‘Merry Riffmas’ set at Revival House Dec. 15
Mystery Science Theater 3000 was a comet of cult comedy for fans of cinematic calamities. The Revival House is also devoted to showcasing films that they categorize as "accidentally awesome," with a series they call Pain Don't Hurt.
On Thursday, Dec. 15, they want to smear a little holiday cheer around by showcasing an all-holiday shorts extravaganza with the warped humor of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 gang in "Merry Riff-mas," featuring four hand-picked shorts, an audience sing-along, delicious items with a holiday flair, an art show and prizes for the ugliest Christmas sweaters in the audience.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. at Milton Theatre. Attendees should don their ugliest Christmas sweaters for a chance to win specially selected prizes.
For the uninitiated, Mystery Science Theater 3000 was a glorious series which turned some of the worst cinematic atrocities into comedy gold with its running commentary by an array of razor-sharp comedic writers. That torch was carried to an online phenomenon known as RiffTrax, which has taken irreverent jabs at countless feature films throughout the years. And while the feature-length takes have provided immeasurable laughs, fans know it's their audio accompaniments on film shorts where their true talents shine.
On the Wall
After receiving instruction from local artist Abraxas Hudson, Lewes resident and elementary school teacher Amy Adamcik discovered her passion and talent as an artist, and she decided to devote time to creating images that capture the beauty of the coastal area. Her latest piece, "Up the River," was crafted at the request of the Pilots' Association for The Bay and River Delaware. Working primarily in graphite and oil, Adamcik will feature a number of stunning vistas that would make perfect holiday gifts for any art lover.
On the Stage
A longtime pal of the Revival House, local musician Steve Dolnack, is prepared to take to the piano to lead a group sing-along featuring classic (and perhaps not-so-classic) holiday standards. Regardless of musical ability, all are welcome to celebrate the season the Revival House way. Guests can feel free to bring an instrument and join in for some melodious merriment!
On the Screen
In working with the fine folks at RiffTrax, organizers have curated an hour-long showcase of what they feel are some of the best Christmas-themed films in their lengthy library. The shorts featured for this month's screening include:
“A Christmas Dream” - Imagine a live-action "Toy Story" created by Franz Kafka for an idea of what's in store with this wonderfully warped short that features a doll (which may or may not have murderous intentions) that comes to life in a little girl's bedroom on the eve of Christmas. OK, it doesn't, but Revival House organizers still have their eyes on the little creeper.
“Rudolph: The Red-Nosed Reindeer” - The purposefully forgotten animated version of the famous tale is turned into a classic thanks to the RiffTrax gang, who put that bulbous-nosed freak of nature in his proper place.
“A Christmas Rhapsody” - This rather shoddy short is polished by the RiffTrax gang with a running nod to the immortal Queen classic "Bohemian Rhapsody."
“Santa and the Fairy Snow Queen” - Santa's magical helpers are called Brownies, and they are led by one named Snoopy, who may be one of the most annoying ambisexual sprites since "Mr. B. Natural." Snoopy must help Santa undo a curse from the Fairy Snow Queen in which all of the toys are brought to life the day before Santa is slated to deliver them. It's a spectacle rife for riffs, and the RiffTrax crew skewers it with candy cane daggers.
On the Plate
Santa's little kitchen helper, Tapas Catering, returns to the Revival House for holiday-themed delicacies that will add digestive merriment to the affair.
Everyone is urged to come get their eggs nogged, their logs yuled and their toes mistled for an evening of hilarious shorts, hideous sweaters, stunning art, sumptuous eats and rousing renditions of holiday classics to usher in the season.
Tickets are $10, or $5 for students 17 and under as well as seniors. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, go to www.revivalhousetheater.com or www.miltontheatre.com.
