THE MADS VIRTUALLY RIFF “THE PHANTOM PLANET”!
Mystery Science Theater 3000‘s Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu are “taking movie riffing back onstage” once again in a livestreamed event – this time 6:00 pm MT Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
The two, who starred as Dr. Clayton Forrester and TV’s Frank on MST3K, are riffing yet 1961’s The Phantom Planet! This show will mark their 36th time performing together virtually during the 2020-2023 COVID-19 pandemic. Stick around for a post-show Q&A with Frank & Trace and very special guest TBA.
Past guests have included Mike Nelson (Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax), Bridget Nelson (Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax), Lizz Winstead (co-creator of The Daily Show), Victoria Price (daughter of horror legend Vincent Price), Jonah Ray (Mystery Science Theater 3000), Kevin Murphy (Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax), Dana Gould (The Simpsons, Stan Against Evil), Marcus Parks (Last Podcast on the Left), Carolina Hidalgo (Movie Sign with the Mads), Andy Kindler (Maron, Bob’s Burgers), J. Elvis Weinstein (Mystery Science Theater 3000), Bill Corbett (Mystery Science Theater 3000, Rifftrax), Mary Jo Pehl (Mystery Science Theater 3000, Rifftrax), Jackey Neyman Jones (Manos: The Hands of Fate), Rich Koz (host of MeTV’s Svengoolie), Blaine Capatach (Comedy Central’s Beat The Geeks), John Erler (Master Pancake Theater), Beez McKeever (MST3K‘s “Prop Diva”), Dave Hill (Girls5Eva, Drunk Bus, The Dave Hill Goodtime Hour), Martha Kelly (Baskets, Euphoria), Rachel Lichtman (Network 77), and Cat Popper (bassist).
Be sure to join live for a chance to win a 12″x18″ poster print commemorating this event! This poster will go on sale the night of the event! Poster prints are available to purchase at Dumb Industries.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Friends In Need Food Shelf in Minneapolis.
STORYLINE: It is 1980, and the United States Air Force’s Space Exploration Wing has bases on the Moon and on the eve of a mission to Mars. When another of its two-member crewed Pegasus spacecraft mysteriously disappears, rumors begin circulating of space monsters and phantom planets. Captain Frank Chapman and his navigator Lt. Ray Makonnen are ordered to investigate.
During the search, their spaceship suffers damage from a meteor shower, requiring that both men go outside to make repairs. A bullet-sized particle, however, pierces the air hose on Chapman’s space suit, rendering him unconscious. Makonnen is able to repair the hose, but as he opens the airlock hatch, he is fatally struck by a similar particle. Makonnen’s last act before being propelled into deep space is to push Chapman inside and close the airlock hatch. Chapman comes to and finds Makonnen gone and himself unable to communicate with the lunar base. He records a log entry about the preceding events, noting that he now must make a forced landing on an asteroid, that it is somehow pulling in his Pegasus spaceship.
Exiting his ship while still feeling the effects of the accident, Chapman collapses and sees tiny humanoids about six inches tall approaching. Once his helmet visor is opened, he can breathe but shrinks to their size due to the asteroid’s atmosphere. He is taken underground!
Viewers will be able to tune in from anywhere in the world. Anyone who purchases a ticket will gain access to re-watch the livestream and download it for personal viewing.
Tickets for the June 13 livestreamed event are $10.00 + a service fee. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mads-are-back-the-phantom-planet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I watch this anywhere in the world?
A: Yes. As long as you have internet access you will be able to watch and/or download the show.
Q: What is the format of the show like? Will there be silhouettes like on MST3K?
A: While the film plays, only the voices of The Mads will be heard riffing. Trace & Frank will only be on screen during the very beginning for a quick intro and again at the end of the show for a Q&A.
Q: Where will the livestream be broadcast?
A: Most likely on YouTube, but we cannot guarantee this. Unfortunately, sometimes YouTube will flag content in the public domain without reason or warning. We run multiple tests to ensure the movies we select will livestream over YouTube without getting pulled due to their strict copyright restrictions. If this happens during one of our tests, we will find an alternate platform (most likely Twitch) and notify all ticket holders with enough time to prepare their setup.
Q: Is the show appropriate for children?
A: That depends on what kind of parent you are. Strong language is used, but that’s it. Think of it as being rated a “hard PG-13.”
Q: Where will the livestream be broadcast?
A: The show will broadcast via a private Twitch link which will be sent to ticket holders an hour prior to showtime.
Q: Can I watch the show on my TV?
A: Probably! If you have a smartphone and a streaming device (like Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, etc.) you should be able to “cast” from the Twitch app on your phone to the Twitch app on your streaming device. Availability of this feature depends on your own personal setup. Visit here for instructions.
Q: Can I still watch the event even if I can’t tune in live?
A: Yes! Anyone who purchases a ticket prior to showtime will receive a link to download the show within 24 hours of the broadcast ending. If you don’t receive an email with instructions on how to access your download after 24 hours, please email chris@dumb-industries.com.
Q: Where can I buy official Mads merchandise?
A: Tim Holly designs The Mads’ t-shirts and posters and can be purchased on his website.
Q: Can I gift a ticket to a friend?
A: Yes! If you are doing this, make sure to enter their name and email address on the attendee’s info at checkout. This way they’ll receive all the emails on how to access the livestream and download the show afterwards. If you forgot to enter their info, just email chris@dumb-industries.com to update it.
Q: I never got an email confirmation or instructions on how to access the livestream and/or download. Help!
A: Email chris@dumb-industries.com for any issues regarding not receiving emails.