"Scream," first unleashed as a feature film in 1996, has become one of the more successful horror franchises in cinema history. The franchise has produced six films thus far, with a seventh installment reportedly in the works. But why wait for "Scream 7" when you can get up close and personal when the drag horror parody, "Sqream: A '90s Musical Drag Parody," comes to Oasis on February 14? This will be an immersive show, meaning that the cast will be performing all over the club, mixing in with the audience.
"The show happens all around you," explained drag artist Snaxx in an interview with the Bay Area Reporter. "You are part of the show and the experience. The show starts in the Champagne Room before spilling into the main room. Certain scenes take place by the bar, or on gogo blocks, and throughout the audience. You never know if that cutie that you're standing next to in the crowd may suddenly become a part of the show."
Snaxx will be essaying the role played by Neve Campbell in the first film. Also in the cast is San Francisco drag laureate D'Arcy Drollinger, Trevor March, Lisa Frankenstein, and others. The show was written by Michael Phillis, while Jason Hoover serves as director.
According to Snaxx, the show will be a lot like the films; almost.
"Like any good parody, we definitely stray from the script for a gag," she said. "Or to modernize the content, or to add something fun and exciting the audience would love. I love this movie, and I watched it no less than eighteen times when we mounted the show in 2022. If you're a hardcore fan, you'll be happy to see your favorite moments memorialized in our show."
Since "Scream" is a '90s movie, the Oasis will incorporate music from that decade into the show. Songs such as "Semi-Charmed Life," "Truly Madly Deeply," "Celebrity Skin," and "No Scrubs" are but some of the numbers that will be heard as the evening unfolds.
"Like in any musical, the songs help move the story along, but they also were all chosen because we know the audience knows and loves them," said Snaxx. "Important note, you're invited to sing along to every word."
Snaxx added that while the show has some horrific moments, there will also be plenty of laughs.
"The show is really funny," she said. "With a room full of drag queens and hambones, our primary interest is making each other laugh, and we can't wait to have an audience join the party. We definitely try to preserve some of the horror moments, but if you're a scaredy cat, not to worry. You'll be able to handle this show."
There are three entrance times for "Sqream," 6:30pm, 6:45pm, and 7pm. All three entrance times on the same night will lead you to the same performance. Snaxx advises people not to be late as "Sqream" will not run on drag time. The staggered entrance times will allow some people to come in and have a more intimate experience with the Drew Barrymore cameo that opens the film and the show. Once that scene is done, people will be ushered into the main room to see the rest of the show. Once the three groups of people are inside, the pre-show will end and the main show will begin.
"This show really does have something for everyone," said Snaxx. "It's for the theater crowd, it's for the drag crowd, it's for the nightclub crowd. It's for people that love 'Scream,' it's for people who love '90s sing-alongs. It's for people who love dancing or dressing up or a delicious cocktail. It's for couples, it's for a girls' night out, and it's honestly also a great show to see alone. I'm really proud to be a part of this unique, only in San Francisco experience."
'Sqream: A '90s Musical Drag Parody,' February 14-March 23, Thursday-Saturday, Doors open at 6:30 pm, Oasis, 298 11th Street, $45-$100. www.sfoasis.com
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