We are honored to host—live and in person—legendary actor, activist, and author Ed Begley Jr. for a rare screening of the cult classic comedy Meet The Applegates. This film—among the strangest and freakiest of the 90s—has cruelly never been released on DVD or available on streaming. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to celebrate its eerie and hilarious wonders and to get a signed copy of Ed’s wonderful new memoir To the Temple of Tranquility...And Step On It!

On the outside, the Applegates are an all-American family. But on the inside, they're all insect - giant Amazonian bugs on a mission to save the planet from the human race. Their righteous vendetta will soon be tested by the corrupting influences and vices of their human neighbors.

With an all star comic cast including Begley, Stockard Channing, Dabney Coleman, and Glenn Shaddix, Applegates recalls the great suburban satirical work of masters like John Waters, Joe Dante, Douglas Sirk, and Paul Bartel. Director Michael Lehmann’s follow-up to Heathers is a transgressive, nasty, and anarchic satire with righteous environmentalist overtones and beautifully surreal practical effects and puppetry.

Vendors will include Larry Edmunds Bookshop with copies of Ed's new memoir (which Ed will sign) and drinks from Friendly Noise. The first 50 guests will receive free gummy worms from Eat Rotten and The Theodore Payne Foundation will be giving away seeds for your gardens! Steven R. Kutcher will also have prints of his "bug art" available for sale.

Laugh to Keep from Crying

Bob Baker Marionette Theater invites you to laugh with us! From September until November 2024, join BBMT for an evening event series to awaken your joy and imagination as we blow off some collective steam. Laugh off your worries. Dance off your stress. Enjoy a moment of release from the constant news cycle with events ranging from screenings to music shows to dance parties. We’ll bring a little more joy into the world together, one laugh at a time.