TAMPA, FL: HEATSTROKES AND UNWORTHY HEIRS
Posted by terrance | Filed under Repo Shadow Casts
“It’s too damn sultry in here”, momma growled, just moments before I threw her off of that moving train. She must’ve been talking about Tampa. It’s late Thursday night, hours after the sun’s gone down, yet it remains hot and muggy in Florida.
Darren Smith (REPO! The Genetic Opera’s co-creator) and I are in the Sunshine State for the weekend. We’re guests of Tampa’s REPO! shadowcast, “Unworthy Heirs”. Their inaugural performance is on Saturday and they have quite a show planned, which includes an appearance by REPO! actor and Florida local, J. LaRose (GeneCo’s News Reporter).
June 11-15, 2009.
Two of REPO!’s most prominent online community members, KrisB (host of REPO! Radio) and Raven (“EtherealSirene”) are the organizers and sponsors of this weekend’s events. They’ve been busting their humps for weeks, rehearsing the “Heirs” and arranging Darren’s and my travels. They’ve even rented a minivan to drive us around – wheels to leave your soccer mom’s panties dripping!
From the moment I climb aboard this one-carseat-away-from-a-crimescene caravan, I am thrust into a weekend of humidity, and of REPO! rowdiness: in-depth discussions are held about strong-arming Hallmark into releasing greeting cards that, when opened, play REPO! tunes. This is peppered in between talks of staging costumed stunts involving monument rape (imagine someone in a Repo Man helmet dry-humping Lady Liberty’s big toe, then dashing off before Five-O arrives). This is followed by brainstorming a re-imagining of REPO!’s “Thankless Job” scene with Jesus as Repo Man’s victim. Trapped inside this minivan, either the Florida heat is getting to us, or REPO! people are just stark raving mad.
I’m also subjected to spontaneous public singing. Lots of it. Before the performance, Darren and I are treated to a cast meet ‘n’ greet at a crowded restaurant with the Unworthy Heirs. They do more singing than eating. The singing isn’t always “worthy”, so it’s awkward at times, but it’s refreshing to sit amongst such an uninhibited group. It’s also refreshing (and flattering) to see how well this seemingly diverse gang of 30 or so performers gets along, bonding over REPO!.
There are minors and adults. There are veteran stage actors and first-time performers. There are mothers and daughters in the cast together, including a young GENtern, Troix (“Nurse Novocain”), and her single mother playing Single Mother, Melissa.
Wacky and irreverent antics continue as we make our way into Channelside Cinemas for Unworthy Heir’s pre-show activities. There, I decide it’d be novel to plant a big, sloppy wet kiss on the mouth of a young woman dressed as me…well, as GraveRobber. Her name is Kristin (“PsychoPharaoh”). She’s hot—aside from the glued-on chest hair—so it seems like a swell idea…that is, until it’s pointed out to me that, in the spirit of equality, everyone dressed as GraveRobber should receive equal “face time”. Sadly, all of the other GraveRobbers have real chest hair.
The good news: it’s not just GraveRobbers who have come dressed for the party, but a whole assortment of folks in fan-made REPO!-inspired costumes. In fact, members from two other Florida shadowcasts are in attendance tonight: Orlando’s “The Keyboard Samurai” and Fort Lauderdale’s “Midnight Cinema”. There are also cast members from Atlanta’s “21st Century’s Cure” in the house. All of the casts take photos together, laughing, having a great time, sharing their support for each other and their mutual love for REPO! This is what the spirit of REPO! The Genetic Opera is all about!
I should point out that for the entire two-and-a-half hours that I sign autographs and take photos with fans, seated directly beside me is a young man dressed as the popcorn-pecking ChickenMan from REPO!’s Sanitarium Square scene. Beside him: an armed Henchgirl. At the other side of the room: a make-up chair where Shadow Pavi is being fitted into his impressive prosthetic mask. In the middle of all of this: a massive line of REPO! fans who seem to be having a great time, unaffected by the sweltering heat inside of this room without air conditioning. Yes, mother, it is too damn sultry in here.
After a few unplanned complications—like the 35mm film print not arriving—a DVD projector is cued-up and the screening/live shadow-casting begins. There are a lot of technical difficulties, but there’s also a lot of magic happening on stage, like a smart, well-blocked Shadow “Infected” where five different Shadow Shilos approximate the multiple camera angles used in the movie. There are also some standout performers, like the insanely energetic Shadow Luigi, Sam (“RiffLargo”), the versatile Miranda, who is stunning as both Dead Marni and a GENtern, and virgin performer, KrisB, who dons a white wig and cane (and gold dildo, in one scene!) to play Rotti.
The Heirs throw in plenty of great behind-the-scenes nods as well, like Shadow Shilo performing Alexa Vega’s “My Humps” dance, and Shadow GraveRobber being bound and gagged by Shadow Repo Man—a reference to a scene from an old version of REPO!’s stage play.
Speaking of REPO! stage play references: Maria (“crystallinepeaches”), who’s traveled from Reno, Nevada to attend tonight’s performance, is dressed in an outfit resembling my 2002 stage play GraveRobber costume, replete with a Henry: Portrait of Serial Killer t-shirt and buckets of face-glitter. Another fellow in the audience has come dressed as 2002 stage play Repo Man.
There are also several kickass REPO!-themed tattoos on display in Tampa: a REPO! scalpel necklace with the words “I Remember; I dismember”, a Z-gun with “Addicted To The Knife” text, 2 intersecting Repo Man scalpels, and “Chase The Morning” written in German.
Following the screening, I join a small group of folks on a beach outing where we swim in the Gulf. Christ, even the water’s hot here! The “hottest” part of the Tampa weekend, however, is the news that the theatre’s manager wants to have REPO! screen at Channelside Cinemas on a regular basis. Testify!
ShareThis
June 16th, 2009 at 11:37 am
For a big wet kiss, I would also dress as whatever you wanted. . . Or we could go for coffee and chat. Either would be amazing.
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
“a make-up chair where Shadow Pavi is being fitted into his impressive prosthetic mask” just like in the movie this scene, this image stops me COLD!! you men who made this movie have no idea what that tiny scene does to a chick…wishing i could be 10 out of 9…(your pics show a pretty impressive pavi!)
or a costumed graverobber with fake hair on my chest.
kudos terrance!
“the singing isnt always worthy” MAN you are gifted!
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Thanks for coming out Terrance! It was definitely an honor to be a Shadow Rotti for you and Darren.
Miss you already (the White Queeeeeeeeeen) *bug eyes* LOL
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
It was amazing meeting you, and Midnight Cinema truly appreciates the recognition of our presence! we hope to see you sometime down here in Fort Lauderdale, and We’ll do our best to have genterns follow you around with fans and palm fronds to keep you nice and chilly!
~much REPO! love!
~~Morgan! (betcha can’t remember my real name!) =^.6=
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Very cool write up… AC should be mandatory in any enclosed space in FL in my opinion. It was Awesome Getting the Florida Casts Together for the Pictures thanks a bunch had a blast…
Cheers
Wolf
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
OH OH! and i forgot!
thanks for posting the pic with Midnight Cinema and Keyboard Samurai, jointly known as Midnight Samurai, joint Repo Shadowcast! =) hehe, thats me, front and center as Amber!
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Despite the humidity, sounds like everyone had an AMAZING time in Tampa
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Monument rape and spontaneous public singing, sweet! Sounds like a good time was had by all- glad to hear that they want Repo there on a regular basis as well=D <3
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
It was awesome to see you there! The gold dildo had me rolling in the aisle! Sorry about the humidity, it’s the curse of living in FL. Hope we get to see you again soon!
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
[...] Zdunich updated his blog today about his experience at the Unworthy Heirs event! Take a look. You might see some familiar [...]
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Mr Zdunich, informing everyone about the ‘big, sloppy wet kiss on the mouth’ is clearly a part of some fiendish scheme to make out with many many female GraveRobbers… and it will work dammit.
If the heat’s getting to you put ice on your wrists, neck and forehead, or find some suitably attired fans to apply it for you – there will be many volunteers. Anyway, avoid frying your brain, we’d all sorely miss it.
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
It was an honor to meet you, as well as Darren and everyone’s favorite Repo! reporter, J. Great times were had by all. I love the factor of the pic of Midnight Cinema’s props being added to this.
And again it was truly an honor to meet you and I hope sometime in the future you can make it back down to FL. But I promise we shall provide you with copious amount of central air conditioning.
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
If you’re so hot, then might I suggest the antidote? “In the Cold, Cold Night,” on ELEPHANT.
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Terrance,
It was wonderful to have finally met you (you signed my faux-Movie Maker case, as well as my wife’s bathing suit), and for the recognition of Keyboard Samurai’s presence at the show. Our cast had a blast between the show itself and getting to raise hell in Tampa Repo style with Midnight Cinema afterwards (we took over Hooters, ^_^).
We all look forward to seeing you the next time your in Florida.
Eternally Supportive,
The Ficus
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Terrance,
If you ever need a woman to fan you off…
I’m your girl! Fantastic photos as always! I would love to see YOU do the Alexa Vega’s “My Humps” dance.
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Hi Terrance! It was so great getting to see you again on Saturday. Everyone had such a great time at the Unworthy Heirs event!
Thank you so much for recognizing the Keyboard Samurai and Midnight Cinema (or – as of Saturday – the Midnight Cinema).
We hope to see you again sometime soon!
Love you!
- Sam
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Oh man! Sounds like I missed a great time! These shadowcasts work so hard for Repo! and it reads like they are kicking some ass, gotta fucking love it
Your token rainbow haired Repo Lesbo,
Brittany aka Haunted Lez aka ATTK Paparazzi
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Terrance it was great meeting you and getting a picture with you. Thank you so much for being so nice and welcoming to every body you made my whole month.
Also I think that now you’ll have girls dressing up like Graverobber more often lol!
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Ohhh Terrance.
I can’t believe they didn’t have AC in that room. It was nasty in there. You had the bad luck of coming on probably one of the hottest days we’ve had all summer. It only gets hotter.
You should try out the gulf sometime after it’s been raining all evening. It’s still warm as blood… but a bit cooler than normal. ;]
Love the write up.
And I’m all girly giggles about seeing my Z-gun tat up there. YAY. haha.
<3
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Thank you again for coming down Terrance! You created a great write up as well. I hope there will a next time in the future.
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
When I heard that there was going to be REPO in Tampa I was surprisingly excited and annoyed. I was happy that it would be in Tampa (that part of Florida is just great, and it’s home), then annoyed when I realized that my family and I had moved from that area nearly five years ago. That being said…the movie’s got a pretty big fanbase in Las Vegas…any chance that it would come here?
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 16th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I must say I’m rather jealous.. there is never anything that exciting happening in maryland.
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 17th, 2009 at 6:08 am
ahh Mr Z– You gave the youngest Zydrate addict The thrill of her life! She has not stopped talking about u or Tampa.Pic is on the wall next to her bed..which I HAD to stop and get a frame for ON the way home.
you said to us at the Table– “little warm in here” and I replied “welcome to Fl” Yea, that’s the way it is here. I believe the heat makes us a little more insane then most
When the other 2 I took to Tampa (one being my oldest daughter) pulled the “wayne & garth” We’re not worthy on ya- the look was priceless. Glad they did it.
Only thing I am sad about is I have no pics of J Larose, truly a very nice guy! He too had a very odd look on his face when I told him the Gabster had seen the SAW movies, heheh–
Till our paths meet again
PLZ Stay Twisted!
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 17th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Haha, sounds like good fun.
I love that you left out “And Peaches beat me repetitively with a shoe..”
Miss you, T.
Come visit, damnit!
-Rachel
PS: Yes, EVEN the water on the gulf coast is kinda hot… and holy fuck salty!
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 17th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Ah! Sounds like fun! Im stuck in California and can see the other performances (other than youtube), but the Zaddicts and ATTacK are really good. ^_^
(the anti-spam word is “dan”; this makes me laugh. )
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 17th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Was great getting a chance to see you again. A few more shots of the event can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vallanced/sets/72157619668448595/
and here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vallanced/sets/72157619668857099/
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 18th, 2009 at 2:10 am
Do unsalted nuts make your momma choke?
…I HAD to!
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 20th, 2009 at 1:58 am
Hey, TZ. Really enjoyed seeing you in Tampa. I was the one dressed as the stage play Repo Man, glad you enjoyed the outfit! Just remember what you said on the hat, “Darkman and Dr. Giggles meet only on special occasions.” lol
Andy (aka BlindSigma)
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 20th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Its so hot in Florida cause I’m here :]
It was awesome to meet you, thanks for comming out.
This was a great break from seeing RHPS over and over. I have I feeling I’ll be returning to see repo! over and over
PTFB…. Gold Dildo.
That was halarious >__<
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 20th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Hey Terrance,
Thanks for making an appearance at the show! I have to find a new Greatest Rage knife now (as the one I have is currently autographed and on display in my office).
Thanks again for the shoutout. Can’t wait to check out The Molting when it hits the market!
If our paths meet again…. I’ll have probably thought of a better closing phrase,
-Sam
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 20th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Haha, I think every girl here wants to know who that girl was and secretly (if not publicly) wishes they were her. Sadly, I live in nor cal, land of nothing ever happening!! except walking, theres a lot of that. Still trying to find a Repo! Shadow Cast up here, it would brighten up my boring summer.
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 21st, 2009 at 6:05 am
The girl with the Chase-the-morning-tattoo should have checked the translation with a native speaker. Looks great – but the German is totally fucked up. No offense.
Why aren´t there Repo-events across Good-Old-Europe? Would be great to see something here!
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Hi, this is a little bit an offtopic.
) and i’ve watched the film a few days ago.
I’m from Russia (sorry for my English
It’s really cool, one of the best things i’ve ever watched. I want to thank you for your work. You are a gifted person. Music, lirics and art are amasing, and the Grave Robber now is one of the favouritest character for me.
I wish you every success!
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 24th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I’d say come visit Michigan but it would be a lie to say the weather is any better. This week is 90s and disgusting humidity. >_<
BUT! Perfect weather to go inside and watch Repo! a few more times.
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 24th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
“Shadow GraveRobber being bound and gagged by Shadow Repo Man—a reference to a scene from an old version of REPO!’s stage play.”
Ooooooo…Graverobber bondage. Must see.
----------------------------------------------------------------
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I was recently introduced to Repo… Only this past week actually and I just can’t stop watching! I have already shown it to three people and have talked with many people at work about seeing it. It has become a new love for me.
When I saw this blog i thought… DAMN! Why hadn’t anyone introduced this to me sooner… i could have been there since I live just across the bay in St. Pete. Perhaps next time I can catch you if you come back to the area.
As for people randomly breaking out into song… you mean no one else does that??? Are we the only ones???
You have yet to feel the heat of Florida… August… around 3pm… after a rain shower and hour previous… in Orlando with no sea breeze… hot as balls!!!
Come out to Disney and we will play!
----------------------------------------------------------------
July 24th, 2009 at 2:16 am
Awww, that poor girl with the grammatically incorrect tattoo….it´s “Jagen sie DEN Morgen”, not “dem”…now she has this phrase on her back for the rest of her life.
----------------------------------------------------------------