In October 1995, the satiric musical "Zombies from the Beyond" looked like it was going to be the next big off-Broadway success, with critics calling it "deliciously silly" and "hilarious." Then some big-budget shows opened, the weather got nasty, and just a few months later James Valcq's 1950s B-movie spoof had closed.

But zombies never die -- they just reanimate. Area tap dancer and director Jeremy Czarniak, who played Billy the dancing delivery boy in the original production, will bring "Zombies" back to life when the show opens tomorrow at the Theatre Factory in Trafford.

"It's a thrill," said Mr. Czarniak, adding that directing the show has been a dream for years. "It's taken until now to get someone to give me a chance." He teaches dance at Point Park University and co-owns "Dance Etc." dance school in the South Hills.

"Zombies" begins in 1955 at the fictional Milwaukee Space Center, where Major Malone and his staff spot a flying saucer approaching. The pilot is Zombina, Queen of Planet X, who needs pliable men to help repopulate her home world of zombie women.

Will the Major's daughter Mary win the heart of rocket scientist Trenton Corbett? Will Billy, the delivery boy, win Charlene the secretary? Will the wily Reds ally with Zombina? And can Milwaukee be saved?

Corey Nile Wingard, who plays Major Malone, said he and the current cast have studied video and cast recordings from the 1995 show and are working with Mr. Czarniak to re-create its critical success. "It's very fast-paced, just one good thing after another," he said, noting that audiences should expect some "hokey special effects" in the best B-movie tradition.

Joan Russell said her role of Zombina is, of course, "out of this world," but she added that the music is catchy and well-written, with "something for everyone." Her favorites are Billy's big tap number, "Cosmic Feet," and her own "Zombies from the Beyond," which lays out Zombina's evil plan to enslave the men of Earth.

Brittany Graham plays the brainy Mary Malone, Justin Zeno plays Trenton Corbett and Carrie Zosack plays Charlene "Charlie" Osmanski. Christopher Horsman portrays Major Malone's shifty assistant Rick Jones and Jordan Grubb plays the tapping Billy Krutzik.

Music director Nancy Gordon-Galluzzo oversees the 50s-era pop soundtrack, which is backed by a band that includes keyboards, percussion and two accordions.

Mr. Czarniak remains good friends with writer/composer Mr. Valcq and has invited him to come see the show. But even if he doesn't attend, "Zombies" will go on. Mrs. Russell promised "audiences are going to be at work Monday morning singing 'Zombies from the Beyond.' "

'Zombies from the Beyond'

Where: The Theatre Factory, Cavitt Avenue and Third Street, Trafford

When: 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday, and next Thursday and Sept. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22; and 2 p.m. Sept. 16 and 23

Tickets: $18, $16 students and seniors. Call 412-374-9200