The Colonial Theatre Presents Its Fourth SPOOKTACULAR Source: The Colonial Theatre press release Official Site: Spooktacular IV Special Thanks to Mark Nelson
Giant monsters once again return to Keene, New Hampshire at The Colonial Theatre`s SPOOKTACULAR, Saturday, July 31st 2010 at 2PM. Curated by SATURDAY FRIGHT SPECIAL, New Hampshire`s first home-grown horror host TV show, the event features a rare 35mm screening of the 1967 Japanese monster melee SON OF GODZILLA (English dubbed version). In addition to the main feature, vintage monster movie previews, a cartoon, and snack bar ads will precede the film, along with prize giveaways and on-stage appearances by Scarewolf and other SATURDAY FRIGHT SPECIAL characters. This will be an all-ages event, bringing back the feel of an old-time kiddie matinee. "We`re thrilled to be able to present a Godzilla film to the Colonial audience on a Saturday afternoon, the same way that so many kids in the 70s first saw these films, both in the theater and on TV," said Mark Nelson, SATURDAY FRIGHT SPECIAL curator for the event. "In fact, we`re giving fans an opportunity they never had back then to see SON OF GODZILLA on the big screen, as the film was released directly to television in the US." The SPOOKTACULAR will also feature prize giveaways including an original Godzilla sketch from renowned artist S.R. Bissette (Swamp Thing, Godzilla King of the Monsters Special, Tyrant), as well as signed copies of a new Bissette comic that will premiere at the event. He`ll will also do a comic book signing at Comic Boom in Keene, just up the block from the theater, on the day of the screening. This will be the fourth Spooktacular presented by the Colonial Theatre. These events are held twice a year (one in the spring and one in October), and have previously taken place in the evening. "We were looking at our Family Film Series schedule, and realized that the all-ages audience for past Spooktaculars would make it an ideal way to cap off our summer matinee series," said Jessica Reeves, Director of Audience Services and Marketing for The Colonial Theatre. "We noticed a large number of parents bringing their children to our previous evening Spooktacular events, and realized that a daytime show would better serve those young and old who have a hard time staying up past a certain hour," she laughed, "It`s hard to compete with the Sandman." Mark Nelson adds, "When The Colonial first approached me about doing a matinee Spooktacular as a finale for their summertime Family Film Series I jumped at the chance, as Saturday afternoon was the time that I first fell in love with monster movies (Toho in particular) via Boston`s CREATURE DOUBLE FEATURE on WLVI in the late 70s/early 80s. To be able to present a Godzilla film at that same time of day made me a little giddy. At our last Toho screening (KING KONG VS. GODZILLA) we had a line literally out the door and around the block, with lots of parents who grew up with Godzilla bringing their kids, so I hope we can again unite the generations with the love of giant monsters smashing things." Tickets are on sale now ($10 general admission). For more information, or to purchase, call The Colonial Theatre Box Office at 603/352-2033, toll free at 800/595-4849 or visit TheColonial.org.
About SON OF GODZILLA
A scientific team sets up camp on a remote island to conduct weather-controlling experiments, and unwittingly create giant man-eating insects, and only Godzilla and his young Son can save the day. Released in 1967 in Japan, this film marked a turning point for the Godzilla series, steering them away from the harsher elements of earlier films and aiming them directly at children. It is fondly remembered by a generation of Americans who first saw it on local TV as kids, and the sight of the Son of Godzilla attempting to breathe fire but instead blowing smoke rings is an oft-referenced pop-cultural touchstone.
About SATURDAY FRIGHT SPECIAL
SATURDAY FRIGHT SPECIAL is New Hampshire`s first home-grown horror-host television program, featuring the best (and worst) public domain horror films from the 1950s to the 1970s. Hosted by Scarewolf, a well dressed werewolf with a good sense of rhythm, SATURDAY FRIGHT SPECIAL evokes the spirit of drive ins and independent TV stations of days gone by, with vintage commercials, snack bar ads, and comedy bits sprinkled throughout the show`s two hour running time. Additional characters lend a hand in presenting the films, including Santoro The Honduran Grappler (a masked wrestler who fights for strong moral character and good nutritional values), Tae Kwon Dunk (a mischievious basketball-headed martial artist), and Morbia Poppatoppolis (a demented domestic diva). SATURDAY FRIGHT SPECIAL airs weekly on public access stations in over 20 states coast to coast.
About The Colonial Theatre
The Colonial Theatre is a non-profit performing arts center serving the greater Monadnock region in fulfilling its vision to be the model regional performing arts center, exciting, educating and challenging audiences of all ages. In its 16th year as a non-profit organization, The Colonial Theatre presents world class live performances, acclaimed film selections, and hosts numerous community events for the benefit of local non-profit organizations. For more information, please visit TheColonial.org.