Killer Klowns from Outer Space 30th Anniversary Screening

Ricardo Montalban Theatre, Hollywood, CA

So part of Westcoaster's content base, besides theme park updates and Halloween haunted attraction reviews and travel reports and the occasional music gig, is reporting on local things to do and interesting events to do. So on that note, for people who might be into this niche, the Montalban Theatre is holding a special screening this Saturday night, May 19th, of the cult classic, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, in honor of its 30th anniversary. In addition, the soundtrack will be conducted and played live by the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, and there will even be a special appearance by the glam punk band, The Dickies, to perform the movie's theme song that they created so many years ago.

Composer John Masarri stands in front of a mural created for the event.(Photo courtesy of Giuseppe Asaro.) — Composer John Masarri stands in front of a mural created for the event.
(Photo courtesy of Giuseppe Asaro.)

This event is similar to the [insert movie or franchise here] Live concerts that the Hollywood Bowl does each summer, where movie screenings are held in conjunction with a live performance of the soundtrack. Except rather than feature a beloved cinematic classic of pop culture fame, this event features a science fiction horror comedy. So you know this will be an interesting and fun evening that won't completely take itself too seriously. In addition, there will be a Q&A with the film creators, plus circus performers, magicians, and other entertainment. It's a carnival, really! So check it out this Saturday if this strikes your fancy and get your tickets here!

From the press release:

Something Bitchin’ This Way Comes...

KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE 30th YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

A Premiere Live-to-Film Concert of The Original Cult Classic, With Live Music Performed by The Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, Conducted By The Film’s Composer John Massari

Featuring a Q&A With The Filmmakers – Including The Chiodo Brothers, John Massari, and Cast Members Grant Cramer and Suzanne Snyder
Plus Circus Performers, Magicians, Klown Kostumes, Body Art, and Fan Art Media Exhibits
And … Special Guests, The Dickies Performing Their Iconic Theme Song
Killer Klowns From Outer Space

(May 3, 2018– Los Angeles, CA) – Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Killer Klowns From Outer Space with a Bacchanalian Circus Celebration and Fan Tribute on May 19, 2018 at The Montalban Theater (1615 Vine St. Los Angeles, CA 9002, tickets at http://bit.ly/2GmJmnU).

America’s fascination with Killer Klowns From Outer Space began on screen in 1988, as a group of clown-like aliens land their trans-dimensional space ship and terrorize a small American town. The film has achieved cult status with its clever blend of horror, science fiction and comedy.

(Event poster courtesy of the event organizers.)

“Clowns can be frightening, bizarre and terrifying. We took that primordial fear and put it in a Sci-Fi movie,” explained composer John Massari. “You have something that should make you happy and laugh, but now it will kill and eat you and… it’s from outer space! Who would have dreamed of this? That’s the craziest idea in the world.” Over time the film has earned generations of fans – many of whom Massari has connected with both through social media and at conventions leading him to create this special celebration of all things Killer Klowns.

For the 30th Anniversary, Massari has created a three-ring Sci-Fi/Horror celebration, reuniting an amazing line-up of special guests, including the film’s creators, the Chiodo Brothers, musical guests The Dickies, stars Grant Cramer and Suzanne Snyder.

At 6PM, the Kosmic Klown circus celebration will begin with stilt walkers, balloon folding artist Buster Balloon Cadwell, contortionist Bonnie Morgan, plus fortune tellers, strong men and women, magicians, body art, fan arts and crafts, and of course the Killer Klowns. There will be a pre-show Q&A at 7PM featuring Stephen Chiodo (writer/director), Charles Chiodo (writer/art director), Edward Chiodo (writer/producer), Grant Cramer (Mike Tobacco), Suzanne Snyder (Debbie Stone), members of The Dickies, and composer John Massari, moderated by Jim Branscome of Cinematic Void.

Following the Q&A, at 8PM, the film will be screened with it’s original musical score performed live by The Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Massari. LA's very own original punk rockers, The Dickies, will perform their enduring classic Killer Klowns From Outer Space theme song.

Stephen Chiodo declares, “Whoopdee God Damned De Do!! What a fantastic way to celebrate a 30 year anniversary surrounded by fans, John’s incredible score and the Dickies.”

Varèse Sarabande Records will be releasing a new recording of the soundtrack on CD and LP, available for sale at the concert. The album features the original score performed by members of The Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, with new orchestrations by Massari and Bernhard Eder. The Dickies recorded a BRAND NEW version of the film’s theme song featuring an extra creepy intro followed by their signature pure punk energized sound.

“For 30 years, love and loyalty from fans the world over made this extraordinary movie a beloved cult classic,” said Massari. “This event is our way to celebrate Killer Klowns From Outer Space directly with these fans.”

ABOUT JOHN MASSARI

Composer John Massari’s musical imprint has been all over film and television for the past 30 years. It all started with a triple feature at a movie theater when he was six, which taught John that “music is like magic – it can transform you in ways that are indescribable”.

After studying at UCLA, John worked for and was mentored by David Rose, Jerry Fielding and later Mark Snow. John began composing for television, first at Hanna-Barbara working on some of their classic cartoons like JONNY QUEST, THE SMURFS, and RICHIE RICH, and later at Walt Disney Studios working on THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY. For almost 10 years, he composed music for one of HBO’s first original series, THE RAY BRADBURY THEATER.

While working on THE RAY BRADBURY THEATER, John was invited to audition to compose music for what would be the movie he is best known for, the 1988 cult classic KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE. This May 2018 will be the 30th anniversary of the release of KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE – John will be headlining a special celebration of the film with a live-to-film concert of the score.

John has created music for iconic brands such as Disney, HBO, MGM and Sony Pictures, composed for a number of TV series, made-for-TV movies and worked extensively with Sparkhill Productions on documentary features about epic Hollywood films and legendary performers. His upcoming projects include the comedy/horror film CHEROKEE CREEK, indie film CRUEL HEARTS, and the feature length VR film JESUS VR: THE STORY OF CHRIST. His music continues to be heard on TV shows like THE DR. OZ SHOW and MY CRAZY EX.