Take the Zombies Bowling
By Hollie Gibbs
It has been said that when there is no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth. When the undead need to unwind, they will go bowling. So if you wander near Mahall’s 20 Lanes Sat 7/14, you may hear the low drone of shufflers moaning, “lanes… lanes…”
The occult organizer and head of Old School Sinema who has brought the area such lively events as nine zombie charity walks in Lakewood and two in Akron, along with a zombie prom at the Beachland Ballroom, Joe Ostrica is now taking his legion bowling. “It sounds fun, and our zombie friends are always wanting to try something new and unique,” he said. “Mahall’s was familiar with my zombie events and approached us. They are everything Old School Sinema loves: spacey with a stage for bands, an awesome basement with ten lanes for our zombies, food and a bar in the basement. Zombies LOVE PBR!”
Mahall’s, located at 13200 Madison Ave. in Lakewood, also packs all the retro charm of the best classic horror movies. And for those who want to enjoy that charm without watching over their shoulders for cannibal corpses, the upstairs 10 lanes will still be open for living bowling.
However, for those with the desire to slap on some latex prosthetics and douse themselves in fake blood, $10 will get you shoe rental and unlimited bowling from 9 p.m. until 1:45 a.m. downstairs. As with brains, space is limited, and zombies will be welcomed first come first served. Although a few artists will be on hand to apply makeup for a fee, Joe suggests people do their own makeup at home. “People go all out with makeup and costumes. There are some very talented artists out there, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with!”
Fans can also expect merchandise for sale too, including Old School Sinema/ PBR t-shirts and ladies tank tops. Visual Grammar 216, which creates jewelry, small hats and unique hair accessories, will provide ladies merch. Zombies and Toys will be on hand selling zombie toys, collectables and even a table top bowling zombies game to bring home for the whole family to enjoy.
Joe said he hopes that this is the first of many similar events. “We are hoping to get a good crowd and create a new tradition,” he explained. “Zombie bowling will be perfect for a winter event too. My goal is to just provide a fresh, fun time for friends and fans of Old School Sinema at these events. We always aim to entertain and give our fans a lot of bang for their hard-earned buck.”
Founded in 2006, Old School Sinema makes low budget horror movies that have played at several film festivals and conventions and has developed a large cult following.
Old School Sinema’s Zombie Bowling is happening this Sat 7/14 from 9pm – 1:45am @ Mahall’s, located at 13200 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. For more info visit http://OSSmovies.com.
Hollie Gibbs has a BS in journalism from Kent State University and studied photography at School of the Visual Arts in Manhattan. Her articles and photographs have appeared in numerous local and national publications. She can also be found playing guitar with various bands and building life-size monster props.
Lakewood, OH 44107