HOW TO GO
What: The 18th Annual Horrorama
Where: Englewood Cinemas, 320 W. National Road, Englewood
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. Doors open around 6 p.m.
Cost: $10 in advance, $12 the day of the show
More info: 937-836-0805 or www.facebook.com/horroramadayton
From Frankenstein’s monster to Italian zombies, creature features from the late 20th century are the focus of the fright-filled Horrorama movie marathon. The 18th annual event returns to Englewood Cinemas on Friday, Oct. 24.
“Some years we do a theme,” said Juliet Fromholt, who co-organizes Horrorama with Matt Brassfield and Rick Martin. “Last year was super zombie heavy with the whole Romero trilogy but some years are just a grab bag, which is the model we went back to this year. It’s very diverse. We’re pulling from different horror genres and different eras. We like to really mix it up but they all have a strong monster presence.”
This year’s films are “Bride of Re-Animator” (1990), “Hell of the Living Dead” (1980), “Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell” (1974) and “Rawhead Rex” (1986).
“Of course, we have to get zombies in there somewhere so we have ‘Hell of the Living Dead,’ ” Fromholt said. “We showed ‘Re-Animator’ two years ago. That’s one of Rick’s favorites and now we’re doing the sequel. ‘Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell’ is a Hammer film and that’s one of Matt’s all-time favorites.”
Horrorama offers much more than scary flicks. Prizes will be awarded during the annual costume contest, short films, trailers and video snippets will be screened between features and hosts A Ghastlee Ghoul and Baron Von Porkchop will keep the festivities lively.
“We have the four main movies but then there’s other fun stuff too,” Fromholt said. “Ghastlee hosted last year and it was wonderful. He does such a great job. He put together some stuff that even surprised us. Baron Von Porkchop will have a presence there too. He’ll be hosting a surprise short film at some point in the evening.”
According to Fromholt, Horrorama attendance is on the rise.
“Last year, we had record attendance in the five years I’ve been involved,” she said. “While we do have this loyal crowd that’s been coming every year, I’ve been so psyched about how many new people are still discovering Horrorama 18 years later. And it’s a fun, welcoming crowd.”
“For some people, Horrorama is the only time of year they see each other,” Fromholt said. “It’s such a fun, family atmosphere. If people are into horror and Halloween and they want to get to know part of the local community that’s really into that, this is a really good event for making friends.”
Of course, it’s not all about fun, friends and frights. Since it began in 1996, Horrorama has been a charity event. This year’s recipient is All Creatures Great and Small Emergency Pet Food Bank.
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