RiffTrax tackles the holiday season in new live track at Athena Grand with Santa Claus
While some may be experiencing nausea and headaches of the holiday season, RiffTrax is here to make the yuletide season a little more bearable. For RiffTrax, in association with the Athena Grand and Fathom Events, will host a live, one-night-only broadcast parody of the 1959 Mexican Christmas flop Santa Claus at 8 p.m. on Thursday night.
“I think the writers and actors do a great job at poking fun of these otherwise bad movies,” said Rick Frame, manager of the Athena Grand. “You know coming in that, it's going to be all laughs.”
The theater usually brings an average of 75-100 patrons to these screenings, as there are a number of Mystery Science Theater 3000 fans in the area. But Frame believes this screening will bring even more people to the theater.
“This time of the year can get quite stressful, and this is a good time to check out of all your problems,” he said.
While making fun of bad Christmas movies is nothing new for riffers Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett, fans typically find some of the groups best material comes from their ripping apart of ho-ho-horrible movies. Among their most popular is their parody of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.
“Quite simply, RiffTrax appeals to audiences because it is hilarious,” said John Rubey, CEO of Fathom Events. “And, beyond being humorous, the content — and the creators — are extremely clever. Everybody loves a good laugh, which is why they keep coming back. Our longstanding partnership with RiffTrax is extremely successful, and their take on Santa Claus will be no exception.”
Rubey also believes the live-performances adds “an extra dynamic” to the show, giving the audience “the sense that anything can happen.”
“With a live audience comes infectious laughter, and a live energy seems to give Mike, Kevin and Bill an extra charge,” he said. “Because it’s live, the guys are put on the spot, and lots of improvising and hilarity ensues.”
Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president at Fathom Events, says this will be the 14th collaboration Fathom and RiffTrax have shared together. Even still, they are just as willing to push their comedy to as wide an audience as possible.
“It’s the season for giving, and RiffTrax will be gifting loads of laughter this holiday season with their take on Santa Claus,” Maxwell said.
Whichever holiday you share this season, everyone seems to agree laughter is something that can be shared by all.
“Audiences should expect everything from a small chuckle to seeing fellow moviegoers rolling on the floor laughing,” Rubey said. “It’s a great opportunity to be among fellow RiffTrax fans and see the RiffTrax crew live from the comfort of your home movie theater.”
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