An Evening with Jonathan Tiersten at the Alamo Drafthouse Denver

Written by:  John Edward Betancourt 

If I had it my way, every single horror film that I had the pleasure of watching on VHS growing up all those years ago, I would see on the big screen.  I've managed to see a handful here and there at some independent theaters in my town.  In fact, a few years ago I had the pleasure of seeing Night of the Living Dead on the big screen.  

Well last night, I was able to check off another film on that list, courtesy of the Alamo Drafthouse Denver when they screened the cult classic Sleepaway Camp with a special guest for the screening, Mister Jonathan Tiersten who played Ricky in the film and well, this screening was nothing short of amazing.  

I knew that having an Alamo Drafthouse come to Denver would make so many of my movie going dreams come true, but this managed to exceed my expectations.  I knew I would see the film, I knew I would have a good time, just like I did with Night, but this time around something was different.  

---

Just stepping into the lobby there was an excitement in the air that I have never experienced in a screening such as this, and perhaps that is the magic of the Drafthouse and it was likely helped along in its energy by the fact that Jonathan Tiersten, always gracious to his fans, was out and about in the lobby, shaking hands with fans who were clearly in awe of the fact that they were meeting Ricky in person.   

That energy carried over as everyone took their seats in the theater and Jonathan took the stage to introduce the film alongside the Drathouse's Creative Director, Keith.  They kept the introduction lighthearted, even setting up a staring contest for four volunteers before we all settled in to finally watch the legendary cult classic at last.  

It was incredible to finally see this movie with a crowd that was completely into it.  In fact I will go as far to say that it was downright magical for me.  I remember the first time I ever saw this film was on a Friday night at home courtesy of my local video store and sitting there with a crowd that likely saw it the same way that I did just made my night.  But the best of the evening was still to come, for after Angela revealed her "secret" and the end credits, complete with its over the top 80's theme song for the film, finished, it was time for Mister Tiersten to take the stage once again.  

---

Just as he was in the lobby, Jonathan was gracious and more than happy to talk about his experiences filming this cult classic.  In fact, he shared a few stories about this film that I never knew about.  For example, I had no clue that he and co-star Felissa Rose enjoyed young puppy love on set, or that the person who played Angela for the iconic ending was a college student who had the misfortune of shooting his scene in thirty five degree weather. 

But while these stories were worth the price of admission alone, what I think I enjoyed most was watching Jonathan speak of the film, and seeing his love and passion for the project.  In fact at one point someone asked the question as to whether or not Jonathan and the rest of the cast had a clue that they were making something special and his reply was that in a way they did.  

That was when I realized what a magical evening this really was for all of us and it was cemented when Jonathan ended the Q&A speaking about how Director Robert Hiltzik loved to mess with the audience and that many of the "mistakes" in the film are purely intentional.  He simply said that was Robert's personality and that "it's his baby, I'm just Ricky."  Those words alone spoke to why film is such an important part of our lives, it is about the experience, and tonight we all shared in Jonathan's joy in making this film, in seeing its success and tonight, we were all a part of an experience.  My thanks to the Alamo Drafthouse for putting this together and my thanks to Jonathan Tiersten for bringing the evening to life.   

---