Western Washington University to Premiere Black Friday Musical
The student-led production brings a zombie apocalypse story to the stage beginning on November 19.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Dance
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Western Washington University is set to host a developmental production of the musical Black Friday starting November 19. The show features a unique premise centered on a zombie apocalypse occurring within a big-box retail store.
Why it matters
The production represents a shift toward original theater, as author Robyn Cage created the work out of disenchantment with the Broadway trend of adapting movies for the stage.
The production includes 12 cast members and 31 crew members for a total of 43 students. The musical features 22 songs set to instrumental accompaniment.
The players
Robyn Cage
She is the author who wrote the script and music for the musical production.
Western Washington University
It is the public university in Bellingham that is hosting the student-led developmental musical.
The details
Developed from a concept conceived during a thunderstorm at a closed Costco, the script features interactive elements where the audience participates as the chorus. The project utilizes a database-driven distribution model through the New Play Exchange.
Timeline
The musical concept was conceived by the author in 2019.
The production begins its five-show run on November 19, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This production follows a growing trend of playwrights utilizing the New Play Exchange theater database to distribute original works directly to institutions. It marks a departure from the industry-wide reliance on Broadway movie adaptations by favoring new, independent developmental narratives.
Audience members will experience an interactive show where they serve as the chorus throughout the performance. Following the shows, the author plans to host talk-backs with the cast and crew to discuss the developmental process.
The takeaway
The production highlights how digital databases are empowering smaller theater programs to source and stage original works. Aspiring theatergoers can experience this shift firsthand by engaging with the interactive chorus elements during the upcoming performances.
Further reading
For more information on the local arts scene, visit our Dance section.
More information
Learn more about the upcoming performances by visiting the Black Friday musical information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Park Record.
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