Don't miss Patty McCormack in person at 'Bad Seed' fundraiser Oct. 10

There are certain to be baskets of kisses a-plenty as former Castro Theatre special events impressario Marc Huestis and the Palm Springs Cultural Center (PSCC) present an evening of "The Bad Seed " with star Patty McCormack live in person.

The film, released in 1956, was based on a 1954 Broadway play that was based on a novel released the same year. In addition to McCormack, who originated the role of Rhoda Penmark on the stage and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film, the campy cinematic classic features the talents of Nancy Kelly and Henry Jones.

According to a press release, "this seedy extravaganza of 'bad' taste" will also include live performances by drag talents Nancy French, Steven LeMay, Matthew Martin and Kit Tapata; a highlight clip reel covering McCormack's extensive career; a screening of "The Bad Seed" and a Miss Bad Seed costume contest hosted by Sue Casa. Patrons are invited to dress as their favorite "Bad Seed" character; prizes will be awarded.

Following the screening, there will be a live Q&A with McCormack, to be interviewed by Luke Yankee, acclaimed author of "Just Outside the Spotlight: Growing Up With Eileen Heckart."

The event, a fundraiser for PSCC, will take place Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Preferred VIP seating tickets are $50. General seating tickets are $35. After the show, VIP ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet McCormack at a reception in the mezzanine, where she will sign memorabilia (limited to two pieces per guest).

About the promoter

Marc Huestis is an award-winning filmmaker, camp impresario and social activist who is best known for his in-person tribute events spanning two decades. He is a co-winner of the 2001 Frameline Award in recognition as a co-founder of the San Francisco Frameline LGBT Film Festival, which is the largest and oldest in the country, and a recipient of the SF Bay Guardian's Lifetime Achievement Goldie Award. His memoir Impresario of Castro Street (2019) marked his debut as an author and garnered critical praise.

To learn more about the event, email Huestis at hostess2@gmail.com . For more on the Palm Springs Cultural Center and its many offerings, visit psculturalcenter.org .

Winston Gieseke is the philanthropy editor at The Desert Sun. winston.gieseke@desertsun.com .

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Don't miss Patty McCormack in person at 'Bad Seed' fundraiser Oct. 10