The joke’s on us. Despite several assurances that Kathy Najimy will still be in Salem on Thursday, she has canceled on us less than 48 hours before opening night. Hard pivot.
The team have spent all night working tirelessly on restructuring opening night, however the overall program will remain the same. We’re replacing Kathy with Linnea Quigley for the Q&A and showing The People’s Joker instead of Hocus Pocus. Alex West, Andrea Subisatti, Suz Romero, Miz Diamond, Linnea, Kay… we’ve upheld our end of the bargain. The show at the Peabody Essex Museum will go on!
Tickets to the program are now free / suggested donation. You can register at salemhorror.com. We believe that adapting to this change aligns the festival more closely to our values and what we stand for.
Details re: ticket exchanges and meet & greet refunds will be emailed. Please keep in mind that we are a 100% volunteer-run organization and this creates a massive hit that not only disrupts every aspect of the festival, we are losing thousands of dollars that we can no longer recoup. We will not be able to respond immediately and ask that you be patient.
We understand that many of you will be disappointed, as are we, however you deserve a fest that doesn’t back down and keeps on going.
Directed by Vera Drew
A law-breaking comedian who is grappling with her gender identity forms a new anti-comedy troupe with a friend and finds herself battling a fascistic caped crusader.
Thursday, April 25 • 7:30 PM
Salem Horror Fest kicks off with a special opening night ceremony at the Peabody Essex Museum featuring legendary scream queen Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead, Night of the Demons, Silent Night, Deadly Night) in a moderated discussion with Andrea Subissati, editor of Rue Morgue Magazine.
The program opens with a keynote speech from Alexandra West, author of the new book Gore-Geous: Personal Essays on Beauty and Horror, followed by remarks from Suzanne Romero-Desrocher (George A. Romero Foundation), festival director Kay Lynch, and drag performances by Miz Diamond. The evening will conclude with a screening of The People’s Joker directed by Vera Drew.
A law-breaking comedian who is grappling with her gender identity forms a new anti-comedy troupe with a friend and finds herself battling a fascistic caped crusader.
April 26 - April 28, 2024
Grants access to all screenings, lectures, podcasts, parties and more. All sales final. Includes official SHF 2024 lapel pin.