McLean County Times

Author Dr. Heather O. Petrocelli and drag performer Peaches Christ, also known as filmmaker Joshua Grannell, will host “Queer for Fear Live!” at the Normal Theater on October 15 and 16. The event is designed to explore themes from Dr. Petrocelli’s book, “Queer for Fear: Horror Film and the Queer Spectator,” through a combination of discussion and live performance.

The program begins on Wednesday, October 15 at 7 p.m., with a free podcast-style discussion and performance featuring Dr. Petrocelli and Peaches Christ. On Thursday, October 16 at 7 p.m., there will be a ticketed screening of Grannell’s film “All About Evil.” The screening will be preceded by a question-and-answer session with Grannell.

Adam Fox, civic arts manager, said, "We're excited for this event, and the ensuing Queering Horror series to center stories of & by the LGBTQ+ community on our screen, while also allowing us the chance to revisit classic works through a modern lens.”

The event is sponsored by several organizations including the Harold K. Sage Foundation, Illinois State University Foundation Fund, Department of Psychology, Queer Coalition, School of Theater, Dance and Film and the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program.

“Queer for Fear Live!” is structured as a 90-minute program aimed at engaging communities in discussions about queer friendship, culture and connections to horror films. The October 15 event will include academic analysis blended with personal anecdotes and drag performance to highlight key ideas from Dr. Petrocelli’s book.

Admission to the live show is free but space is limited; advance RSVPs are recommended. Copies of Dr. Petrocelli’s book will be available for purchase during the event.

The ticketed screening of “All About Evil” on October 16 costs $7 for general admission and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased through the Normal Theater website (normaltheater.com) and include access to Grannell’s presentation as well as a pop-up shop from Severin Films.

This event follows a similar presentation at Penn State University and serves as a pilot project for future campus tours supported by Illinois State University.

Dr. Heather O. Petrocelli is an award-winning film critic and researcher whose work spans film studies, queer theory and public history. Her book “Queer for Fear: Horror Film and the Queer Spectator” examines how horror films are experienced by queer audiences using original research data.

Peaches Christ (Joshua Grannell) is known as a filmmaker, event producer and podcaster who has collaborated with figures such as John Waters and Elvira in various productions. Grannell’s feature film “All About Evil” stars Natasha Lyonne among others, while his production company creates immersive horror theater experiences in San Francisco.

Media interviews with Dr. Petrocelli or Grannell/Peaches Christ can be arranged prior to the event by contacting Adam Fox.