Big Lebowski...screens at Insomniac Cinema! Midnight! January 30th!

Urban Achievers

When "The Big Lebowski" screened at "Insomniac Cinema" a few months ago, there was a big turn out at the midnight show in West Hollywood.

Frankly, I don’t recall encountering such a boisterous rambunctious crowd of filmgoers descending on a movie house with such fan frenzy in recent days.

"The Big Lebowski" topped the "Rocky Horror Show" - for all-out enthusiasm - in my estimation.

In fact, at one point, the over-anxious crowd of young hipsters stormed the Theatre.

Yeah, when the usher’s back was turned - off refilling the popcorn machine, I guess - the gang of merry pranksters surged forward in a bold-faced effort to snap up the best seats in the house.

What rollicking fun - in spite of the fact I was nearly trampled in the long cramped hallway - on the way to Theatre No. 2.

Well, get ready for another round of boisterous rowdy conduct tomorrow night at the Regency Theatre in West Hollywood (Fairfax & Beverly) when Big Lebowski hits the silver screen once again!

"The Big Lebowski" is a Coen Brothers’ offering!

The hilarious comedy is the off-beat tale about a laid back, down-and-out guy, who goes by the moniker of "Dude".

His pals are a motley crew keen on bowling - so much so - they’re in a bona fide rag-tag league.

On the heels of a case of mistaken identity, the Dudereno (Jeff Bridges) gets mixed up in an intriguing scenario with a millionaire’s wife, a subsequent kidnapping, and a gang of wacko characters who spill out of the woodwork and pound on him without warning.

There’s a whole posse of zany characters in this movie - a gang of loser nihilists, a high-brow conceptual artist and her hired hands, and some white-trash thugs a little slow on the uptake.

The one-liners are real zingers; in fact, the best COEN gems to come down the pike in a long time.

In fact, they’re so choice and so memorable, that the filmgoers (who’ve obviously caught an infectious bug of some kind which compels them to take in each and every screening when it rolls around) are inclined to scream out the dialogue verbatim with wicked glee in sync with the characters on screen.

Dudes, there appears to be a cult following for "The Big Lebowski".

In fact, the film spawned a book with a forward by Jeff Bridges.

The hefty tome is rife with trivia, interviews with fellow achievers (Patton Oswalt, Tony Hawk, Powerpuff Girls creator Craig McCracken), tips on how to Dude-ify your life, a Little Larry flipbook, a guide to the film’s locations, Lebowski Fest Highlights, and a lot of what-have-you.

And - did you know? - there’s a "Big Lebowski" Film Festival every year.

Check out the dudes below in Louisville (KY) at their annual event.

Dudelicious!

By the way, friends of Jeff Bridges who maintain his web site, recently e-mailed me that they intend to launch a scintillating PODCAST in the future for "all things" Big Lebowski.

Will keep you posted on the much-anticipated fan-appreciation tributes and opportunities to interact with the Big Lebowski gang!

'Til then, mark your calendar "Lebowski", for the witchin' hour tomorrow night!

See 'ya there, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Insomniac Cinema...Chinatown screens at midnight! Actors Jack Nicholson & Faye Dunaway rivetting...

On Friday, November 14 at the witching hour - Chinatown - will screen at Insomniac Cinema at the Regency Theatre in the Fairfax District.

If you haven't screened this period thriller starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway - hustle over to the theatre - and snap up a ticket.

The ultra-dark murder mystery was not only directed by Roman Polanski at the height of his creative powers, but also features a remarkable stand-out performance by legendary actor, John Huston.

Jack Nicholson plays a seedy Private Dick - Jake Gittes - who is hired to investigate a case of alleged infidelity.

When the subject of his sleuthing ends up dead, instead of walking away empty-handed, Gittes is inclined to investigate further.

Something doesn't gel, he figures rightly.

In a complicated - but thoroughly intriguing plot twist - Gittes uncovers a scam masterminded by Noah Cross (Huston) to buy un-watered (unwanted) land on the cheap and sell it off later at inflated prices.

A mysterious young girl surfaces along the way - who appears to be of particular interest to Faye Dunaway's character for some inexplicable reason - and the crotchety old-letch, Noah Cross.

In a bizarre reveal at the end, a shocking truth about the Cross family, is enough to turn the stomach.

Intense, suspenseful - and highly original - Chinatown is a masterpiece of filmmaking - worth catching.

P.S.

Throughout the film, Nicholson sports a ubiquitous bandage on his nose, which should signal how offbeat and quirky the award-winning film is at the heart of its ominous beat.

Info: www.regencymovies.com

I.O.U.S.A...documentary on U.S. Debt a downer! But, educational...

Not surprisingly, I.O.U.S.A. turned out to be a big downer!

When the lights went up, I scurried out of the movie theatre vowing to cut up all my credit cards, never spend a penny needlessly again, and think twice about who I vote for in the upcoming election.

In addition to shaking me into a reality zone - the well-produced documentary on National debt - educated me, too.

No wonder, I.O.U.S.A. has been dubbed the "inconvenient truth" of the economic sector.

The first shocker unfolds on the screen when former U.S. GAO head - David Walker - points out some disconcerting facts about the nest-egg called Social Security.

Until now, surplus funds being collected from wage-earners, have been used to pay off debt elsewhere on the negative fiscal landscape.

But, when baby-boomers start retiring and collecting their old age benefits, those trust funds will swiftly vanish.

The end result? A devastating financial crunch.

If that news wasn't disturbing enough - the dilemma regarding foreign trade - will surely smack you up one side of the wall and down the other!

As most historians know, this country's great fortunes were built on the sweat of the backs of American workers, who produced quality goods and services that were exported to foreign nations for top dollar.

But, in recent years, the contracts have been consistently farmed out.

Now - there appears to be an imbalance in the import/export trade - which is crippling the economy by the ba**s, daily.

But, figures outlining the staggering sums of greenbacks owed to an ever-increasing number of foreign nations, is the most distressing of all.

Like China, for example.

No wonder the President found it difficult to "boycott" the Olympics!

We're into those suckers for a few billion bucks!

In what amounted to - "fiscal wake-up tours" - Walker traipsed around the country to spread the word at cozy speaking engagements for the enlightened few just a scant few years back.

On those occasions, he made no bones about it.

He compared the U.S. to the final days of the "militarily overextended" and "fiscally irresponsible" days of ancient Rome.

Sound familiar?

Originally, Walker preached his message of financial doom-and-gloom to mostly half-empty rooms.

But, the interest picked up, when Walker was featured in a "60 Minutes" probe.

At this juncture, a handful of backers - a private-equity billionaire, Walker, and a Baltimore newsletter editor - came up with the idea to produce - I.O.U.S.A. - with the specific aim of convincing Americans the National debt was creating a looming economic crisis that must be acted now.

Did you know the National deficit now stands at about $9.6 trillion and that it is climbing by the minute?

If you include all the unfunded entitlement obligations — such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and so forth and so on - it's actually $53 trillion, Walker asserts stone-faced to crowds who sober at the thought.

And, it the debt will only get deeper as we get older, he alleges.

"The debt has increased our risk of being held hostage by foreign lenders."

On the heels of this frightening thought, he is inclined to joke, though.

"The financial condition of the U.S. is worse than advertised."

The nation's debt now accounts for 66 percent of the gross national product.

But unless things change, as the compelling film underscores, the cost of aging baby boomers will push that proportion to 244 percent by 2040 (twice what it was at the end of World War II at our highest level of national debt).

Consequently, Walker and his financial wizards recommend broad entitlement overhaul, tough budget controls, conservation of energy and - ultimately - urge that Americans not buy things they can't afford.

The debt is so troubling, investor Warren Buffett stiffly warned in the searing hour-and-a-half doc, that it may result in "political instability".

That's one reason why you should look very closely at the political candidate you intend to vote for this upcoming election!

Do Obama and McCain intend to address the issues?

More importantly, do they have any solutions to curb the out-of-control scenario?

Not everyone agrees that we're totally doomed to financial extinction, though.

Arthur Laffer, a developer of the famous Laffer Curve - argues that if taxes rise too high - people lose incentive to work. He surmises that as long as the debt level stays where it is, it can be financed down over time like a landowner with a mortgage.

Tell that to Americans on the verge of losing their homes!

For those keen on being primed about fiscal responsibility - I.O.U.S.A. is screening at the Regency Theatre (Fairfax District) - for a bargain afternoon matinee rate of $3.50.

Check it out, but take along some anti-depressants.

You'll need 'em!

Reefer Madness! Take your bong, Michael Phelps...

After an announcement that John Conyers (House Judiciary Committee) would be investigating the DEA in respect to recent Paramilitary-style raids on local pot dispensaries - the country's top Drug Czar released a notice to the public warning that the habitual use of marijuana could heighten depression - and ultimately - result in an ongoing development of mental and emotional problems.

If you're in the dark about the veracity of those statements - you may want to take in a screening of "REEFER MADNESS" - when it next screens at a local theatre near you.

After all, "Reefer Madness" is a wicked hilarious twist on the whole controversial subject.

The cult classic was originally conceived as a propaganda tool to quell desire for the evil drug among troubled rebellious youth - with the ultimate aim - of curbing any bold-faced effort to legalize the leafy substance for use in polite social circles.

In fact, the 1936 exploitation film revolves around the fictional tragic events that ensue when a handful of naive high school students are lured by dreaded pushers to smoke "marijuana".

For instance, the filmmakers focus on a hit and run accident, manslaughter, suicide, rape, and - in at least one instance - a descent into madness.

The film was directed by Louis Gasnier and starred a cast of mostly unknown actors.

"Reefer Madness" was originally financed by a church group and crowned with the inspiring title, "Tell Your Children".

The film was intended as a morality tale and - likewise - cleverly crafted to warn teenagers about the alleged pitfalls of using illicit drugs such as cannabis.

As fate would have it, soon after the film was shot, a visionary producer - Dwain Esper - bought the unreleased project and re-cut the raw footage for distribution on the exploitation film circuit.

Early on, the film never garnered much attention, though.

But, in the 1970's, it was rediscovered and gained a persona of its own as a piece of unintentional comedy among cannabis smokers.

Today, it is in the public domain in the United State, and is considered a cult film which has inspired a musical satire (playing off-Broadway in 2001) and a Showtime feature film titled - "Reefer Madness" - based on the musical.

Don't forget to take along your "Volcano" when you screen it, Michael Phelps!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Insomniac Cinema...comics resort to toilet humor! "Planet 9 from Outer Space" screens...

At the Insomniac Cinema screening of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" the other evening, management thought they would try a new experiment at their midnight show - live comedy!

Well, I guess you could say it went over like a lead balloon!

The audience responded to the little sideshow much like they would a nasty rash -maybe because it was the witchin' hour and they were tired - or due to the fact they were all hyped up and anxious to take in "Plan 9". I don't know!

The first comic was pleasant enough, but his jokes lacked bite - and humor!


Pre-requisites for a comedian, I expect.

However, he was such a sweet little nerdy-type, that the tough audience just kinda' batted him off like a pesky little insect, not annoying enough to crush underfoot.

But, the second comedian, well - when things didn't fair well - he went for the jugular!

It didn't help matters that there were three hecklers in the crowd who were funnier than he was. In fact, for a moment, I thought they were a plant - a part of the act - corralled to spice up the spot a tad.

At one point, the comic - from Denver - asked the one annoying teen (who was killing his act) - what sign he was.

After a long groan from the audience, the lad finally coughed up,

"I don't know".

"Tell me the month you were born," the comic urged.

I guess that was the surprise hook he needed to snare the pimply teen, 'cause the lad fell for the bait and offering up the month.

"Oh, you're an a**hole," the comic quipped, without batting an eye.

Ba-dump!

Gotcha.

Typical of comics desperate for a laugh, he resorted to a tactic spelled out by well-known comedian, Red Skeleton who once astutely noted,

"Today's comics use four-letter words as a shortcut to thinking. They're shooting for that big laugh and it becomes a panic thing, using four-letter words to shock people."

But, the spot went downhill from there, fast.

In a desperate effort to get a laugh - the comic, who's name I can't recall (it was that memorable) - made a derogatory comment about the mold in the old theatre stirring up his sinuses.

Nope, still no cigar from beyond the footlights.

But, two strikes.

First lesson: don't annoy your audience. Second, don't insult your host.

At this juncture, it was a real struggle for the man dressed to the nines in "full Denver" (white belt & white shoes ensemble) to win over the respect of anyone in the room.

He now thumbed through a small booklet as he growled,

"Well, enough of the foreplay."

Couldn't he remember his jokes? Or was that a manual that cited the rules and regulations to abide by when an audience gives you up for a loser and goes astray?

Then, he went off into the deep end, never to return.

"Well, I'll tell a faggot joke. To gay people, the word faggot is like the "N" word is to a Black person. Except, I'd rather deal with an angry gay person than an African American - they're less scary."

No response, not even a - "nice a**" - from the gay men in attendance.

Nada!

So, now he was desperate and went with a pre-historic joke form.

"Knock. Knock."

"Who's there," the audience screamed.

"911."

"911, who?"

"I thought you said you'd never forget?"

Dead silence.

Well, on a positive note, it was good to know that Americans still find it difficult to make jokes about 911.

In the final analysis, the experiment at the Regency failed; in large part due to the fact both comedians lacked the experience, comedic timing, and basic talent to pull the shtick off.

If you query Seinfeld or Leno about their macaroni & cheese days - they'll probably tell you horror stories about one-night gigs around the country - where they handily dealt with hecklers and drunks in dives they did seat-of-your-pants "stand up" in to pay the bills.

Bottom line, the experience turned them into seasoned professionals, capable of turning out a positive result with any dilemma that came their way.


Hence, the reason they sauntered on to fame and fortune in the topsy-turvy competitive world of night-time TV.

In fact, Johnny Carson was a master at taking a bad joke that bombed, and turning it around, into a clever little firecracker that often exploded into a huge laugh.

That not only took a lot of finesse, but skill, as well.

Unfortunately, the two comics at the Regency were out of their league, even in a venue as low-brow as it was.

But, keep at it, kids! You did better than moi.

Years ago, I signed up to do a stint at the Comedy Store. Before they called my name, I dashed out the back door - terrified!

One day, you might strike gold with your oddball antics.

I'll always remember the first time I saw Roseanne do stand up.

"Heh, this lady is good," I recall thinking to myself.

I knew she would hit the big time. And, she did.

Unfortunately, it's usually an uneven temperament, insecurity, and a nasty ego, that does a good comic in.

But, there are always a dozen standing in line to queue up to take their place.

They would be wise to take the advice of Jack Benny who once said,

"It's not so much knowing when to speak, but when to pause."

Insomniac Cinema...screens Ed Wood's "Plan 9 from Outer Space". Cheesy cult classic!

To the delight of many, Insomniac Cinema screened - "Plan 9 from Outer Space" - recently at the Regency Theatre in the Fairfax district.

"Plan 9 from Outer Space" was written, produced, and directed by eccentric Hollywood filmmaker - Ed Wood - in 1958 (released in 1959).

The film stars Maila "Vampira" Nurmi, Gregory Walcott, and Tom Mason.

In an odd-ball scenario, Wood claimed that "Plane 9" also posthumously starred horror film star - Bela Lugosi - through use of archive footage and a brief scene of the actor shot by Wood just before Lugosi's death in 1956.

However, it is important to note that Lugosi's character was primarily portrayed by chiropractor, Tom Mason.

In a nutshell, the hilarious cult piece is about a race of extraterrestrials who seek to stop humans from creating a doomsday weapon that may destroy the universe.

In the course of doing so, the aliens implement a surefire - "Plan 9" - scheme to resurrect Earth's dead as zombies to get the planet's attention, which ends up causing chaos.

Johnny Depp fans may recall that the popular screen actor portrayed the eccentric director in a Hollywood-style film version of his life, "Ed Wood".

In conjunction with the "new" "improved" "colorized version" of "Plan 9", the Regency screened an offbeat collection of home videos which took a rare hilarious glimpse into Wood's real-life character and upside-down personal life.

Clips showed jaw-dropping scenes of Wood waltzing about the house in drag, feeding his dog birthday cake, you name it!

Of course, "Plan 9" was the piece de resistance.

Ed Wood was in top "worst" directing form at the helm here.

The god-awful writing, cheesy special effects, and numerous glaring production errors, herald the myriad reasons why "Plan 9 from Outer Space" is often regarded as a leading candidate for the title of "worst movie ever made".

In fact, the revival-house classic earned Edward D. Wood, Jr. a posthumous "Golden Turkey Award" for worst director ever.

Catch a future screening if you can.

 It's a hoot!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Digital Video and High Definition Festival...Independent film, surges forward in industry!

Ed & Vern's Rock store...award-winner to screen!


Fortunately, I was strolling past the Regency Theatre on Beverly Boulevard last night, when I noticed the large poster advertising the innovative "Digital Video and High Definition Festival", underway now through the end of the month in the Fairfax District.

Over the next few days, film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to take in screenings of over 120 videos and short films, at the 5th Annual event, gratis.

This afternoon (March 27th, 2008) there will be thought-provoking screenings of independent projects such as "All Along", "LA LLAMADA", "Gone Too Far".

Other award-winning projects - such as "Sympathetic Details" - will be presented amid a lot of fanfare, no doubt, on Saturday, March 29th, 2008.

In addition to the screenings, a number of seminars have been scheduled to assist directors and producers, in the realm of short film and video.

Last night, I caught the tail end of an informative session that focused on a new camera specifically developed with the independent filmmaker in mind - the "Red".

Filmmakers rave about it,

"The Red camera is extraordinary. The Redvolution marks the tipping point of the democratization of filmmaking," notes producer Dean Devlin (Independence Day, Godzilla, The Patriot and Flyboys).

And, Steven Soderbergh gushes,

"Shooting with RED is like hearing The Beatles for the first time. RED sees the way I see. Someday I hope to find out exactly how Jim and his team (manufacturers) made something so technologically advanced seem so organic, so beautifully attuned to that most natural of phenomena, light. But for now I'm just glad I've got my hands on the damn thing, because it's actually making the film(s) better..."

There have also been in-depth discussions for individuals in front of the camera as well; such as performing artists, actors, and the like.

For example, Kevin Major Howard (a successful local photographer) was on hand last night to discuss the in's and out's of shooting publicity stills and the effective use of promotional tools. The event was quite informative and worth attending.

On Saturday night, March 30th, 2008, there will be an Awards Ceremony, celebrating excellence in the field of Digital Video and High Definition.

Info: www.DigitalVideoFestival.com

RED...innovative new tool for Independent Filmmakers on the fly!

Sandy St. Peters...Craig Russell. Pioneers paved way for Female Impersonators!

Sandy St. Peters...Empress of Vancouver!





Craig Russell awash with rapt fans!







The lure of late-night theatrics at the Insomniac Cinema at the Regency Theatre inspired me to snap up a couple of tickets for the transgender road-trip feature - "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert".



As Terrence Stamp and Guy Pearce camped it up on the screen in full drag, I was inclined to harken back to the old days when the "art" of cross-dressing was just blooming in secret out-of-the-way nightclubs in downtown Vancouver (B.C.) in the seventies.



One day, I was strolling along Granville Street (I was about 18) when a glamorous statuesque blond sashayed up and gave me a peck on the cheek. Huh?



"So, who 'ya been doin," the sexy siren joked.



When I stared at her with a puzzled expression on my face - say what? - she was quick on the uptake.



"Remember the blond kid that you used to say hi to on Yonge Street?"



My eyes just about popped out of my head.



"I crossed over," she cackled.



Yup, that was my first encounter with a female impersonator, that I know of!



Shortly after trekking out to the West Coast from the big-city environs of Toronto (known as Hog Town, to locals; I wonder why?) my acquaintance from T.O. started dressing up in women's clothing - and proceeded to promptly crown herself with the glorious stage name - Sandy St. Peters!



In about ten seconds flat, Ms. Peters was wowing the showbiz world with her uncanny, bang-on impersonations of Peggy Lee, Carol Channing, and Tammy Faye - to name a few.



Although Sandy was born in Germany, she grew up in Calgary for some inexplicable reason. Who knew a town brimming full of cowboys wrestling cows could conjure up such a dazzling gem?



For a brief time, Ms. Peters gravitated to Toronto (where she met moi!) but later felt quite at home on the comfy West Coast where she was well-received.



In fact, Sandy was crowned "Empress" by the Gay Community in 1973.



Later, Ms. Peters hit the road and toured western Canada with a sold-out show - the "Illusion Factor" - until November of 1983. In her wake, she left a trail of admiring fans.



Although the illness which caused her death was not related to an AIDS condition, and she allegedly remained uninfected, Ms. Peters dedicated herself to the cause nonetheless. Like the real showbiz pro that she was, Sandy co-organized and performed at the first AIDS benefit in Canada in 1981 - and in the process - helped raise over $10,000 at a time when the bucks were crucially needed.



As I penned this piece on her (and prepared to "paste" a photograph with the post) a shiver ran up and down my spine. Uh-huh, the grand lady is ever-present, in spirit, at least.



Of course, there was another giant on the female impersonator scene in those "heady" days of the pioneer drags.



Craig Russell!



Russell was President of the "Mae West Fan Club" when he was a teenager - and the experience, without doubt - influenced his ideas about persona for years to come.



By 1971, he was topping the bill in Toronto gay clubs, as a lusty female impersonator with a burgeoning International following.



I caught him perform at the Manitee, a boy-toy hot spot, back in his glory days in Toronto.



Craig starred in the feature film - "Outrageous" (1977) - which catapulted him to stardom and recognition in the mainstream; something that eluded many "drags" prior to the advent of shows like "La Cage aux Folles".



The film was one of the first North American features with a gay theme to receive widespread distribution. In it, Russell played Robin Turner, a gay hairdresser who wanted to be a drag queen.



Craig's signature style was to speak and sing in the voices of the celebrities he was impersonating, which included the likes of...Carol Channing, Bette Davis, Mae West, Peggy Lee, Tallulah Bankhead, Bette Midler, Anita Bryant, and Judy Garland.



One day at Studio One in West Hollywood, I passed Craig in the hall on the way to the back room, and shouted across the heads of the crowd,



"Heh, Craig! I'm from Scarberia, too."



That was the affectionate name given the suburb of Scarborough by the kids who managed to escape its lethal grasp.



He rolled his eyes and shouted back, "Good to see 'ya, dahlink!"



Unfortunately, shortly after that, he was appearing on a popular American talk show when he suffered an emotional breakdown. The show's producers had to cut to commercial break for a moment (if I recall correctly) so Mr. Russell could collect himself.



At the peak of his success, Russell was unable to cope with the pressures of fame. In fact, substance abuse and psychological problems increasingly affected his performances - so much so - that his career faltered.



In 1990, at the young age of 42, he passed away in Toronto of a stroke as a result of alleged excesses.



In recalling his gift, some noted how overwhelming it was to hear him go from an impression of Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly" one moment, into a gravelly-voiced Louie Armstrong timbre, the next.



Some claimed that if an audience closed their eyes when he "did" Connie Francis, they'd swear afterward it was the legendary singer who performed on stage that night.



But, Craig could be a hoot, too.



One impression that often whipped up audiences into a frenzy in the late 1970s was his rendition of Anita Bryant singing an old-time favorite - "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."



In sum, Russell's satirical impersonation of the anti-gay crusader established to many - an astute political awareness and commitment on his part - which stood him apart in the early years of the Gay Civil Rights movement.



In the final analysis, it was tough for Craig Russell to inhabit the skin of a "female impersonator" twenty-four hours a day, in the glare of the International spotlight.



Yeah, I expect it's tough being a drag Queen!



Maybe there is an identity crisis that goes along with the territory.



Which reminds me of one of the most embarrassing experiences of my entire adult life!



Back in the old days, when bottle clubs - like the infamous "Faces" - were prevalent in Vancouver, I used to bump into this tall exotic woman with a flair for dressing in a chic flamboyant way.



One day, I spied her on the nude beach (Wreck Beach at the University of B.C.) and was quite stunned by her exquisite perfectly-shaped breasts.



But, a little voice inside of me whispered for some unknown reason,



"That's a man, a sex change."



After kibitzing a bit with "her" for weeks at "Faces", I finally got up the gumption - prompted no doubt by a couple of strong whiskies in my gut - to lean over and jokingly chide,



"So, are you a real woman?"



Well, I was flabbergasted by her response, to say the least!



Without skipping a beat, she suddenly pulled up her dress (I understand from onlookers that she wasn't wearing any panties) and shouted at me,



"Look, I have a pussy!"



Everyone in the room stared at her crotch in shock, while I looked away in embarrassment, in desperate search of a quick exit.



I wanted to fall through the dance floor!



Fortunately, a friend standing nearby, retorted on my behalf,



"Well, if you're a lady, then why don't you act like one?"



Ah, that was the crux of it, really.



The young beauty just recently had a sex change operation. And, although her body had been transformed into the feminine ideal, she was still thinking like a man!



Her desperate need to prove herself was a typical male response.



In contrast, a woman might have teased,



"Well, if you don't know now honey, you never will."



Or, something confident, witty, or clever like that.



The psychological "stuffing" is the key, I guess.



Sandy St. Peters was well-adjusted, and sure-of-herself, both onstage and off.



A class act!



On the other hand, Craig Russell needed to exorcise a couple of ghosts from his past.



Dame Edna?



Well, she's a different silk stocking, altogether.



Catch her act, if you can!







Dame Edna hails from down under!

Quentin Tarantino...Edgar Wright. Surprise appearances at Shaun of the Dead!!

I was finishing up touches on a "Tribute" to Herbie Hancock, when I noticed an e-mail communication wormed its way into my mailbox.

Regency Theatre apologized for the short notice, then proceeded to jog my memory about a midnight screening of the horror film - "Shaun of the Dead" - later in the evening.

The mention of a potential surprise guest piqued my curiosity!

Although I was scheduled to attend the play - "Third" - at the David Geffen Playhouse, I surmised I could wangle a quick exit and head over to the Fairfax District to take in the cult film.

What the heck, I'd gulp down a couple of Red Bulls - if necessary - to get me wired!

For a back-up, I'd make a pact with a filmgoer in the seat astride me to give a nudge in the ribs, if I dozed off.

At the theatre, I plucked up my ticket.

As I grabbed a juicy hot dog - only a buck at the Regency - I casually asked the usher:

"Who's the surprise guest?"

The server's eyes went wide; then, he shrugged awkwardly.

Ah, had the Theatre enticed me into the turn-of-the-century movie house on a false premise, to rustle up late-nite tickets sales?

I'd know soon enough.

I slipped into the half-lit room and found a cozy seat up-front on the aisle.

The Regency was packed with enthusiastic young film buffs, bubbling with small talk, and with a bad case of the munchies!

A couple of 'em wore white shirts, splattered with red, which caused a stir here and there in the packed movie house.

Go see the movie, you'll figure it out!

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a man trotting down the aisle behind me.

Suddenly, he turned on his heel and plunked down in the seat across from me, a mere three feet away.

Although I am somewhat jaded, I was inclined to do a double-take nonetheless, when I turned to give the guy a nod and found myself staring into the face of director Quentin Tarantino!

In one dizzying moment, other audience members spied him too.

At this juncture, excited fans simultaneously turned sideways to friends - and either mouthed or whispered his name - "Tarantino".

There was a definite buzz in the room!

The night manager sauntered up on the stage at this point and announced he'd like to introduce a very special guest.

What an understatement!

As we held our collective breath, he paused for dramatic effect, then bellowed out:

"Here's the Director of the film - "Shaun of the Dead" - Edgar Wright!"

Whoa!

The audience went wild.

Mr. Wright was a slim hip-looking dude with a sexy English accent and a personable manner.

The famed auteur filled us in on the events.

According to his account, he was driving by the Theatre a couple of days just shy of October 31st, when he spied a notice on the marquee announcing a screening for "Shaun of the Dead".

"I was happy to see that 'cause we made this film for Halloween," he noted gleefully.

He thanked us for coming out, then hit us with another surprise.

Yup, another show-biz guest was lurking in the wings!

"Here he is, Simon Pegg," he shouted out excitedly.

Ah, the star of the horror film!

Lucy Davis - an actress who also worked on the ghoulish project - was in the Theatre as well; subsequently, she took a perfunctory bow.

Boy, did we hit the jackpot!!!

The crowd was ecstatic.

When the lights fell - needless to say - the audience was quite attentive.

Of course - occasionally there were stolen glances in the direction of Tarentino - who was now sitting with his famous buds in tow.

During the screening, Mr. Tarantino took me by surprise.

Over the years - perhaps due to his body of work - I imagined him to be cerebral at best.

On the contrary, he roared out loud in the seat next to me, and demonstrated a healthy down-to-earth sense of humor and a glaring sensibility about the cinema.

In fact, for the most part, the award-winning director and I tended to laugh the longest and the hardest at the same sight gags, lines, and awkward oddball moments on screen.

No sh**.

Uncanny.

Clearly, Mr. Tarentino would fit right in with my own set of zany friends!

By the way, it did not escape my attention that at the close of the entertaining film, the audience patiently sat through all the credits.

Out of respect to the filmmakers who remained in their seats 'til the end of the crawl, I expect.

Just maybe, there was an ulterior motive, though.

No doubt, a handful of fans were pining to walk up the aisle with Tarentino, so they could maneuver an up-close look - or in the alternative - land a hand-shake or two in the lobby?

No surprise, because that's what unfolded.

Mr. Tarentino was gracious, in good spirits, and mingled with the crowd all 'round.

The screening of "Shaun of the Dead" was part of the "Insomniac Cinema" series at the Regency which starts up like clockwork at the stroke of midnight every Friday night at the Theatre.

Check the Theatre's listings for upcoming must-see features!

Teaser at "Shaun of the Dead" website:

http://www.paramountpictures.co.uk/romzom/

Enjoy!

Black Sheep...cult classic

Occasionally - at the witchin' hour - I suffer from an extreme case of the munchies or incurable insomnia.

So, some Friday nights I leave the tossin' and turnin' behind to take in a midnight movie at the Regency's "Insomniac Cinema" (Fairfax District).

Recently, I caught two offerings.

For the most part - trendy starry-eyed movie-goers were queuing up for the screwball comedy - "Spaceballs".

Ah, Mel Brooks!

Years ago, I wangled my way onto a set and managed to sidle up close to observe his innovative directing style. While going through the "motions", the celebrated icon often puffed on a stogie rigorously, spit out a rapid-fire string of off-color jokes, and likewise, was prone to cuss up a mean streak.

Mr. Brooks loved to shock. But, the man has a heart of gold.

It's difficult to fathom sometimes how he came to be paired with his lovely elegant wife. The twosome remind me of that other celebrity couple - Shirley Jones - and what's-his-name!

In spite of the fond memories, I headed into Theater 3 for parts unknown.

I guess I was drawn to "Black Sheep" because of a clip I stumbled across somewhere, the contents of which I cannot recall, which now remain forever stuck in the foggy recesses of my noodle brain.

The feature opens on a breathtaking panoramic view of an awesome pastoral scene which belies the horrors yet to come.

The premise goes something like this.

A young man traumatized in his youth returns home to exorcise past ghosts and settle accounts with an older brother handling matters of their father's estate.

Soon, it becomes evident that somethin' is amiss.

The sibling has been genetically-altering the livestock with disastrous results.

There's something about a deranged flock of woolly-white sheep on the rampage on the range which jars the sensibilities.

In fact - the director has deliciously juxtaposed an uncanny montage of comic moments with a splash of squeamish images - with gut-wrenching effect.

Yes, there are buckets of blood and guts and unimaginable gore.

Indeed, the audience is sent on a roller-coaster ride of conflicting emotions from one scene to the next.

If you like your popcorn soaked in horror, this is the flick for you!

My favourite character in the film is the new-age activist who can sense when out-of-whack feng shui may pose a potential imbalance to a harmonious state or adeptly quote the percentage of animal flatulence which may contribute to greenhouse gases.

In one scene, the brother ushers his prize sheep into the den and quickly bolts the door. Later, we catch a glimpse of him in his boxers taking a drag on a cigarette - at which point - the tale takes a macabre turn.

Well, we've all heard about cowboys and those seemingly endless lonely nights. Here, there's a bizarre twist that just might tickle your funny bone or make your stomach heave-ho.

Not for the squeamish or the faint of heart.

Black Sheep is headed for cult classic status.

I feel sheepish sayin' it: not baaaaaaad!