Sep 2, 2005 3 min read

Soon area residents will get to see the first episode of Tom Savini’s “Chill Factor” at the State Theatre. The anthology series was created, produced and filmed in Fayette County and takes its inspiration from all time horror favorites such as the “Twilight’s Zone,” “Night Gallery and the “Outer Limits.”

This episode takes place in 1936 on a dark and stormy night in poor and lonely farm country. A woman calls the town doctor to come out to make a house call on her ailing son. The boy is suffering with a strange malady, an illness that can’t really exist or can it? Maybe the patient is just … crazy.

And, what of the mother? Widowed a year earlier and left alone to care for her son, has she become unhinged? There have been a number of disappearances and strange happenings in the local orchards lately. What will the old doc find out? Come to the State Theatre and see.

Marty Schiff, the theatre’s executive director and the “Chill Factor’s” co-creator, has donated this local screening at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 to the State Theatre. There will be a small admission fee, and all proceeds will benefit the Theatre.

“This promises to be a very entertaining and interesting night for the audience,” Schiff said. “If you loved the horror television shows and films in the ’50s and ’60s the ‘Chill Factor’ is for you. Just a warning, it’s pretty scary and although it’s not rated, it’s probably not suitable for kids under 16.

“Come and enjoy the evening and at the same time, help the State Theatre – a worthwhile cause, not that I’m partial,” Schiff said.

Local Tom Savini directs “Chill Factor”. He also directed the remake of George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead,” numerous episodes of “Tales from the Darkside” and his own special stage production of Bram Stocker’s “Dracula.” Jeff Monahan from Connellsville is the show’s writer, co-creator and co-producer. Jeff directed the State’s production of “Five Blue-Haired Ladies Sitting on a Green Park Bench.” He’s also appeared in numerous television shows and films.

The audience will also get a bonus – a behind the scenes look at “Chill Factor.”

“The audience will recognize the filming location. That is the cool part of this segment of the evening,” Schiff added.

(The historic State Theatre, situated in the heart of revitalized downtown Uniontown, is the community’s centerpiece for arts. Call 724-439-1360 for tickets.)

The 2005-06 season offers a dazzling and compelling schedule featuring live performances, musical entertainment, children’s education series and exciting special events. For further information on tickets, contact the theater directly at 724-439-1360 or visit the Web site at www.statetheatre.info.)