Hooray and “Hi-Keeba!” “A good cast is worth repeating!” Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s “”The Mads!” live movie riffing tour in Ashburn (a brief post)

A fantastic, entertaining and lively night of hilarious cinematic riffs were enjoyed by many fellow MSTies in the greater Washington area!

Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s “The Mads!” (a.k.a. “The Mads Are Back!”) at Alamo Drafthouse’s “One Loudoun” cinema!

Woo-Hoo! “Hi-Keeba!” Meeting with the Mads (and legends of MST3K) again! Trace Beaulieu, Chris Hamby and Frank Conniff after the Mads’ riffing of “The Tingler” at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Ashburn, Virginia (March 23, 2018)! Both Trace and Frank admired my “Mads” shirt and my “Svengoolie” buttons! An excellent evening (thank you for the after-show photograph)!

Close-up of my official “Svengoolie” (portrayed by Rich Koz) buttons that I wore with my official “Mads!” (Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff) T-shirt to Trace & Frank’s riffing of “The Tingler” (1959) at the Alamo Drafthouse in Ashburn, Virginia on March 23, 2018!

On the evening of Fri., March 23 at Alamo Drafthouse’s “One Loudoun” cinema multiplex, I attended Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s live film riffing tour showcase, “The Mads” (a.k.a. “The Mads are Back”)!

The silver screen feature that the legendary “Mads” of “Mystery Science Theater 3000” riffed on that evening was the cult classic William Castle/Columbia Pictures thriller, “The Tingler” (1959, with Vincent Price, Judith Evelyn, Darryl Hickman, Patricia Cutts, Pamela Lincoln and Philip Coolidge.

Trace & Frank also did a Sat. evening (March 24) “Mads!” performance (at the Alamo Drafthouse) of Leigh Jason’s “The Choppers” (1961, featuring Arch Hall Jr. of “Eegah!” fame, Arch Hall Sr. Robert Paget and Marianne Gaba).

This was my second time seeing Trace & Frank’s edition of “The Tingler” after seeing their Nov. 2017 riffing presentation of the aforementioned William Castle classic at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick!

Overall, this was my third time seeing Trace & Frank in person (in addition to their Weinberg and Alamo riffing showcases of “The Tingler,” I also attended their March 2017 Alamo showcase of “Walk the Dark Street”)!

Autographed photo of Trace Beaulieu as Dr. Clayton Forrester and Frank Conniff as TV’s Frank from “Mystery Science Theater 3000!” This was purchased after Trace & Frank’s “Mads” showcase (during the meet-and-greet session) of “The Tingler” (1959) at the Alamo Drafthouse in Ashburn, Virginia!  Thank you for the wonderful autographed “Mads” photo, sirs!  Woo-Hoo! “Hi-Keeba!”

I had a wonderful time seeing the masters of movie riffing and the icons of MST3K (Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff) in person again at the Alamo Drafthouse (with their Alamo Drafthouse/Ashburn presentation of “The Tingler”)!  Thank you for the after-show meet and greet photo session and the autographed “Mads” photo (highly appreciated, sirs)!  Keep up the good work!

And thank you to my parents (as this was originally considered as a surprise Birthday present back in Jan. 2018, the ticket was then purchased in late Feb.)!  This was one of the best Birthday presents that I received!

And to all fellow MSTies from coast-to-coast who are going to see Trace & Frank’s “The Mads!” live coast-to-coast movie riffing shows again and to those who are attending a “Mads” show for the first time (during their 2018 tour schedule) the writer of “Silver Screen Reflections” salutes you! 

Kudos to Trace, Frank and all fellow MSTies everywhere!  “Hi-Keeba!” –C.H.

“Movie Sign!” Trace Beaulieu & Frank Conniff are coming back to the Washington area with “The Mads!” live movie riffing tour showcase

Fellow fans of “Mystery Science Theater 3000” in the greater Washington area are jumping for joy about the return of two masters of movie riffing!

Trace Beaulieu (as Dr. Clayton Forrester) and Frank Conniff (as TV’s Frank) in “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (ep. #210, “King Dinosaur“).

Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s “The Mads!” (a.k.a. “The Mads are Back!”) live movie riffing tour showcase is returning to Alamo Drafthouse’s “One Loudoun” cinema!

MST3K icons and veteran comedians Trace Beaulieu (who portrayed mad scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester and the first voice of Crow T. Robot) and Frank Conniff (who portrayed mad scientist “TV’s Frank”) are coming back to the Washington area with “The Mads!” live movie riffing tour showcase for two nights at the Alamo Drafthouse “One Loudoun” cinema on Fri., March 23 and Sat., March 24 at 7 p.m. 

Trace and Frank will be performing two different individual movie riffing showcases with different feature films (the films that will be riffed for their performances have not been disclosed).  The Mads will also have a meet-and-greet/autograph/photograph session after each show.

“Svengoolie” to showcase “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals throughout the land will be looking forward to an iconic 1957 sci-fi thriller feature from Universal Studios.

“Svengoolie” presents: “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957)

Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical trailer for “The Incredible Shrinking Man.”

1957 Universal Studios lobby card art for “The Incredible Shrinking Man.”

The iconic Chicago/Berwyn-based horror film host will showcase “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957), this Sat., Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“The Incredible Shrinking Man” was directed by veteran Universal Studios film director Jack Arnold, who was also known for his work on “It Came from Outer Space” (1953), “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954) and “Tarantula” (1955).  The screenplay was adapted from Richard Matheson’s 1956 science fiction novel, “The Shrinking Man” (according to IMDB, Matheson also wrote the screenplay for Arnold’s film).

This will mark Sven’s fourth showing of Jack Arnold’s 1957 Universal Studios sci-fi feature on Me-TV.  He had previously shown “The Incredible Shrinking Man” back in May 2011, Oct. 2014 and May 2016.

Who was in “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957)?

The players who appeared in Arnold’s 1957 film were Grant Williams (as Scott Carey), Randy Stuart (Louise Carey), April Kent (as Clarice), Paul Langton (as Charlie Carey), Raymond Bailey (as Dr. Thomas Silver), William Schallert (as Dr. Arthur Bramson), Billy Curtis (as a little person), Frank J. Scannell (as a Barker), Diana Darrin (as a Nurse), Helene Marshall (as a Nurse) and Orangey the cat (in an uncredited role as Butch the cat).

“A good cast is worth repeating!” Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s “The Mads Are Back” live movie riffing tour in Frederick (a brief post)

A fun, lively, entertaining and hilarious afternoon of silver screen riffs were enjoyed by many fellow MSTies in the Frederick area!

Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s “The Mads Are Back!” at the Weinberg Center for the Arts!

Mr. Hamby meets the Mads of MST3K! Trace Beaulieu, Chris Hamby and Frank Conniff; taken after the Mads’ afternoon show at the Weinberg Center For the Arts in Frederick, Maryland on Sat., Nov. 18, 2017! Both Trace and Frank admired my official “Svengoolie” “official chicken thrower” T-shirt! Several fellow attendees of Trace and Frank’s “The Mads are Back” show also recognized the iconic Sven T-shirt!  Woo-Hoo! Hooray! “Hi-Keeba!”

On the afternoon of Sat., Nov. 18 at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, Maryland; I got to experience Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s live movie riffing touring show, “The Mads Are Back!”  The legendary “Mystery Science Theater 3000” alums’ Frederick performance was their 100^th touring appearance.

Second anniversary of “Silver Screen Reflections:” A Brief Post

The iconic photograph that was seen by many fellow SvenPals on Svengoolie and Kerwyn’s “mail call” segment (during Sven’s telecast of “Calling Dr. Death on Me-TV back at the end of July)!  Kudos to Sven and Kerwyn)!

Sept. 27, 2015 (Ed. note from the writer): “Silver Screen Reflections” was originally launched as a blog for my online journalism class at Hood College.  Since then, I have had many interesting and fun experiences related to the world of classic (and cult) cinema, revival screenings of classic motion pictures, Svengoolie, Turner Classic Movies Shout! Factory/Shout! Factory TV, Mystery Science Theater 3000, The Mads and RiffTrax (just to name a few).

Around the same time that “Silver Screen Reflections” went into operation, I officially joined  Twitter. Over the years, I have made many wonderful friends of the matinee with fellow Svengoolie SvenPals, MST3K MSTies. Turner Classic Movies/TCM Party fans and classic film aficionados throughout the nation!

Flashback (two years before “Silver Screen Reflections”): Your mild-mannered reporter is standing next to two vintage Simplex X-L projectors at the Weinberg Center for the Arts (the former Tivoli Cinema) in Frederick, Maryland.

“But wait, there’s more!”

There will be more in store on “Silver Screen Reflections,” including my weekly Tue. post on Sven’s upcoming Sat. horror/sci-fi film selection on Me-TV, an upcoming RiffTrax presentation in late October and MST3K alums Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s live Nov. appearance at the Weinberg Center For the Arts (“The Mads are Back”)!

Most important of all, I would like to thank all my fellow SvenPals, MSTie pals, Hood College alums and classic film enthusiasts throughout the nation for enjoying, commentating and sharing my blog posts!  Highly appreciated! 

Be on the lookout for more fun and exciting posts related to Sven’s horror showcase, MST3K, RiffTrax, The Mads, revival screenings, TCM and subjects related to classic/cult cinema in the near future on “Silver Screen Reflections!”  Peace, kudos and ‘Hi-Keeba!”

Yours Truly/All The Best,

Chris Hamby

@chrishambyfilms

Flashback (Sept. 27, 2015): The first pillar post on “Silver Screen Reflections.”  “Top 10 ways to enjoy classic film.”

Questions/Comments on “Silver Screen Reflections?”  Drop a line at the comments section!

“Movie Sign!” Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff are coming to the Frederick area with “The Mads are Back!” in Nov.

Frank Conniff (as “TV’s Frank”) and Trace Beaulieu (as “Dr. Clayton Forrester”) in “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (from Ep. #303, “Pod People”).

Fellow MSTies in Frederick will be jumping for joy when two legends from “Mystery Science Theater 3000” will make a live appearance this fall.

Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s “The Mads Are Back” live movie riffing tour showcase is coming to the Weinberg Center for the Arts!

MST3K alums and veteran comedians Trace Beaulieu (who portrayed mad scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester and was the first voice of Crow T. Robot) and Frank Conniff (who played mad scientist “TV’s Frank”) will be bringing their live movie riffing showcase, “The Mads are Back!” to the Weinberg Center for the Arts in downtown Frederick, Maryland on Sat., Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live: ‘Watch out for Snakes!’ Tour” is coming to select cities throughout the nation (July 6-Aug. 12)!

With the recent return of “Mystery Science Theater 3000” on Netflix, fellow MSTies will be excited about an upcoming nationwide MST3K live movie riffing showcase.

“Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live: ‘Watch out for Snakes!’ Tour”

An announcement was made recently on the official Mystery Science Theater 3000 site that the first nationwide touring production of MST3K will be brought to 29 major cities throughout the country.  The showcase is titled “Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live: ‘Watch out for Snakes!’ Tour” and will run from July 6-Aug. 12 in select cities.

RiffTrax Live: “Samurai Cop” to be shown in theaters on April 13 (with a pre-recorded encore on April 18)

Fellow fans of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and RiffTrax will be excited this week with an upcoming live cinematic riffing event from coast-to-coast.

It’s time for RiffTrax Live: “Samurai Cop”

RiffTrax, in association with Fathom Events and Cinema Epoch will be presenting RiffTrax Live: “Samurai Cop” in select cinema venues from coast-to-coast on Thurs., April 13 at 8 p.m. (local time).  A pre-recorded encore presentation of the RiffTrax Live event will take place on Tue., April 18 at 7:30 p.m. (local time).  The RiffTrax Live presentation will be broadcast to select theaters live via satellite from the Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee.

Featuring MST3K alums Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett, the RiffTrax crew will be riffing the 1991 Z-budget action film, “Samurai Cop.”

This hasn’t been the first time that Mike, Kevin and Bill have riffed “Samurai Cop.”  The RiffTrax crew released their rendition of the low-budget cheesy action flick in March 2016.

Robert Z’Dar appeared in two other Z-budget films that were riffed on “MST3K”

Robert Z’Dar (who played Yamashita in “Samurai Cop”) appeared in two  Z-budget films that were riffed by Mike Nelson and the bots on MST3K, “Soultaker” (episode #1001) and “Future War” (episode #1004).  Both “Soultaker” and “Future War” aired in 1999 during the show’s 10th (and final) season on the Sci-Fi Channel (now known as “Syfy”).

“Movie Sign!” Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff are coming to the Washington area with “The Mads Are Back!”

Fellow fans of MST3K in the Washington-metropolitan area will be excited when two icons will make a live appearance at the end of March.

Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff’s “The Mads are Back” live nationwide movie riffing tour is coming to the Alamo Drafthouse in Ashburn, Virginia

Frank Conniff (as “TV’s Frank”) and Trace Beaulieu (as Dr. Clayton Forrester) in “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”

“Mystery Science Theater 3000” alums and veteran comedians Trace Beaulieu (who played mad scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester and was the first voice of Crow T. Robot) and Frank Conniff (who played mad scientist “TV’s Frank” on the series) will be bringing their nationwide movie riffing show, “The Mads are Back!” to Alamo Drafthouse’s One Loudoun cinema in Ashburn, Virginia on Fri., March 31 and Sat., April 1 at 7:30 p.m.

According to the official website for “The Mads Are Back,” both performances will have two different movies (the films that they will riff have not been divulged), along with pre-show and after-show “meet and greet” appearances!

“RiffTrax Live: MST3K Reunion Show” in theaters on June 28

After the successful crowdsourcing relaunch of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” fellow MSTies will be in for a real treat this summer in select cinemas nationwide.

RiffTrax Live: MST3K Reunion Show advertisement (RiffTrax/NCM Fathom Events).

RiffTrax Live Presents: MST3K Reunion Show

RiffTrax, in conjunction with NCM Fathom Events will present a live broadcast of the MST3K reunion show in select theaters from coast-to-coast on June 28 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central (which will be tape-delayed to 7 p.m. Mountain/8 p.m. Pacific).  A re-showing of the event will occur on Tue., July 12 at 7:30 p.m. (local time). 

The live event will be broadcast via satellite from the State Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Backed through the power of Crowdsourcing

The upcoming MST3K reunion event was made possible through the use of crowdsourcing, via Kickstarter.  The RiffTrax crew met their goal in March (which also funded the recent RiffTrax showing of another iconic B-movie  that was riffed on MST3K, “Time Chasers.”

A cavalcade of MST3K stars!

According to the website for NCM Fathom Events, the event will feature many familiar faces from the series.   MST3K alums and RiffTrax founders Michael J. Nelson (second host of MST3K), Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett will appear, along with series creator (and first host of MST3K) Joel Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Mary Jo Pehl and Bridget Jones Nelson.  Jonah Ray, who will appear as the new host of MST3K (in the upcoming revival series) will also make an appearance in the live presentation.

In addition to the reunion, several vintage short subjects will be riffed!

The RiffTrax cast, along with the MST3K cast members will be riffing several vintage “campy” educational and industrial short subject films that were hilariously mocked on the show.  According to Katie Rife’s article in A.V. Club, a surprise segment called “SUPER-RIFF-A-PALOOZA!”

If you’re a fan of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” or if you’ve never seen a live RiffTrax presentation before, this is the perfect opportunity to see the masters of movie riffing and MST3K alumns on the big screen!

To all fellow “MSTies/Friends of the Matinee:” Summer greetings to all readers of “Silver Screen Reflections!”  Watch an entertaining film on the big screen and do something that is fun, interesting and exciting this Summer!

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms out there from “Silver Screen Reflections.”

RiffTrax Live! MST3K Reunion Showcase 

Broadcast live via satellite in select theaters from coast-to-coast on Tue., June 28 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central (tape-delayed 7 p,m. Mountain/8 p.m. Pacific).

Re-Broadcast to theaters from coast-to-coast on  Tue., July 12 at 7:30 p.m. (local time)*. 

Though the live event will not be shown near the home office of “Silver Screen Reflections” (according to the the list of theaters on the NCM Fathom site), here are several locations throughout the Washington, D.C./Baltimore region that will be participating in the event:

Maryland:

Cinemark 24 Egyptian (Arundel Mills Mall)*

7000 Arundel Mills Circle, C-1

Hanover, MD 21076

 

Germantown 14*

20000 Century Blvd,,

Germantown, MD 20874

 

Washington, D.C.

Gallery Place 14*

701 7th St NW,

Washington, DC 20001

 

Virginia

Fairfax Towne Center 10*

4110 West Ox Road,

Suite 12110,

Fairfax, VA 22033

 

Complete List of cinemas from coast-to-coast

Information on “RiffTrax Live: Time Chasers Encore” (via Fathom Events, which will be shown on Tuesday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern)

Full-length vintage episodes of “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (watch for free, through the courtesy of Shout! Factory TV)

Take the poll:

Questions/Comments about the upcoming RiffTrax Live MST3K Reunion show? Drop a line at the comments section!