It’s a toss up as to whether there was more blood or laughter in the audience opening night of “Evil Dead” in the Pinkerton Theatre at Venice Theatre.

Taking up where “Rocky Horror Picture Show” left off, “Evil Dead” even has an improvement on the famous Time Warp dance that has kept Rocky fans dancing in the aisles for so many years.

Kyle Luckett plays the role of Ash, the preppy, button-down collared hero who manages to stave off the evil blood-letting creatures in the George Reinblatt story, even sacrificing his right hand to a chain saw. Succumbing to the evil lurking in the shadows of the cottage in the woods are Hayley Balliet as Linda, Caitlin Longstreet as Ash’s sister Cheryl, Geena M. Ravella as Shelly (the ultimate airhead), Scott Vitale as Scott who is not interested in the mind of Shelly, Gianna Campo as Annie, Kelly Leissler as Jake and Steven O’Dea as Ed with Becky Pokorny, Damian Stone and Grace Vitale as the Candarian dancers.

Sitting in the first two rows (Splatter Zone) can be hazardous to your wardrobe but if you like the taste of strawberry syrup and/or blood, you might request those seats. Consider walking home unless you also bring a shower curtain to protect the upholstery in your car for after the blood letting.

Director Allan Kollar suggests that if you are offended by “anything” you will be – but only if you can stop laughing long enough to be offended. There is a lot of adult language, a few adult situations and so much nonsense that the end result is simply FUNNY. Kollar’s assistant director was Daniel Greene, another local comedian. John Andzulis was the director of “spewage and viscous fluids.” Nicholas Hartman designed the set and costumes. Jason Brenner is the music director and the choreographer is Colleen Buchmeier with lighting by Derick Kitsen and sound by Dorian Boyd and Gabriela Gorka.

Those who used to see “Rocky Horror” every Saturday and who want to return to see this one again can get a half-price ticket (if available) by returning with a ticket stub from this show and a friend. Otherwise, tickets are $24 per person plus the cost of the laundry or dry-cleaning after the show. “Evil Dead” plays through Sept. 5 at Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., on the island in Venice. For tickets, visit www.venicestage.com or call the box office at 941-488-1115.