEAD!! was running in serialized form in Serial Killers when COVID hit. At long last, learn how the story ends!

HFF23 FRINGE AWARDS "BEST COMEDY" NOMINEE!

"It's 45 minutes of non-stop action, pulp B-movie horror, and incredible jokes and gags... just a hoot from moment one. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" -Gia on the Move

"...hilarious and heartfelt... a delightful homage to campy horror flicks... a non-stop parade of witty wordplay... don't miss this entertaining and fantastic thriller." -Mike-Check.com

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DIGITAL PROGRAM

Performing in the Broadwater Black Box (Entrance at 6322 Santa Monica Blvd.)

MASKING POLICY & STREAMING SHOW

THE USE OF MASKS IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. THE BOX OFFICE WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER SOME MASKS FOR FREE BUT PLEASE COME PREPARED.

MASKED PREVIEW - SATURDAY, 6/3 @ 8pm: For those that feel more comfortable attending with an entirely masked audience, masks will be required at our Preview performance on Saturday, June 3 @ 8pm. Anyone attending that show will be required to wear a mask over their mouth and nose at all times while in the theater.

STREAMING PERFORMANCE - SATURDAY, 6/17 @ 3pm: Our June 17 performance can be attended live OR watched at home! COVID-cautious or just can't make it in person? This is the performance for you!

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE ILL: If you or someone in your group doesn't feel well, has exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 or has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the previous 10 days, we ask that you make alternate arrangements to attend at a later date. Contact us via the Fringe site to change your reservation.

Cast

Natalie Nicole Dressel as Animal Control Detective Palmer
Cj Merriman as Private Investigator Shaker
Scott Leggett as Dr. Manos
Marian Gonzalez as The Hand
Angela Oliver as Pinkie
Ian Walker Price as Trip / Mr. Thumbson
Tee Vaden as The Narrator

Crew

Produced for Sacred Fools by Cj Merriman & Scott Leggett
Intimacy Coordinator - Nedra Gallegos
Fight Choreographer - Tyler Stillwill
"Raise Your Hand... From the DEAD!!" Theme Song by Ryan Thomas Johnson
Key Art - Michelle Hanzelova

Audience Raves

"Oh my gosh, this show was fantastic."

"FUN FUN FUN, I had FUN."

"I would have zero regrets seeing this multiple times."

"...laugh out loud hilarious rapid fire word play."

"The comedy dexterity on display here is amazing."

"With truly hilarious dialogue and delivery, and tons of heart, this play is a must see!"

"SO MUCH FUN!"

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Reviews

Gia on the Move

It's 45 minutes of non-stop action, pulp B-movie horror, and incredible jokes and gags!

Across-the-board great show - writing, directing (Sofia Dutcher), performances, special effects, music - just a hoot from moment one. And in the end, it's a really touching show.

Go see this one ASAP.

Very Highly Recommended

Mike-Check

A hilarious high-five to the audience

Experience the delightful journey into the world of campy horror with Sacred Fools' production of "Raise Your Hand... From the Dead!!" This hilarious homage captivates audiences with its eccentric characters, witty wordplay, and impeccable comedic performances that will leave you in stitches.

Step into the world of B-movie nostalgia as Sacred Fools presents "Raise Your Hand... From the Dead!!" This hilarious and heartfelt play, originally a part of the Sacred Fools Serial Killers series, is a delightful homage to campy horror flicks. With its offbeat storyline, eccentric characters, and a touch of mystery, this world premiere production keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, ready to embrace the absurdity that unfolds.

Set ten years after a series of unsolved murders, where dead bodies resurface again, this show follows Private Investigator Shaker, portrayed by the talented C.J. Merriman. Shaker asks the disgraced former Animal Control Detective Palmer, played by Natalie Dressel, for questioning. Palmer claims innocence, attributing the murders to a living, disembodied hand. As suspicions arise, Shaker becomes convinced when she becomes a target of the hand's attacks.

The unlikely duo must join forces to solve the mystery before the body count rises. Along the way, they encounter the enigmatic Dr. Manos (Scott Leggett), the multi-faceted Trip/Mr. Thumbson (Ian Price), and the captivating Hand (Marian Gonzalez), all while trying to keep former victim Pinkie Tuscadero (Angela Oliver) safe.

The talented cast wholeheartedly dives into the campiness, showcasing impeccable comedic timing and delivering hilarious, over-the-top performances. From exaggerated facial expressions to slapstick moments, they fully commit to the absurdity of the script, resulting in uproarious laughter from the audience.

Penned by the talented Natalie Nicole Dressel, the script is filled with cringy puns, cheeky references, and playful nods to the B-movie genre. It's a non-stop parade of witty wordplay that will have you groaning and laughing simultaneously. But make no mistake, this show is unapologetically silly, and if you're missing a funny bone, it might not be your cup of tea. However, this production delivers on all fronts for those who revel in the absurd and appreciate the art of a well-crafted pun.

In addition to the stellar performances, it impresses with its technical elements. The atmospheric lighting design adds to the play's eerie ambiance, creating suspenseful moments and enhancing the comedic beats. Well-placed cues and music further contribute to the immersive experience, ensuring that the audience is fully immersed in the wacky world of the show.

"Raise Your Hand... From the Dead!!" is a testament to the creativity and passion of the Sacred Fools team. This production offers a refreshing break from traditional theatrical fare, inviting theatergoers to embrace the absurd, laugh out loud, and immerse themselves in a world of comedic horror. Overall if you're ready to raise your hand and join the fun, don't miss this entertaining and fantastic thriller. And just under an hour, this is a perfect show for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.