The short film The Joanne Holiday Show, debuting Monday at House of Yes, is hard to develop a genre portmanteau for. It’s a psychological thriller, comedy, sports, horror drama. Psy-thrill-com-spo-ho-dra, perhaps?
Whatever you call it, it’s the first film in a new series by writer and actor Michael Cavadias and producer Eric Schmalenberger, who just launched the biweekly dance party POLARI at House of Yes.
In addition to the film premiere, the cast and crew and some friends of the production will be performing, including Jemima Kirke of HBO’s Girls, who will conduct an interview with long-running Cavadias character Claywoman, an ancient extraterrestrial.
“Claywoman is traveling 65 million light years to discuss humanity and metaphysics with Jemima Kirke,” explains Schmalenberger. “Also, we’ll be screening the film, in which psychedelic performance genius Erin Markey, fresh off the triumphant success of her one-of-a-kind musical A Ride on the Irish Cream, stars alongside Michael Cavadias.” Markey will be also be on hand for a live performance.
“Plus,” Schmalenberger goes on, “we’ll have Holly Miranda, who will break your heart; Jill Pangallo, who will deconstruct your heart; Will Janowitz, who will dress up as your heart; and Shane Shane, who will prance at your heart. Plus Dave Hill with an important video message!”
Claywoman has previously appeared at The New Museum, Abrons Art Center, and The Slipper Room, among other venues. “She [Claywoman] is at once surreal, comforting, funny, and heartbreaking,” Schmalenberger says. “Jemima approached us after seeing her and was interested in collaborating on something. Jemima’s sense of humor, wit, and understanding really fit well with Michael’s Claywoman, so it should be an exciting and wondrously strange experience for those who get to see it!”
Schmalenberger, that sounds psy-thrill-com-spo-ho-dra-riffic! See you there.
The JoAnne Holiday Show: Short Film Premier & Party is Monday, February 15th at House of Yes at 2 Wyckoff Ave at the corner of Wyckoff Ave and Jefferson St. Doors are at 8:30, and the show at 9:00. Tickets $10 in advance or $15 at the door; buy them in advance on EventBrite and RSVP on Facebook.