NMTC Presents PLANS 1 THROUGH 8 FROM OUTER SPACE 9/25-10/31

On September 25, New Millennium Theatre Company (NMTC) saves the best for first with the world premiere of Plans 1 Through 8 From Outer Space. The new play by NMTC member Sean Harklerode is a prequel to Ed Wood's visionary and misunderstood 1959 sci-fi / horror cult classic Plan 9 From Outer Space -widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made. In the upcoming production, however, NMTC paints a hilarious picture of bad planning and outer space incompetence as it follows would-be overlords Eros and Tanna, under the watchful eye of the nefarious Ruler, through their first eight attempts to take over the Earth. Noted soothsayer Jeron Criswell provides narration that predicts "heavy laughter coming out Chicago's Uptown neighborhood this Halloween season". From psychotropic soda pop and the subliminal music of ‘Eros Presley' to a new world religion based on a science fiction novel, audiences "will experience the true face of fear while receiving a valuable history lesson on a future that might have been...in the future!" And since 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Plan 9's release, what better time to celebrate this diamond in the rough from Hollywood's childhood?

Plans 1 Through 8 From Outer Space is Harklerode's directorial debut with the company as well. But having also co-starred in Cubicle: An Office Space Musical and Manos: Rock Opera of Fate-NMTC's first foray into cinema's garbage pile-Sean is no stranger to bringing cult classics to the stage. "I grew up on horror and sci-fi films, and with this show I'm trying to re-create that sense of fun you'd get from staying up all night to watch Shock Theater or Svengoolie, " explains Harklerode. "It's a story that has waited 50 years to be told and I see this production as a tribute to Ed Wood, 50's sci-fi cinema, and lovers of film everywhere."

2009 is NMTC's third year as the resident late night theatre company at National Pastime and they have started ambitious plans to open their own theater in 2011. As they enter the home stretch of their 11th season, in addition to continuing to produce burlesque, the company plans to release another horror themed classic itinerantly in 2010 before taking the next step. NMTC Artistic Director Chad Wise adds, "Chicago's theatre community can expect a lot more from New Millennium in the coming years."

Plans 1 Through 8 From Outer Space is only half of New Millennium Theatre Company's homage to the Halloween season, with the Flaming Dames in Vamp II opening concurrently down the street at the popular Spot bar and restaurant. Plans 1 Through 8 From Outer Space runs Friday and Saturday nights at 11:00 pm, September 25 - October 31, 2009 at National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway in Chicago. Advance tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.nmtchicago.org or reserved by calling 312-458-9083. Half-prIce Tickets available while supplies last at www.goldstar.com. $10 student and industry tickets (Students must show current student ID/industry must provide h/r or business card at box office). Discounts applied at box office and are not available with online ticket purchases.