Troy Heard made a connection between Natalie Imbruglia’s song “Torn” and the murder scene in the movie “Scream.” In the Majestic Repertory Theater’s production of “Scream’d: An Unauthorized Musical Parody,” the character Tatum sings “Torn” as she is killed with a garage door. The show has not only kept the theater’s doors open but has also ensured its future in unexpected ways.
During the early days of the pandemic, Majestic survived by staging socially distanced performances for audiences in their cars. As the world reopened, the theater faced a need for cash. Heard and his team had to think about their next steps and consider what the city needed in terms of entertainment.
The audience for “Scream’d” turned out to be fans of horror movies and ’90s pop songs. The show quickly became a viral sensation, incorporating songs from artists like Britney Spears, NSYNC, and Alanis Morissette. Heard treated the parody seriously, aiming for a balance between nostalgia and humor.
Looking beyond Las Vegas, Heard plans to take “Scream’d” to Los Angeles and London after its 100th performance. This move opens up new opportunities for the theater company and expands its reach to a broader audience.
By staying true to the essence of the original movie while infusing it with musical elements, “Scream’d” has become a success story for Majestic Repertory Theater. The production’s unique approach to parody has resonated with audiences, paving the way for future iterations of the show in different cities.
Heard’s innovative and thoughtful approach to creating a musical parody has not only saved his theater company but has also set the stage for future growth and success. By taking risks and thinking outside the box, Majestic Repertory Theater has found a winning formula that resonates with audiences and keeps them coming back for more.