About the Buffy Musical
As of October 2007, the Buffy Sing Along is no more. We are still hosting other fun interactive events, and hopefully someday Fox will allow theatrical screenings to return. Here are some details on what happened.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer was more than just another teen television show - it was a cultural phenomenon. And that was even before series creator Joss Whedon poured his heart and soul into one of the most exciting episodes of television ever: “Once More With Feeling”, the surprisingly effective (and affecting) musical episode from Buffy’s sixth season. He wrote and composed all the songs, each one catered to the cast and character’s strengths, and even extended the length of the show in order to cram in more music.
The plot involves a tap-dancing demon (played by Broadway star Hinton Battle) who makes everyone in Sunnydale dance and sing out their deepest, darkest secrets until they uncontrollably combust. Oklahoma this ain’t.
The musical episode is a fan favorite, and is so darn good that it is a natural to jump to the big screen (heck, Joss even shot in theatrical widescreen to emulate the old Hollywood Cinemascope musicals). And since this is no ordinary show - and Buffy fans are no ordinary people - that meant it also had to be something more than just a pictureshow. We had to create THE BUFFY MUSICAL BIG SCREEN INTERACTIVE EXTRAVAGANZA!
Buffy fans (and those who have yet to be converted) are invited to watch their favorite episode on the giant screen, surrounded by a theatre filled with singing, shouting, and laughing friends. We turn on the subtitles so, as Buffy says, “you can sing along” with all the characters. And, in the tradition of Rocky Horror and other interactive fan favorites, we offer goodie bags filled with tools for participating in the show.
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 along with your favorite television show in all its big screen glory!
Before the film, we have a rollicking pre-show filled with fan-made videos, Buffy trivia, and a favorite…our Buffy-oke contest, where you can show off your own acting skills (we dare you to out brood Angel).
This one-of-a-kind show started in Boston in 2004, then became the resident sing-a-long at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin (there were also fan convention screenings of “The Buffy Horror Picture Show” prior to 2004, but we didn’t know about these when we started). Now the Buffy Musical is sweeping the country playing to sell out crowds in New York, Chicago, and even IN YOUR TOWN on our Big Buffy Summer Tour!
If you happen by our home base in New York City, you can catch the show once a month at the IFC Center. Not only that, but you can see it with our fully integrated live cast, The Uncool Kids! Check the Upcoming Shows page for all the details.
See some of our press notices for more on the history of the show (and even what Joss has to say). And for information on bringing the Buffy Musical to your town (or any other questions you may have), contact buffysingalong@gmail.com.
