Celebrating 40 years of the Real Ghostbusters animated series, original cast members joined together to celebrate, reminisce, and perform a live reading of an original animated episode. As a lasting entertainment franchise, Ghostbusters was first introduced with 1984’s Columbia Pictures film (directed by Ivan Reitman, written by Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, produced by Ivan Reitman, Benie Brillstein, Michael C. Gross, Joe Med), starring Bill Murry, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, Ernie Hudson and William Atherton. Blending comedy, science fiction and the supernatural, alongside unforgettable characters, Ghostbusters producing a pop-cultural phenomenon that continues to entertain fans of all ages.
In addition to the reading, the afternoon brought vintage cartoon screenings and a performance by retro ‘80s band The Flux Capacitors Luke Smitherd, Brian Lanzarotto, Pat Moon, James Blackburn, Miles Frank, and Ryan Silverberg), whose musical set included “Call Me Al,” “Take On Me,” “Footloose,” “Karma Chameleon,” “Everybody Wants to Rule The World,” “Careless Whisper,” and more, along with the Ghostbusters theme song, the group—decorated in Ghostbuster jumpsuits and sunglasses—shared fun, choreographed dancing, and an energetic set that got the afternoon off to a jovial start.
Appearances as part of the script reading—produced and cast by Patrick Cotnoire—included legendary voice actors Laura Summer (“Janine”), Maurice LaMarche (“Dr. Egon Spengler), Phil LaMarr (“Winston”), Loraine Newman (Saturday Night Live), along, whose humor and quick wit added an extra element of fun to all in attendance. Jim Cummings, Jonah Ray (as Ray Stantz), Rob Schrab (as Peter Venkman), Brock Powell (as Louie), and Aaron LaPlante (as Mr. Carter) joined Kevin Mangold (as Slimer) and Derek Mears, who delivered a hysterical performance as the Boogieman.
Following the musical set and live reading, the theater screened independent animated short McBusters, created by Myke Chillian (highlighting the Ghostbuster franchise’s generational creative influence), followed by a few episodes of The Real Ghostbusters animated series. Guests were given a chance to purchase exclusive commemorative merchandise to add to their collection.
Sharing an opportunity for fans, performers, and the animation community to join together for some fun—and a cause—the event was presented by nonprofit Saturday Morning Cartoons United, in collaboration with Sony Pictures, Ghost Corps, and Ghostbusters Give Back franchise, with a portion of event proceeds benefit Starlight Children’s Foundation. The afternoon at the Dynasty Typewriter (part of the Hayworth Theater) brought joy and laughter as part of a nostalgic and purposeful celebration, and a poignant reminder of the legacy of a well-written series and the lasting gifts of Los Angeles’ incredible voiceover talent pool.
To stay in touch and learn more about upcoming animation experiences, screenings, pop-up shops, and find out about championing animation industry members, visit @saturdaymorningcartoonsunited (on Facebook and YouTube). More about Ghostbusters at ghostbusters.com.
(Photo Credit: Saturday Morning Cartoons United)
