Dallas performer Dean Morgan has a comic character called Sheldon Mashugana, and among his works are 18 slapstick comedy films on YouTube. The version of ‘Monster Mash’ that he released on 18 September 2026 brings the character into exactly the kind of territory he is suited for: Halloween entertainment that embraces the absurd. The 1962 hit by Bobby Pickett forms the background, while Morgan includes his own signature by inserting ‘Mashugana’ into the chorus. It is quite lucky to have a stage name that fits the occasion so well.
The fact that Morgan has a fondness for the original gives the decision a personal dimension. Since he has admired the recording for many years, and because the blend of storytelling, theatrical effect and pure silliness matches well with a performer who is already involved in slapstick, there is a certain discipline involved in this type of material; the performer must take the joke seriously if he is to carry it through and thus allow the audience to enjoy all the absurd details.
Halloween, Comedy, Nostalgia
-PurpleMistress
There was also a certain amount of learning involved in the recording. At first Morgan had difficulty with the pace, but he discovered that the song was rather easy to carry out after he had decided on his way of singing. This is an interesting point since the way in which a comic delivery is made relies greatly on placement. Each phrase has to have its own space and a punchline must have its moment of entry. Although experience in carrying off visual jokes provides a good basis, the microphone requires the voice to take on the role of the character.
The recording was made at Justin Pierce Music in Dallas and involves a karaoke backing track, Pierce taking charge of both production and mixing. This arrangement is appropriate for the aim of the release: it allows Sheldon to have a familiar song in which to take part and make it his own. It is the chorus change that is at the heart of this concept, since it puts the character’s identity right into the part that audiences are most likely to remember and sing along with.
For Morgan, who has made it clear that his aim is to give people a happy experience via Sheldon, “Monster Mash” represents a sensible addition to his repertoire. The song has always been open to featuring exaggerated characters and to embracing rather foolish behaviour; Sheldon comes with both of these traits, together with a surname that seems sure to end up in a Halloween chorus. Since this release is an extension of his comedy, it has a well-defined purpose and a place that fits the season: it is the moment during the party when everyone starts to join in.
