Millikin University’s Department of Theater and Dance, in conjunction with Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre will be presenting A Nightmare on Backstreet, by Chicago comedian and writer Ricky Glore.

The production will be held at the Pipe Dreams Theatre, every weekend from Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 PM, to Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2:00 PM. A special midnight showing will be held on Friday, Oct. 30.

The Theatre describes the show as, “Once upon a time, a town burned a baby killer alive. Now, Teddy Crooner is back, and he’s stalking the dreams of heartsick teenagers with impossibly catchy music and a crew of pop-tastic back-up dancers. ‘A Nightmare on Backstreet’ is a satirical, musical send-up of Wes Craven’s cult classic (A Nightmare on Elm Street), set to the music and choreography of the Backstreet Boys. Teddy Crooner is the master puppeteer of his victims. If he kills them in their dreams, they die in real life.”

The casts’ rehearsals are conducted every weeknight from 7:00 to 10:00 PM, and most Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Pipe Dreams Theatre.

Actor Kala Keller says, “The show is not a typical length–a usual musical runs from one and a half hours to two hours in length, and our show runs at about one hour. Because of the length, we were able to block the show and get all of the basic things down relatively quickly. So, the process has transferred from a technical outline to a creative playground! We have the time and room to express new ideas, and dive into the specifics of the show without sacrificing its technical quality.”

Choreographer Catherine Cable-Barber indicates, “…the show definitely reflects the extra time we have been able to put into it.”

When asked about their favorite parts of preparing for the production, Cable-Barber fondly states “…the fact that I’m working along side some of my closest friends while singing and dancing to the songs” of her youth. Keller cites her collaboration “with all students involved.

Each person involved in the production is an eager novice to their position, and it is absolutely crucial for all of us to work as one in putting the puzzle pieces together.”

Keller continues, “The entire production is a web of collaboration–if one position falls short (whether it be actor, stage manager, director, etc.), there will be a noticeable alteration in the quality of the production. We all act as each other’s biggest supporters; if something goes wrong, we are all comfortable enough to address the issue, and we are all passionate enough to improve it with gusto. Each rehearsal acts as not only a rehearsal for the actual show, but as a rehearsal in the position we are each responsible for covering.”

There are also challenging aspects of producing a musical-horror montage, such as this play. “The most challenging part of preparing for the production is keeping each side of the parody honest.” Keller avers. “We have to stay true to the story of Nightmare On Elm Street while still staying true to the music genre of the Backstreet Boys. Finding reason to merge these two ideas is difficult on its own, but keeping honesty and truthfulness in each topic is even more difficult–especially in a parody! We are taking two things that were wildly successful on their own, making an entire[ly] new work, and playing humor into it!”

Why should the average Millikin student take time out of their busy schedules to see this homage? Cable-Barber thinks, “The average student should absolutely take the time to see this production because the Backstreet Boys was a big part of almost everyone in our generation[’]s childhood! Pair that with the creepy Nightmare on Elm Street plot and you have an absolutely hilarious and nostalgic night out!”

Advance purchase tickets are available for $7 at Kirkland, or online at http://www.pdtheatre.org, or $8 at the door.