Review Fix chats with Jay Michaels, co-producer of the event and director of “The Monster Seated Next to Me,†one of the entries in the evening of terror plays, “Things That Go Bump in the Night†at The Kraine Theater, 85 East 4th Street, NYC on Oct. 29, 30. Michaels has been a fan of the macabre since childhood. His favorite works in the theater are of this genre.
For more information on the show, click here.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for the production?
Jay Michaels: Hammer Films and Greek Tragedy (how’s that for a juxtaposition!) There are no secrets in my play. The audience meets the two characters and, from the start, is aware of the outcome. It’s the journey that they relish. Hammer Films relied on atmosphere more than anything (even though they’re famous for more overt effects) I want the audience to enjoy the creepiness of my piece. And like the best of Greek tragedies – you know what’s going to happen. When and how… there’s the rub!
Review Fix: What things have influenced your creativity in terms of horror over the course of your life?
Michaels: The Masters of the Genre, Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing. These classically trained actors elevated the genre to an art-form. The aire of sophistication they gave to their monsters; the attention they – as actors – gave to these characters; and even the hint of private joke they shared with an audience (like “shhhhhh, don’t tell them I’m a monsterâ€) is absolutely intoxicating. I met Peter Cushing decades ago and he was the most gracious man.
Review Fix: What makes your production different from the other ones featured?
Michaels: I do not plan on using any effects – no blood, fangs, scary lighting, etc… Let the terror come from within. Again like a Greek tragedy. You know the end…
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of the entire night?
Michaels: Glorious. I’m a devout horror aficionado. I’ve done horror movies, macabre plays, even eerie radio plays, so to bury myself in an entire night of it … it’s like being a kid again.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy this production the most?
Michaels: Everyone. There are three vampire tales, two UFOs, a demon, a ghost story… each has a touch of Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Tales from the Crypt… AND we have monster trivia raffles and contests with groovy vintage prizes from Joe Koch’s Warehouse of Wonder (www.kochcomics.com), five singing horror hosts. Something for everyone’s tastes.
Review Fix: How do you want your show to be remembered?
Michaels: As a conduit to the good old days. If our audience can walk out remembering their scariest movie experience or the time they meet some movie actor, or staying up late to watch Twilight Zone or Outer Limits then we’ve succeeded
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for your show?
Michaels: To fill every seat with folk ready to scream and laugh … and come back for more.
Leave a Reply