Thrillpeddlers to Present SHOCKTOBERFEST 17: PYRAMID OF FREAKS

Thrillpeddlers presents... Shocktoberfest 17: Pyramid of Freaks - Their 17th Annual Extravaganza of Terror & Titillation which includes five new one-act performances:

- THE HAUNTED HOUSE - A Classic Grand Guignol Thriller by Marc Bonis-Charancle. English version by Richard Hand & Michael Wilson;

- THE HELLGRAMMITE METHOD - A Modern Mortality Tale Probing the Horrors of Parasitic Dipsomania, written and adapted for the Thrillpeddlers by William Selby (original Twilight Zone version broadcast Nov. 5, 1988);

- DEMON TRAIN TO SODOM - A World-Premiere Pulp Fiction Musical by Scrumbly Koldewyn;

- PYRAMID OF FREAKS - A World-Premiere Black Comedy by Rob Keefe;

AND as is customary to conclude all Shocktoberfest shows...

- A LIGHTS-OUT SPOOKSHOW FINALE - created by Nicholas Torre.

This year's company includes VAGABONDAGE, a folk-punk band fronted by Thrillpeddlers stalwart John Flaw.

2016 dates for - Shocktoberfest 17: Pyramid of Freaks:

Oct. 6 - Nov. 19, 2016

Previews - Oct. 6 & 7 (Thurs. & Fri. - 8:00 pm)

Oct. 13 (opening night) (Thurs.) - 8:00 pm

Oct. 14, 15 (Fri. & Sat. - 8:00 pm)

Oct. 20, 21, 22 / 27, 28, 29 (Thurs., Fri. & Sat. - 8:00 pm)

Oct., 30, 31 (Halloween Special Performances) (Sun. & Mon. - 8:00 pm)

Nov. 3, 4, 5 / 10, 11, 12 / 17, 18, 19 (Thurs., Fri. & Sat. - 8:00 pm)

Tickets at hypnodrome.org or by calling 415/ 377- 4202. Prices: $30 general admission; $35 for front row seats and "Shock Boxes" & "Turkish Lounges" (premium tickets sold in pairs only). All performances play The Hypnodrome - 575 10th St. in San Francisco 94103 (btwn. Bryant & Division Sts).

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MORE ABOUT THE SHOWS:

THE HAUNTED HOUSE

- A Classic Grand Guignol Thriller

- by Marc Bonis-Charancle. English version by Richard Hand & Michael Wilson

Two bourgeois couples and a lawyer break in to a "haunted" house. Sound like the set up for a joke? They may have thought it was all in fun, but in this classic of the genre (1903) events quickly turn deadly serious for our itinerant thrill-seekers as they are confronted by the owner and the after-effects of madness, torture and grief. Supernatural? or UN-natural?

- Directed by Russell Blackwood

Cast: James Jeske (Fulbert); Kai Brothers (The Lawyer); David Bicha (Mr. Avenel);
Rochelle Urban (Mrs. Avenel); Eric Johnson (Mr. Ravan); Zelda Koznofski (Mrs. Ravan);

Natalie Demchenko (Genevieve)

THE HELLGRAMMITE METHOD

- A Modern Mortality Tale Probing the Horrors of Parasitic Dipsomania

- Written and Adapted for the Thrillpeddlers by William Selby

(original Twilight Zone version broadcast Nov. 5, 1988)

Miley Judson has a drinking problem. His marriage is crumbling along with the rest of his life, but he just can't seem to quit. That is, until he responds to a match box advertisement for the "unique" cure of Dr. Eugene Maddox. Miley impulsively takes the dreadful cure. But at what price? This original "New Twilight Zone" episode has been rewritten and adapted especially for Thrillpeddlers by the author. Be careful what you wish for!

- Directed by Russell Blackwood

About: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hellgramite_Method

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y71ukBPP8xM

Cast: Dan Foley (Miley Judson); CJ Smith (Dr. Eugene Maddox); Crystal Why (Frannie Judson); John Flaw (Lloyd); Culpabilty Brown (Inebriated Man); and Cindy Emchy, Sean Winold, Sean Malroy (musicians).

DEMON TRAIN TO SODOM

- A World-Premiere Pulp Fiction Musical by Scrumbly Koldewyn

Ma and Pa Sunflower are the not-so-chemical-free farmers behind Mother Nature's Farmstand. The key to nature's bounty, they believe, is compost, and they have perfected their recipe. What...or who...are the ingredients? Take one farmer's daughter, add one passing customer and one preacher, sprinkle liberally with demons and mix well. Serves plenty.

The musical coagulations of Scrumbly Koldewyn -- more melodies in a jugular vein. Enjoy.

- Directed by Noah Haydon

Cast: James Jeske (Farmer); Crystal Why (Farmer's Wife); Alix Feinsod (Farmer's Daughter); Kai Brothers (Junior); Earl Alfred Paus (Michael); John Flaw (Preacher / Checkered Demon); CJ Smith (Kobal); Jason Wade (Kyrion); Rochelle Urban (Indytan), David Bicha (Setri); Crystal Why (Mara); Kai Brothers (Bacchus); and Cindy Emchy, Sean Winold, Sean Malroy (musicians).

PYRAMID OF FREAKS

- A World-Premiere Black Comedy by Rob Keefe

Inspector Beauvais is on the case. Who's been leaving a trail of literally disheartened sideshow roustabouts behind them? As he pokes into the already strange culture of carnival freaks and "specialty acts", even stranger possibilities present themselves. A proselytizing dog trainer and delusional strongman hide a cuddly, vicious and deadly family secret. Beauvais, to his chagrin, finds this out the hard way. Original Thrillpeddler Keefe delivers both comedy and perversity in this tale gone awry of two souls longing for the pastoral life.

- Directed by Noah Haydon

Cast: Dan Foley (C.A. Beauvais); Eric Johnson (Alligator Boy), David Bicha (Tozzini);
Zelda Koznofski (Madame Banga); Earl Alfred Paus (Dog Child 1); Alix Feinsod (Dog Child 2); Cameron Eng (Freako); Natalie Demchenko (Flashine ); CJ Smith (Professor Radley); Crystal Why (Roustabout Broom & Screamerella); Kai Brothers (Roustabout 1); Jim Jeske (Roustabout 2); and Cindy Emchy (accordion player).

LIGHTS-OUT SPOOKSHOW FINALE - created by Nicholas Torre

Tech Credits for Shocktoberfest 17 include: James Blackwood - Scenic Design, Glenn Krumbholz & Carol Ann Walker- Costume Design, David Mahr - Sound Design, Nicholas Torre - Lighting Design / Special Effects / Spookshow, Mister Wa - Video Projections Design, Dave Maier - Fight Choreography.

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Artist Statement by Director Russell Blackwood:

Thrillpeddlers presented the first SHOCKTOBERFEST in 1999 at The Exit Theatre with the intention of presenting an annual festival of Grand Guignol horror theatre and sex farces during the Halloween season. After several years of performances at The Exit, The Odeon, and the SF Performing Arts Library and Museum, Thrillpeddlers found a permanent home at the Hypnodrome in SF's SOMA district. Outfitted with a guillotine, thunder sheet, strobe lights, and secret doors, The Hyonodrome is a purpose-built horror theatre. Now in its 17th year Shocktoberfest is responsible for having revived more plays from the infamous Le Theatre du Grand Guignol than any other producing entity. Most of these scripts were presented here for the first time ever in English adaptations.

Dubbed "Thrillpeddlers Extravaganza of Terror and Titillation," SHOCKTOBERFEST has always looked to meld classic Grand Guignol one-act plays with revivals of other bloodcurdling and erotic entertainments as well as premiers of new works devised by Thrillpeddlers resident playwrights. As with the traditional Grand Guignol bill of dramas and comedies, one-acts and short sketches, the combination of fare on the Shocktoberfest bill gives the audience a "Scottish Shower" dousing them with a variety of "cold" terror plays and "hot" comedies.

The company's approach to the material is not to slavishly recreate the Grand Guignol experience, but rather to interpret and enlarge this French theatrical genre and its allied American cousins: the spook-show, burlesque and horror cinema-style theatrics - for contemporary audiences. This material is a chance for actors to reclaim elements of antique acting styles & stagecraft that make these plays alluring to Thrillpeddlers and their fans.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Russell Blackwood (Director of THE HAUNTED HOUSE and THE HELLGRAMMITE METHOD, Producing Director of Thrillpeddlers) adapted, produced and directed his first Grand Guignol horror play 25 years ago, THE LABORATORY OF HALLUCINATIONS. That led directly to founding Thrillpeddlers. In 1999 the company produced the first annual SHOCKTOBERFEST and five years later moved into The Hypnodrome, now their year-round home and Russell's full-time job. He won the TBA Award for Outstanding Direction for PEARLS OVER SHANGHAI. He's has also directed for Shotgun Players, Theatre Rhinoceros, SF Conservatory of Music, Berkeley Opera, Pocket Opera, The Lamplighters, and for the San Francisco, L.A. and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festivals. His productions have been seen throughout the U.S. from New York City to Alaska, as well as England, Brazil, Taiwan, and South Africa. He earned his BFA in Acting from Boston University.

Noah Haydon (Director of DEMON TRAIN TO SODOM and PYRAMID OF FREAKS) is excited to be Thrillpeddling once again! Noah won the TBA Award for "Outstanding Choreography" for the latest revival of PEARLS OVER SHANGHAI with Thrillpeddlers and has directed and choreographed many shows throughout the Bay Area, including the SHOCKTOBERFEST offerings: SALOME, THE BLOODY DEBUTANTE and REVENGE OF THE SON OF THE COBRA WOMAN. As a performer he's appeared with Thrillpeddlers for the past six years virtually non-stop including Petrushka in PEARLS, Pandora in HOT GREEKS, Sally Snack in TINSEL TARTS IN A HOT COMA (BATTC nomination) and most recently CLUB INFERNO (BATTC nomination) and THE UNTAMED STAGE. Favorite shows/roles around the Bay are CABARET (The Emcee), YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN (Snoopy), RAGTIME (Harry Houdini) and GYPSY (Tulsa). Noah would like to thank his talented cast, his friends, his family, and Bobby for all the love and support.

Scrumbly Koldewyn (Composer/Musical Director of DEMON TRAIN TO SODOM) co-founded the Cockettes in 1970 and composed the songs for PEARLS OVER SHANGHAI, HOT GREEKS, VICE PALACE and TINSEL TARTS IN A HOT COMA (and others), which have since been revived by Thrillpeddlers. In the 1980s he composed for and performed with The Distractions, and then for 25 years with the Jesters Vocal Trio, touring extensively in Europe. Among the 40 original shows he's created are JEWELS OF PARIS and THE UNTAMED STAGE (written in the Cockettes' style especially for Thrillpeddlers 2015 & 2016) and WILDE BOYS (NCTC 2007), which won BATCC awards for "musical direction" and "best production of a musical". The recipient of numerous awards (BATCC, SF Bay Area Cabaret, Dean Goodman Choice awards - twice), he is currently musical director at Stagebridge in Oakland. Thrillpeddlers' revival of Mr. Koldewyn and Martin Worman's musical VICE PALACE received seven BATCC Awards and performed at NYC's HOWL Festival. DEMON TRAIN TO SODOM is his 4th special piece for SHOCKTOBERFEST, after previous years' SALOME, THE BLOODY DEBUTANTE and REVENGE OF THE SON OF THE COBRA WOMAN.

Marc Bonis-Charancle (Playwright - THE HAUNTED HOUSE) was a prolific writer of one-act plays. Though he wrote mainly comedies for Le Theatre du Grand Guignol including LES OUBLIETTES (The Dungeons, 1899), L'ENVERS D'UN RUBAN (The Back of the Ribbon, 1900) and LES CAS DE MME FLAN (The Case of Mrs. Flan, 1906), he also authored two dramas that we know of LES LOUPS (The Wolves, 1899) and LA MAISON HANTEE (The Haunted House, 1903).

Richard J. Hand and Michael Wilson (Translators - THE HAUNTED HOUSE) provided translations of several plays for Thrillpeddlers including THE BEAST, the first Grand Guignol one-act to appear on the Hypnodrome stage. Together they've authored three books on this theatrical genre: Grand-Guignol: The French Theatre of Horror, London's Grand Guignol and the Theatre of Horror and Performing Grand-Guignol: Playing the Theatre of Horror. Mr. Hand is Professor and Head of Media, Film and TV at the University of East Anglia. His interests include adaptation and translation in performance media, particularly in historical forms of popular culture. Mr. Wilson is Professor of Drama at Loughborough University where he is also Associate Dean for Research; he was previously Professor of Drama at University College Falmouth. His main areas of research lie within the fields of popular vernacular theatre and storytelling.

Rob Keefe (Playwright - PYRAMID OF FREAKS) has been a Thrillpeddler since SHOCKTOBERFEST 2000 writing plays which include: the THE MODEL HOUSE; THE EMPRESS OF COLMA; A SLIGHT TINGLING; THE WRONG RIPPER; BEARDED ASSETS; THE PHANTOM LIMB, and several others. Other full-length plays include ALL THAT IS SEEN AND UNSEEN; REUNION TOUR and TURN IT INTO SMOKE. His play, THE CORTEZ METHOD received its world premiere at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre and was a finalist for the ATCA- Steinberg award. Thrillpeddlers is currently co-developing his newest full-length play, THIS VERY HOLLER.

Bill Selby escaped writing for film and television in Hollywood 18 years ago. THE HELLGRAMMITE METHOD adapted from his 1988 "New Twilight Zone" TV episode, is the third play he's written for SHOCKTOBERFEST. As an award-winning illustrator and graphic designer, Selby proudly notes his first professional art sale was a 1977 cover painting of Robby the Robot for Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine. He designs posters and postcards for Thrillpeddlers, the Noir City Film Festival, and many Bay Area theatrical productions. Three cockatiels, one Senegal parrot, and partner-in-crime Christine provide joy and meaning to life. He's currently writing a novel about individual consciousness surviving death. Go where the love is at Facebook.com/billselby.

Thrillpeddlers (www.hypnodrome.org) began performing their unique brand of horror and fetish theatre in San Francisco in 1991. Under the direction of Russell Blackwood, Thrillpeddlers is continuously engaged in translating, adapting, and producing classic plays from the infamous repertoire of Le Théâtre du Grand Guignol and producing other works inspired by the Grand Guignol tradition. In 2008, Thrillpeddlers embraced another niche theatrical genre with the company's annual Theatre of the Ridiculous Revival. That same year they were invited to perform for NYC's HOWL Festival with their productions of Charles Busch's THEODORA, SHE-BITCH OF BYZANTIUM; Charles Ludlam's JACK IN THE BEANSTALK; and Link Martin and Scrumbly Koldewyn's PEARLS OVER SHANGHAI. Following this, a full production of PEARLS was mounted in SF in 2009 and ran for 22 months! In 2011 they revived another of Koldewyn's works, VICE PALACE. The hit show garnered seven Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards (BATCC) and the group's second trip to NYC to perform at the HOWL Festival as well as a special performance at Lincoln Center to celebrate the life and works of long-time Koldewyn collaborator, Martin Worman.

The company's SOMA performance venue, The Hypnodrome, is tailor-made for the specific needs of horror theatre, musical extravaganzas, and "lights-out" spook show spectacle. Inaugurating The Hypnodrome with WELCOME TO THE HYPNODROME in 2004, Thrillpeddlers have gone on to produce wildly popular Grand Guignol bills and a canon of Cockettes musical revivals. They are also the purveyors of www.GrandGuignol.com - the most complete source of Grand Guignol information on the Net. SHOCKTOBERFEST, Thrillpeddlers' annual extravaganza of terror and titillation, is now in its 17th year and has become a SF Halloween favorite. Prior to that, the company's production history includes the American premiere of Clive Barker's FRANKENSTEIN IN LOVE; MONDO ANDRONICUS (Best of the 1997 S.F. Fringe Festival); a double-bill of THE MEDIUM and A CRIME IN THE MADHOUSE in Pretoria, South Africa and, with their Braizilian sister-company Vigor Mortis, a tour to Rio De Janeiro. Thrillpeddlers has won the Bay Guardian's "Best of the Bay" and GOLDIE AWARD, four SF Weekly "Best of San Francisco" awards and 7 X 7 Magazine's "BEST UNDERGROUND THEATRE COMPANY IN SF."

Pairs of patrons will surely enjoy The Hypnodrome's famed Shock Box seats for two, which garnered S.F. Weekly's "Best of San Francisco" for "Best Bonus Theater Experience." These individually themed seats include sumptuous "Turkish Lounges", and "private boxes" including "Heaven and Hell, "The Pharaoh's Tomb," and "The Padded Cell," which offer the same opportunity for illicit trysting that was once a feature of the Parisian Théâtre du Grand-Guignol - with added special effects as a nod to the 50s horror movie gimmicks of William Castle.

For 65 years an old Jansenist monastery down a back alley in Montmartre was home to one of Paris' great stage attractions, Le Théâtre du Grand-Guignol. Born in 1897 out of the Naturalist theatre movement, the theatre company soon developed its own distinct repertoire of short horror plays, dramas, comedies and sex farces. As many as 6 of these one-acts played on a single bill, a "laughter and tears" line-up that alternated effortlessly between gasps and guffaws. This "hot and cold shower" format seemed to intensify an audience's delight and unease as they collectively realized that anything could happen on the Grand Guignol stage - no topic was taboo, and no symbol was sacred. Particularly during the decades that book-ended the world wars, live entertainment flourished in Montmartre. The artists there played a vital role in the development of new performance genres for the 20th century. What is thought of today as "modern drama" and popular entertainment owes much to Montmartre's melodramas, cabarets, music halls, repertory theatres, and on-stage experiments that ranged from the avant-garde to the overtly sexual.

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