Charis Boyd: Baring P.J.’s Sole with Carpenters Halloween! By Brian Kirst
With her loving homage to P.J. Soles’ Lynda Van Der Klok in The Scooty & Jo Jo Show’s Carpenters Halloween, Charis Boyd almost ‘totally’ steals the show. This live mash-up of Carpenters’ soft rock tunes and the John Carpenter classic fright fest is a delight from beginning to end and must be seen to be believed. Though Boyd is extremely busy with the show’s Tuesday to Thursday performance schedule at Hamburger Mary’s (5400 N. Clark Street) in Chicago until October 30th (with a special show on Halloween), she recently took some time to de-wig and answer some exclusive questions for Horror Society. Be sure to check out www.scootyjojo.com to make reservations for the screwy, bloody opus that is Carpenters Halloween when you’re done reading, as well!
Brian: How many times did you have to watch Halloween to get Lynda’s essence down? Enough for you to forever dread the mention of Donald Pleasance – or not that bad?
Charis: As you know, this is the second year Scooty and JoJo have produced this show. So while researching the role last year I must have watched the film in its entirety about 5 times. As for the scenes where PJ Soles actually appears…well my viewing number had to have been closer to 100. She has such a quirky way of delivering some of her lines. She’s sexy and goofy at the same time. It’s a smaller role but you really care when she dies. It was my challenge to not only bring Lynda back to life on stage, but to do PJ Soles’ portrayal justice. – As for Donald Pleasance, watching the movie so many times actually made me realize how he’s influenced other actor’s. I “Totally” think Mike Myers’ Dr. Evil is inspired by Donald Pleasance.
Brian: Lynda’s catch phrase is “Totally!” What catch phrase would you institute into cultural (or otherwise) society?
Charis: Honestly, I don’t think I would. It took me months to expel “Totally” from my vernacular the last time we did this show. I love words. Catch phrases give people an excuse not to use them. I’d love to see the word desideratum make a comeback though.
Brian: How many Carpenters fans have been turned into John Carpenter fans and vice versa by watching the show? You don’t know? C’mon! Just guess! Guess well! Or – – – do you think each has stood definitely and firmly in their own camps?
Charis: 627…Okay admit I don’t know the exact number but I do know for a fact there have been quite a few cross-overs. Granted a die-hard Carpenters fan may not go out the next day and buy every movie John Carpenter ever made, but I’d bet he or she would definitely start hitting record on the DVR remote if ones coming up on TV. And I think a lot of John Carpenter fans would be surprised to realize how many Carpenters’ songs they know and love but didn’t realize was the Carpenters.
Brian: Besides the Carpenters what other artist (or artists) do you find yourself humming as you lather up in the shower? (H-m-m, that’s almost a very clean and almost very dirty question at the same time!)
Charis: So am I wearing the wig when you picture me in the shower? – I’m actually a huge Fleetwood Mac fan. So if Norman Bates were sneaking into my bathroom to kill me he’d have to wait for the bridge of “Gold Dust Woman” before he could start stabbing.
Brian: Lastly, what words of advice would you offer to anyone attending Carpenters Halloween for the first time? And thanks! This has positively just made me (wait for it -) “Sing”!
Charis: It’s a good idea to have seen the movie to appreciate all of the jokes. But honestly, my only advice is come ready to have a good time, and use the restroom before the show starts because you’re not going to want to miss anything.
