It’s downright strange how, now more than ever, old news makes its way back into our consciousness via the internet. For instance, a few years back, it seemed like many were terrified by an old story about how when John Wayne died, 40 pounds of undigested meat were in his colon. Hey, don’t look at me; I’m just saying what I heard via several sources a few years back via the internet.
We could dive into a rabbit hole all about algorithms and clickbait and how they relate to chemtrails and why some things bubble back up (yet apparently, not out), but let’s not. Rather, let’s just all give a collective “Huh, weird” at how the tale of how and why Dimension Films and director Wes Craven left the message, “No Thanks Whatsoever to the Santa Rosa City School District Governing Board” in the end credits for 1996’s iconic blockbuster Scream is getting talked about more than ever these past few weeks.
No doubt it’s because Halloween is near and Scream is a fantastic slasher to celebrate with. But since I’ve done a frightening job of burying the lede for two paragraphs, I’m tying it all together as a way to let horror movie nerds know the Sonoma Community Center is hosting a very cool event on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6:30–8pm, when Scream will be shown.
The Sonoma Community Center doubled as Woodsboro High School in the film after, according to Craven and Dimension Films, Santa Rosa City School District reneged on a verbal agreement to allow production to film scenes at Santa Rosa High School.
This intrepid reporter actually attended a 1995 meeting at Santa Rosa High when film producers and Dimension reps came to plead their case. They were met with a terrifying array of elderly naysayers who laid out their puritanical notions that allowing the bloody and violent Scream to film at Santa Rosa High would further erode our children’s already fragile minds. Just goes to show that, like the aforementioned internet comeback memes, everything old is new again.
Looking ahead, the Scream event at the Sonoma Community Center will have adult beverages and non-alcoholic options for sale, as well as popcorn. Vendors will be selling Scream-themed artwork, and the center will be selling limited edition tote bags and screen prints. This is all at $20 a head.
Also, there are a limited number of fan experience upgrades. Following the screening, VIP ticket purchasers will be able to visit and even sleep over at Spring Hill Estate Mansion, a secluded 1990s-built residence in Tomales that served in the film as the home of Stu Macher (played by Matthew Lillard).
Note that costumes are welcome at the ‘Scream’ showing, but no masks or weapons (prop or otherwise). If at any point during the show a mask appears, that person will be asked to leave immediately. No exceptions. For more information, check out sonomacommunitycenter.org/programs.
