Phil attends the 16th Anniversary screening of SHOWGIRLS hosted by Peaches Christ with special guest Rene Riffel at the Castro Theatre-August 24, 2013

This past Saturday night at the historic Castro Theatre I attended my very first Sweet 16 celebration! And no, it wasn't one of those annoying, silly, pink frilly parties with sixteen year old girls talking about Justin Beiber all night. Oh no! This was the 16th Anniversary screening of the cult classic SHOWGIRLS hosted by the one and only Peaches Christ!! And returning to San Francisco was none other than Rene Riffel!! Joining me on the momentous event was my very good friend and make up extraordinaire Michelle Snyder. Upon arriving at the theatre, we saw an enormous line that wrapped all the way around the block! The show had completely sold out, so I knew we were for a one helluva party!

Since this was my birthday weekend, Michelle bought me my ticket for tonight's festivities. We had VIP passes, which meant we were let in early, and we also had two free drink tickets. Now usually I don't get this drunk, but bless these bartenders! When Michelle and  I asked for four vodka cranberries, this is how they made them: 85% vodka and 15% cranberry juice! By the time I finished my first drink, I was already buzzing. By drink number two, I was drunk. By the third drink, I was pretty much wasted! Oh what fun I had! Plus I was also getting drunk off the electricity from the crowd! The front lobby was packed and there wasn't one empty seat in the theatre! The crowd was getting rowdy, people were screaming, I was getting wasted, and by 8 o'clock rolled around, the show finally began!

Like last year's event, the show opened with Peaches (once again as the evil Crystal Christ) coming out of that iconic volcano and she dancers with her ladies, then Rena is carried though the theatre and she leaps onto the stage, with the audience screaming their lungs out. But that's where the similarities end. Right away, Peaches accuses Rena of trying to steal the show from her like last year. Then the show shifts gears as we see Peaches having dinner in the posh restaurant like in the film with Lady Bear. Then both begin to eat a can of dog food!! Now, I don't know whether or not they were eating real dog food, but they sure acted like they were! It was pretty damn gross, and I loved it! Once again the preshow was excellent!

Afterwards Peaches held the annual contest for best costume. At the conclusion of the that, it was time for the "Night of a 100 Lap Dancers" to commence! Members of the audience had to sign up to participate in the event, to which she called up every single one of them. Her Showgirl Dancers also helped out as well. So people who had purchased a large popcorn received  free lap dance, and that's when all hell broke loose! People were climbing all over seats, gyrating pelvises where everywhere, old people and young were giving it their all as the orgy of lap dancers continued for several minutes. By this time I was just completely hammered and I was having fun! Michelle was laughing so hard. Remember, this was her first time at SHOWGIRLS, so I don't think she knew exactly what she was going to see! But she was having a ball!! After it was all over, it was time for the movie to begin!

The film stars Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone, a young and beautiful drifter who arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer, but ends up as a stripper at the aptly named Cheetah Club instead. She meets a seamstress from the Stardust Hotel named Molly (Gina Ravera) and soon the two become fast friends. When Nomi encounters a chance meeting with the star of Molly's hotel show Goddess Cristal Connors (Gina Gershon), she manages to get an audition to be on their chorus line. Soon life becomes more complicated as Cristal sees Nomi as a threat to her and to her career as the star of the show, which creates a love/hate friendship between the two. Also Nomi sets her eyes on Cristal's manager and part time lover Zack Carey (Kyle MacLachlan) and the two of them become lovers as well. Eventually Nomi wonders if all of this stardom is worth the price.

Right when the film began, Michelle and  I made my way back up to the mezzanine and waited in line to meet both Rena and Peaches. I bought some pics and posters for both of them to sign. Michelle had Rena sign her SHOWGIRLS 2 DVD! After the movie, Michelle and I had brinner (breakfast for dinner) over at Orphan Andy's. Overall, we had an awesome time that night!

Another fantastic Peaches Christ show has come and gone! But don't you fret my friends! There's plenty more fun ahead! Her next show is GREY GARDENS and it will be on Saturday, October 12th at the Castro Theatre! So make sure you come check that show out! And if you are interested in becoming a fan of Peaches Christ, or want to view her upcoming shows, visit her website at http://peacheschrist.com. To view the Castro Theater's film schedule, visit their website at www.castrotheatre.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the 15th Anniversary screening of SHOWGIRLS hosted by Peaches Christ with special guest Rene Riffel at the Castro Theatre-August 25, 2012

As soon as the Saturday afternoon screening of SHOWGIRL'S 2: PENNY'S FROM HEAVEN was over,  I couldn't wait for the party to continue at the world famous Castro Theatre. Let's face it, nobody throws a party better than Peaches Christ! And so, later that night, my friend Jennifer and I attended the 15th Anniversary screening of SHOWGIRLS! To make this event even more outrageous, Peaches had none other than Penny herself, Rena Riffel as the special guest! After Jennifer and I had lunch at our favorite hangout Orphan Andy's, we made our way back to the theatre just in time to be let in!

The festivities began at 7pm when Jennifer and I headed up to the mezzanine, where we had our fill of very tasty cocktails that were very strong and very tasty. Jennifer and I partied like rock stars, mingling with some the city's most famous drag queens. Soon the theatre let the crowd enter, and soon it was madness. At eight o'clock there wasn't an empty set in the house, and her Majesty Peaches Christ took the stage!

Rene Riffel and Peaches Christ at the Castro Theatre.

Peaches (as the evil Crystal Christ) began with a fantastic musical number from the film, and the rest of her "Showgirl Dancers" took the stage and the audience was treated to an elaborate dance number. During the middle of the routine, coming from the back of the theatre, being carried towards the stage was the beautiful Rene Riffel as Nomi Hope. After that, Rena, Peaches and her team did a reenactment of some scenes from the film. After that, the show continued with a contest for best costume. At the conclusion of the contest, it was time for the "Night of a 100 Lap Dancers" to commence! Members of the audience had to sign up to participate in the event, to which she called up every single one of them. Her Showgirl Dancers also helped out as well. So people who had purchased a large popcorn received  free lap dance, and that's when all hell broke loose! People were climbing all over seats, gyrating pelvises where everywhere, old people and young were giving it their all as the orgy of lap dancers continued for several minutes. (If you wish to see the craziness, I have photos of the show on my Facebook page, so head on over and check 'em out) After it was all over, it was time for the movie to begin!

The film stars Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone, a young and beautiful drifter who arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer, but ends up as a stripper at the aptly named Cheetah Club instead. She meets a seamstress from the Stardust Hotel named Molly (Gina Ravera) and soon the two become fast friends. When Nomi encounters a chance meeting with the star of Molly's hotel show Goddess Cristal Connors (Gina Gershon), she manages to get an audition to be on their chorus line. Soon life becomes more complicated as Cristal sees Nomi as a threat to her and to her career as the star of the show, which creates a love/hate friendship between the two. Also Nomi sets her eyes on Cristal's manager and part time lover Zack Carey (Kyle MacLachlan) and the two of them become lovers as well. Eventually Nomi wonders if all of this stardom is worth the price.

Even before the film's original release, there was so much controversy surrounding the film. It was the first to receive the new NC-17 rating. It would also be Berkley's chance to shed her good girl image she had while playing Jesse from the Saturday morning TV show SAVED BY THE BELL. The abundant nudity throughout the film had the censors rioting in the streets. So when the film opened on September 22, 1995, it was an immediate bomb. However, like a lot films, it was ahead of its time, and found new life as a cult classic, being shown at midnight shows all across America.

Right when the film began, I made my way back up to the mezzanine and waited in line to meet both Rena and Peaches. To my surprised, I was the first one in line! After waiting for about ten minutes, both stars came out and autographed photos, T-shirts, posters, and DVDs. Yours truly had Rena sign my DVD copy of her film SHOWGIRLS 2! After the movie, Jennifer and I took a pic with Peaches herself! Overall, that night was one exciting night!

Another fantastic Peaches Christ show has come and gone! But don't you fret my friends! There's plenty more fun ahead! In fact, The next PC show will be on October 12th at the Castro, where she will be screening the 1992 Robert Zemeckis film DEATH BECOMES HER. So make sure you come check that show out! And if you are interested in becoming a fan of Peaches Christ, or want to view her upcoming shows, visit her website at http://peacheschrist.com. To view the Castro Theater's film schedule, visit their website at www.castrotheatre.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the special screening of SHOWGIRLS hosted by Peaches Christ at the Castro Theatre-August 27, 2011

The Legendary Castro Theatre

After last night's Midnites For Maniacs show, I couldn't wait for the party to continue at the world famous Castro Theatre. Let's face it, nobody throws a party better than Peaches Christ! After last month's PURPLE RAIN extravaganza, I couldn't wait for this month's screening of SHOWGIRLS! Also, tonight was also the 11th anniversary of Peaches showing the film. And to top it all off, tonight's show was dubbed, "Night of a 100 Lap Dancers." So, ladies and gentlemen, let's get this party started!

My Ticket Angel

Upon arriving at the for mentioned Castro Theatre, I was greeted by a very cute ticket girl, who was nice enough to let me take a photo of her, which by the way I didn't get her name. So my ticket angel, if you are reading this, contact be so I can give you credit for your kindness! After picking up my ultra cool VIP Pass, I ventured around the Castro, then returned to the theatre and wanted in line. Since I had a VIP Pass, myself and other holders were let in early. I made my way down to the front row, where I made sure that my favorite seat was reserved. Then I made my way upstairs to the mezzanine where there were plenty of snacks and drinks to be consumed. Soon the theatre let the crowd enter, and soon it was madness. At eight o'clock there wasn't an empty set in the house, and her Majesty Peaches Christ took the stage!

The Goddess Peaches Christ

Peaches began with a fantastic musical number from the film, and the rest of her "Midnight Dancers" took the stage and the audience was treated to an elaborate dance number. After that, Peaches and her team did a reenactment of some scenes from the film. After that, the show continued with a contest for best costume. There were three winners (all SF natives) and all three had great costumes. After the contest, it was time for the "Night of a 100 Lap Dancers" to commence! Members of the audience had to sign up to participate in the event, to which she called up every single one of them. Her Midnight Dancers also helped out as well. So people who had purchased a large popcorn received  free lap dance, and that's when all hell broke loose! People were climbing all over seats, gyrating pelvises where everywhere, old people and young were giving it their all as the orgy of lap dancers continued for several minutes. (If you wish to see the craziness, I have photos of the show on my Facebook page, so head on over and check 'em out) After it was all over, it was time for the movie to begin!

Theatrical Movie Poster (1995)

SHOWGIRLS (1995) stars Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone, a young and beautiful drifter who arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer, but ends up as a stripper at the aptly named Cheetah Club instead. She meets a seamstress from the Stardust Hotel named Molly (Gina Ravera) and soon the two become fast friends. When Nomi encounters a chance meeting with the star of Molly's hotel show Goddess Cristal Connors (Gina Gershon), she manages to get an audition to be on their chorus line. Soon life becomes more complicated as Cristal sees Nomi as a threat to her and to her career as the star of the show, which creates a love/hate friendship between the two. Also Nomi sets her eyes on Cristal's manager and part time lover Zack Carey (Kyle MacLachlan) and the two of them become lovers as well. Eventually Nomi wonders if all of this stardom is worth the price.

Even before the film's original release, there was so much controversy surrounding the film. It was the first to receive the new NC-17 rating. It would also be Berkley's chance to shed her good girl image she had while playing Jesse from the Saturday morning TV show SAVED BY THE BELL. The abundant nudity throughout the film had the censors rioting in the streets. So when the film opened on September 22, 1995, it was an immediate bomb. However, like a lot films, it was ahead of its time, and found new life as a cult classic, being shown at midnight shows all across America.

Once again Peaches outdid herself with this event! And there's plenty more fun ahead, so if you are interested in becoming a fan of Peaches Christ, or want to view her upcoming shows, visit her website at www.peacheschrist.com.

To view the Castro Theater's film schedule, visit their website at http://www.castrotheatre.com/

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!