Sci-Fest LA Returns in May with Plays by Clive Barker, Neil Gaiman, and More
Debi Moore
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While we of course love movies and TV shows, there’s nothing like the chill you can get from live horror stage plays, so when we learned the third annual Sci-Fest LA will be kicking in early May, once again featuring the works of Clive Barker and Neil Gaiman, we thought we’d share the news with those of you who live in or around Los Angeles, CA.
From the Press Release:
Sci-Fest LA, the Los Angeles Science Fiction One-Act Play Festival, returns for the third year to Hollywood’s Acme Theatre (135 N. LaBrea Ave.) from May 5-29, 2016.
Co-founded by veteran theatre producers Michael Blaha and Lee Costello and actor David Dean Bottrell (“Mad Men,” “Boston Legal”), Sci-Fest LA: The Los Angeles Science Fiction One-Act Play Festival debuted in May of 2014 to sold-out houses and critical acclaim with NPR describing is as “a chilling freakout,” and LA Weekly saying it’s “a nod to the storytelling tradition that live theater embodies so well… science fiction is no longer a stranger to LA stages.”
For the third amazing year, Sci-Fest will transport audiences to undiscovered dimensions. The 2016 lineup of mini-masterpieces includes pieces written by legendary musician Janis Ian, esteemed author Neil Gaiman, and master of horror Clive Barker, among others, and directed by acclaimed theatre and television director Gloria Muzio.
Sci-Fest LA’s mission is to produce an annual festival of new, beautifully realized, visually compelling one-act plays featuring many well-known actors from beloved sci-fi and fantasy franchises and to create new sci-fi-themed literature and entertainment.
Bottrell recognizes that much of the success of the festival is also due largely in part to the cultural heritage that the sci-fi genre holds in LA. “I think a big part of why we sell out is that LA has such a rich sci-fi history. It’s not only the hometown of Ray Bradbury, but it was LA’s TV and film industry that transformed sci-fi from pulp to the billion dollar global industry it is today. We love celebrating that heritage every year.”
Tickets go on sale for $26 each starting April 7 through May 29, 2016, and can be purchased through the festival’s website. For more information visit sci-fest.com.
The full lineup of 2016 featured shows is as follows:
A Midnight Clear by Michael J. Himstedt
A divorced man’s attempt to share Christmas with his estranged son is thwarted by sinister, otherworldly forces.
Arrival by Spencer Green
Stranded for decades between dimensions, a desperately lonely astronaut suddenly has a surprise guest.
Certain Unexplainable Events by Cody Daigle
Three troubled teenagers have very different accounts of the night their friend disappeared.
Love Life Alpha by Nathan Wellman
A young couple find it tough to mend their damaged relationship under the constant, watchful eye of “Alpha.”
Prayerville by Janis Ian, Adapted by Lisa Beth Koveetz
A futuristic tale of love, honor and unwanted duty played in a distant, war-torn galaxy. Based on the short story by the iconic singer-composer of “At Seventeen.”
Randomized Skin by Chuck Armstrong & Charlie Stockman
A trio of quirky aliens fiercely interrogate a captive astronaut, determined to get answers to their questions about humanity.
Shoggoth’s Old Peculiar by Neil Gaiman, Adapted by Michael Bernard
A naïve American student stumbles onto a creepy, uncharted seaside village that hides a terrifying secret. Literary legend Neil Gaiman’s chilling homage to the work of Lovecraft.
Winged Cupid, Painted Blind by Rob Hollocks
The love between two married scientists is put to the ultimate test when they are trapped in a deadly race against time.
The Yattering and Jack by Clive Barker; Adapted by Matt Murray
Despite his best demonic efforts, a “Yattering” dispatched from Hell cannot seem to break the spirit of his designated victim. Based on the classic short story by one of sci-fi and fantasy’s grandmasters.
Zebulon’s Calling by John P. Dowgin
A seemingly chance encounter between two strangers unleashes unexpected calamity.
THE GREEN SCREEN:
In addition to the plays, this year Sci-Fest introduces “Green Screen,” a new program designed to showcase innovative sci-fi-themed screenplays and TV pilots currently in development. All scripts will be read aloud by professional actors in front of a festival audience, followed by a brief Q&A. Admission: $10 suggested donation at the door.
Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 7:00 PM – THE PILOT
Screenwriter: James Darling. Producer: John Ramos
Based on the fantastically entertaining (and true) story of Gene Roddenberry’s last ditch effort to save his floundering TV career with an ambitious sci-fi pilot, while also juggling rocky relationships with his current wife, his future wife, his mistress, and his new boss, Lucille Ball.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 8:00 PM – LAST BREATH
Screenwriter: Paul J. Salamoff. Producer: Rob Hollocks
Classic horror gets a deadly new twist when a desperately lonely teenage girl becomes the lone survivor of a terrible ritual, only be relentlessly haunted by the furious avenging spirits of those who did not survive.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 8 PM – TRICK OF THE LIGHT
Screenwriter: Stephen Smoke. Producer: Ken Hanada
The metaphysical meets film noir when the gorgeous Valerie Tyrell hires Private Detective Nick Sands to help her find God because “If God is everywhere, this oughta be a piece of cake.”
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