“The Mads” from MST3k to riff the Ed Wood cult classic Glen or Glenda!

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

I've talked before about how much I love the comedy show MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000, and one of the most enduring aspects of it (besides the riffing and the everything) were the villains – especially the original "The Mads", which included the mad scientist Dr. Forrester (played by Trace Beaulieu, who also did the voice of Crow T. Robot) and his bumbling assistant TV's Frank (played by Frank Conniff). 

However, after the end of the show in 1999, the various hosts/cast members splintered into their own "riffing" groups – including Cinematic Titanic (led by original host Joel Hodgson), Rifftrax (led by the second host Mike Nelson and second Crow Bill Corbett), and the appropriately-titled The Mads Are Back live shows (hosted by Beaulieu and Conniff, who also joined Cinematic Titanic and Rifftrax at different points). 

Unfortunately "The Mads" had to cancel their live shows due to the continuing Covid pandemic in the United States. Luckily, they're now going to be doing a live "virtual" show, which will be available through a private YouTube link, with a percentage of the ticket proceeds being donated to the NAACP Empowerment Programs, "which engage primarily in training, education and advocacy at the national and local levels." 

The film they'll be riffing on will be the cult classic Ed Wood film GLEN OR GLENDA about "a troubled cross-dresser reveals his shameful secret to his unsuspecting fiancee." Here's what Conniff had to say about the show:

If you’ve been social distancing yourself from Glen or Glenda, Trace and I are giving the all-clear to watch this classic film…Of all the movies we’ve riffed, from MST3K to Cinematic Titanic and our own live shows, this is our favorite. Join us!

Beaulieu added:

Glen or Glenda might be the worst movie ever made but it is also a film with great heart and compassion for the subject matter…I could be wrong. I’ve only seen it 50 times.

Meanwhile, the live show will be is set to air on Tuesday, July 21st at 5 p.m. PST, so make sure you get your tickets before then!

So, what do you guys think? Any other MSTies out there? If so, you excited to check out "The Mads" riff a notoriously bad movie? Either way, sound off below!