The throngs of fans of pop culture, Lego, comic books, video games, and science fiction are undoubtedly counting down the milliseconds until Saturday, Oct. 13. That’s the day when Eek Fest marks its triumphant return after a year’s hiatus.
“It’s a new year and it’s a new type of show. I’m excited about that. We’re taking a bit of a different tack that I think has a great chance to make Eek Fest really stand out on its own,” said festival producer Rob LeLacheur.
People can expect all of the fun with some changes that will not only improve on what has already been established but also help the festival survive for the future.
There will still be cosplay and Lego and video games and Stormtroopers. This time, however, the one-day festival lands at St. Albert Place. Previously the festival was a two-day event at Servus Place during the spring. LeLacheur felt that the date needed to move to put some distance away from the Children’s Festival, plus Eek had different space needs than were really suitable at that venue.
“We thought that there was really no way to catch that or do a small version of it. We thought the creation of the live theatre show could be really fun if we make that more of the focus and then build some pop culture aspects around it. That drove it. We said, ‘Let’s go down this path.’”
That live theatre show sounds like nothing else.
People familiar with Edmonton’s stage scene will probably recognize the names Dana Andersen and Tom Edwards. They play the title characters of the Frank’n’Wolf Follies, with Edwards dressed up like the Frankenstein monster and Andersen as the Wolf Man. It’s an act that LeLacheur describes as a “Halloween vaudeville show” on the Arden Theatre stage.
“Frankenstein and the Wolf Man are hosting a variety show,” Andersen said. “You can expect the unexpected. It’s like a Vegas monster show.”
The 90-minute family-friendly Halloween and pop culture-themed show will be comprised of show-stopping sketches, music, monsters, superheroes, and never-before-seen amusements featuring some of Edmonton’s favourite comedians, stage performers and entertainers including master illusionist Kent Wong. Grindstone Comedy Theatre will host some improv games and Dracula will make a special appearance during the song and dance routines.
One of the main attractions of the follies will be the Yednist Ukrainian Zombie Dancers, which is exactly what it sounds like. Frank’n’Wolf has never been seen before anywhere, as Andersen confirmed this is a special act just for Eek Fest.
“We’ve got a great ensemble coming together. I’m excited for it. I think it’s going to be 90 minutes of some pretty good entertainment including dancing Ukrainian zombies,” LeLacheur enthused. “I’ve never seen that before. Tom and Dana … are super funny guys. They’re just going to tie it all together. It’s a little bit of everything. We wanted to mix it up a bit.”
The festival takes place inside and outside St. Albert Place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 13. In addition to the stage act, there will be a number of other pop culture and Halloween-themed attractions, amusements and fun-filled activities for fans of all ages. Look for the haunted house escape room and the video games zone, plus displays by the Northern Alberta Lego Users Group and the Hearse Club of Edmonton. For those looking for something with a little more Force, Edmonton’s 501st Badlands will bring the Stormtroopers to liven things up. On top of all that, there will be artists, vendors, board games, food trucks and more live entertainment than you can shake a Wookiee at. Visit www.eekfest.com for full details.
