THURSDAY 10.28
Scream Therapy If Frankenstein's creature was given the chance to confront his creator, what questions would he ask, what demands would he make, and what would he do if no one was there to stop him? Continuing the tradition of presenting Halloween productions to the community, Jobsite Theater opens its 2004-05 season with Playing With Fire: After Frankenstein, an adaptation of the Mary Shelley classic that begins where the novel ends. The drama is essentially a heated debate between Dr. Frankie and his creation, interrupted by flashback scenes from the novel and culminating with the creature's query, "Why did you make me?" Directed by David Jenkins. Show times are 8 p.m. Thu.-Sat. and 4 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 28-Nov. 14. Tickets: $16.50—$21.50. Shimberg Playhouse —- Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
FRIDAY 10.29
Freak Out Skipper's Smokehouse hosts its 25th Annual Freaker's Ball, a Halloween party that combines costumed revelry with live music and good eats. This year's event features the artistic stylings of Bill Wharton (aka the "Sauce Boss"), a musician who slides his guitar through blues, swamp boogie and Southern roots rock while actually cooking up a big 'ol pot of gumbo that's served free at the end of his set. Also performing is the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, who incorporates blues, boogie-woogie and a hefty dose of rockabilly with clever Southern satire. The Reverend also serves as the MC of the costume parade and contest, with prizes awarded in the following categories: Best Theme, Best Item on the Menu, Freakiest, Best Couple, Best Group, and Best Costume (first place and runner-up). The festivities begin at 8 p.m. and admission is $8 in advance or $12 at the door. Skippers Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, Tampa. 813-971-0666.
See What's on the Slab One of my best friends went through a Rocky Horror Picture Show phase, willfully exposing me to a sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania, and forever changing the way I looked at Susan Sarandon. I became a fan, dressed up and threw toast, performed a mini-set as Magenta with my friends at a high school talent show, and memorized the soundtrack with repeated, obsessive listenings. I'm a little older and less fervent but in all honesty, life just wouldn't be the same without Frank N. Furter and his self-indulgent cohorts. Apparently, there are others who agree. Because of its popularity, the annual Halloween screening at Tampa Theatre now plays on Friday and Saturday, presenting the public with two opportunities to see the cult classic with live performances by the Larger Than Life cast. A costume contest precedes the movie and guests are encouraged to come dressed as a Rocky Horror character or in a costume inspired by the film. 8 p.m. on both Fri. and Sat., Oct. 29 and 30. Tickets: $7-$10. Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-8286.
SATURDAY 10.30
Aestheticized Presents... Enjoy some experimental post-rock creepiness this evening at the State Theatre with Pinback, Lake Trout and Aspects of Physics. Hailing from the West Coast, Pinback is a pop indie group with vocals reminiscent of Modest Mouse and compositions that range from delicate melancholy to upbeat electro-emo. Originally lumped into the jam band genre (they once covered a Phish medley for a tribute album), Baltimore's five-piece Lake Trout delivers dark, subtle melodies with distinct electronic elements and eerie, ethereal vocals. Rounding out the night is Aspects of Physics, an ensemble that offers a form of electronica labeled "Intelligent Dance Music," creating moods and textures with input devices ranging from synthesizers to wireless transmitters, and producing live visuals to accompany their musical explorations. The show begins at 9 p.m. Tickets: $12. State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-895-3045.
Blood and Guts Galore Celebrate spookiness with the independent film industry at this year's Halloween Horror Picture Show, an evening of terror hosted by Enigma Films and Metropol Productions. Locally produced fright flicks include Chameleon by Chris Woods and Simon Lynx, Filthy by Andy Lalino, The Reaper by Rick Danford, and many other horror indies from all over the country. Two imports — England's London Voodoo and Chile's Eternal Blood — are also featured. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and take part in a costume contest, and a meet-and-greet introduces the audience to several of the filmmakers, actors and actresses who worked on the aforementioned movies. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and are scheduled to go as late as 1 a.m. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit the Florida Hurricane Relief fund. The evening is open to ages 18 and older only. Go to www.halloweenhorrorpicture show.com for more information. Cooper Hall 103 —- University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-2011.
Eyes Wide Shut Want to see something truly horrifying? Head out to USF for the American Friends Service Committee's Eyes Wide Open: The Human Cost of War in Iraq, a traveling memorial exhibit honoring the lives of the U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians killed during the Iraq War. This chilling display features over 900 pairs of combat boots bearing nametags of fallen U.S. soldiers, a 24-foot "wall" identifying Iraqi civilian casualties and the causes of their deaths, and 1,000 pairs of shoes representing 1/16th of the Iraqi people killed in the war, all of which will continue to grow as the death toll continues to rise. For more information, call 813-987-9298. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. USF —- Marshall Center Room 101 and the Martin Luther King Plaza, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.
SUNDAY 10.31
Walking Among the Dead Spend Halloween with friends, new and dead, at the Oaklawn Cemetery from 4 to 5 p.m. this afternoon. Historian/actor Maureen Patrick appears in 19th-century mourning attire as Miss Prudence Fipwhistle and serves as the guide for a fun walking tour of the cemetery. The Victorian-era graveyard is Tampa's first public burial ground, founded in 1850 and functioning as the final resting place for many early residents, including 13 mayors, veterans of seven different wars, and victims of five separate yellow fever epidemics. The $5 donation/entry fee benefits the Tampa Historical Society, which is one of the oldest and largest historical groups in Florida and serves to promote and preserve Tampa's colorful history. Oaklawn Cemetery is located at the intersection of Morgan and Harrison streets in downtown Tampa. For more information, call 813-831-5214.
TUESDAY 11.2
The 2004 Presidential Election What are you waiting for? GO OUT AND VOTE!!!
