Monsters, Music, and Muscles

(Vlad Tsepis, Creighton, Me and the Invisible Man)

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Creighton from Ghoul a Go-Go with the help of his translator, director, Kevin Rice!

1. Where did you come up with your name?

I'm just Kevin Rice, director, along with Kevin Novotny and technical director Matt Hindra. Vlad Tsepis's name comes from his father, Vlad Dracul...Order of the Dragon, or something, but don't quote me on that. He's from a long line of impalers. Creighton...no one really knows where his name comes from, though it's been pointed out that it was Lon Chaney Jr's real first name. Actually no one really knows where Creighton comes from....

2. Where did you come up with your character?

Vlad & Creighton came to us fully formed. A bit rough around the edges, but natural talents. The Invisible Man was the show biz connection. They needed a director, and that's where I came in. Lovely bunch of guys. Strange eating habits, but nice guys.

3. Going to conventions you have met a lot of famous people, who is your favorite?

Definitely Zacherley. What a sweetheart! We feel honored that he agreed to do some schtick for our show. Only a short clip has made in into one of our episodes so far, but there's more in the can, waiting for its time.

4. What are your favorite horror movies and why?

All the old classic monster movies of the 30s and 40s, especially the Universal ones, with the Frankenstein movies being the best. Bride of Frankenstein is such a beautiful and perfect combination of gothic horror, German Expressionism, science-fiction, fantasy, and comedy, with some socio-political satire sneaked in, and more than a bit of sexiness. The monster is the most sympathetic of Universal's always charismatic creatures. My favorites then jump to the 70s--the height of visceral horror, gore, and pessimism. Texas Chain Saw Massacre is at the top of that heap.

5. Who inspired you growing up?

My mom was a big influence--very creative and encouraging of me to be the same. My dad was also very influential on my sense of humor and interest in unusual subjects. Actors I saw in horror films inspired me at a young age, and later the writers and directors of the gorier flicks--especially George Romero and John Carpenter. Pioneers of early television are also influential--Rod Serling and Ernie Kovacs stand out. There's also the king of all kiddie shows for adults, Uncle Floyd!

6. What kind of advice would you give to any future horror show hosts?

Work hard, unlike us! Just get out and do it, really. A lot of us have great ideas, but you have to put the effort in, and bring the idea to completion. Be prepared to spend a lot of time and resources for little material reward, but do it for the fun it will bring you and others. Make the show you would want to see yourself, and bring what's different and special about yourself to the audience so that they'll see something they've never experienced before.

7. Who are your favorite horror show actors?

All the biggies--Karloff, Lugosi, Chaneys Jr & Sr, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and of course Vincent Price.... A particular favorite is Peter Lorre, the best and creepiest character actor of all, and in multiple genres. And who could forget Tor Johnson? As an actor, he's a great hulking mass.

8. What in your opinion makes a great horror movie?

Black & white, rubbery monsters, and lots of fake cobwebs. Those are the necessities. Midgets are only a plus.

9. What was your favorite thing to dress up as for Halloween in childhood?

Monsters of all types--no surprise. One favorite was The Masque of the Red Death--something that had a lot of people confused, but it was a lot of fun. My mom could sew and always made the costumes for us kids. I felt bad for the kids who wore the old store-bought costumes. I mean, Spider-Man didn't wear a bib with a picture of himself on it and his name emblazoned across his chest, did he? Now I love those old Ben Cooper costumes, but back in the 70s I thought they were lame. I was spoiled, I guess. I didn't just wait for Halloween to dress up, either. I was always wearing costumes, hats, fake teeth, vampire blood, glow-in-the-dark googly eyes.... I had a disguise kit I assembled myself. My favorite roles to play were mad scientist and super spy. I'd get into trouble mixing up weird potions in the bathroom of toothpaste and 7UP, or snipping the wires in our phone while pretending that I was defusing a bomb.

10. Is there any particular monster that fascinates you?

Karloff's Frankenstein monster--the big misunderstood kid that kids recognize as one of their own. Creighton can relate.

11. How did your Show get started?

Vlad just called me one day with the pitch--kids dancing, bands playing, Creighton shows his films, all in glorious black & white ("both colors", as he says). Turns out their gig as interment excavation specialists at the local cemetery came with room and board only if they also hosted the occasional kiddie show episode. Something having to do with the show's sponsor, Hickleberry's Meats. Not sure what the connection is there.

12. Who are the other members on your show?

The Invisible Man, as himself. Very transparent character. I'm not sure what people see in him.

13. Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

Our latest show, "Devils" featuring Cardone the magician and The Insomniacs, will be making the rounds this year with Vlad and Creighton in person at some of our favorite events--Monster Bash, BlobFest, and probably the Coney Island Saturday night film series. The show will later air across Long Island and NYC, and with any luck we'll get back in the studio to shoot again later this year. Send us your dancing kids!

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