Horror show brings a taste of terror to town

• By LISA TRAMONTANA
• News Features Staff Writer
• Published: Oct 9, 2009

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Charles Band wasn’t like most children. For one thing, he wasn’t frightened by blood and gore, monsters, homicidal puppets, haunted houses or creepy dolls that come to life.

No, he was fascinated.

Frankenstein, the Wolfman,  Dracula … the scarier, the better.

“My father was a movie producer and I practically grew up on set,” Band said, “so that had a lot to do with it. And it wasn’t just horror films that appealed to me. I loved movies like Sinbad and Jason and the Argonauts. So I was drawn to science fiction and fantasy, too.”

Not surprisingly, Band grew up to be a prolific horror film director with 300 films to his credit. He is best known for his Puppetmaster series, and has worked with actors such as Demi Moore, Kelly Preston and Gary Busey.

 Now, he has created a one-of-a-kind show that will be presented at the Manship Theatre tonight (Friday, Oct. 9). The Full Moon Horror Road Show 2009 is hard to describe, but let’s just say the ringmaster of this wild and weird old-time variety show prefers that visitors be age 18 or older.

A checklist of props might be a good way to illustrate the show. Guillotine? Check. Electric chair? Check. Murderous dolls? Check. Knife-wielding gingerbread man? Check.

“The truth is that it’s 90 percent humor,” said Band. “There’s  a lot of audience interaction and a good deal of role playing ... you know, the hero, the monster, the damsel in distress, and of course, the Full Moon universe of creepy characters, dolls, trolls and puppets.”

It was five years ago that Band went on the road. “It was like a rock and roll band, you know? People were saying I should show my film clips, share my stories (I’ve worked with a lot of crazy people on my films) and create an act. So I did. And the fans just came out of the woodwork. There were also a lot of young, creative people who wanted to learn about filmmaking or acting. It turned out to be a big success and our audiences just loved it. It’s not a lecture. It’s unique. It’s funny. It’s cool.”

So if you’re looking for something truly different, check out  this demented diversion. Clips from the show are available on Band’s website, http://www.fullmoondirect.com.