'The Buffy the Vampire Slayer Musical'
11:55 p.m. Sept. 7
$12
http://www.buffysings.com
ANN ARBOR – "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was more than just another teen television show – it was a cultural phenomenon. The musical show has played to sold-out theaters in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles and Austin. And now "The Buffy the Vampire Slayer Musical" comes to the Michigan Theater as part of a nationwide tour on Sept. 7.
Buffy fans are invited to watch the musical episode, "Once More with Feeling," on screen, surrounded by a theater filled with singing, shouting and laughing friends. Organizers stress, this is not the 1992 movie. Subtitles allow the audience to sing along with the characters. In the tradition of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and other interactive fan favorites, there will be goodie bags filled with tools for participating in the show.
Series creator Joss Whedon poured his heart into the surprising musical episode from "Buffy's" sixth season. He composed all the songs, each catered to the cast's strengths, and extended the show to cram in more music. It was shot in theatrical widescreen to emulate old Hollywood Cinemascope musicals.
Finger puppets are waved as monsters appear on screen, streamers pour over the audience during a "climactic" moment, kazoos blow, vampire teeth are worn, people dance with their dry cleaning, and the audience boos the baddies, hoots at hottie vamp Spike, and implores Buffy's little sister Dawn to just "shut up!" And of course – evil bunnies! It all happens live in big screen glory.
Before the film, see a rollicking pre-show filled with fan-made videos, "Buffy" trivia, and a favorite … a Buffy-oke contest, where viewers can show off their own acting skills (we dare you to out brood Angel).
The touring musical production does not feature the live cast. Rather, the whole audience is part of the show and costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $12 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 3 online at TicketWeb.com.
For more information on the show and The Michigan Theater, visit http://michtheater.org or http://www.buffysings.com.
