MST 3000 in San Jose

Thursday evening, Paul and I set off to San Jose for our big event: we were going to attend "Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live", an encore for the performance after one in San Francisco. It was a special moment for MST3K fans in the Bay Areas, as it was Joel Hodgson's last live trip before his imminent retirement. It was a double excitement for Paul, for he has always wanted to see Joel performing alive. On more than one occasion, he was planning to go to Milwaukee for one of their very early shows, decades ago.

We had our dinner at In and Out, and happened to run into Rick and his son Michael. We then proceeded leisurely towards San Jose Center of Performing Arts. Our arrival was early, but there were already people waiting for the doors to open. People were casually dressed, some in MST3K themed outfits. You could feel the excitement and anticipation in the night air. 

We were finally admitted. There was a long line formed at the MST3K merchandise counter. We walked around different levels of walkways inside the hall, finding ourselves surrounded by crowds of fans everywhere, old and young, men and women. The theater was packed with thousands of devotees.

Soon, Joel and his quipping robot companions — Tom Servo, Crow, Gypsy, and Cambot— and crew came on stage with the darkening of the light. Mystery Science Theater 3000 was officially live on stage:

MST 3000 Live Opening scene.

Joe with his sarcastic robot companions.

Tom briefly acquired the body of a "beautiful butterfly."

The end: Joel Hodgson's whole ensemble.