Step Back in Time with the Mahoning Drive-In Road Show: A 35mm Double Feature Experience at UCPAC

Horror fans and cinephiles alike have a rare treat coming to New Jersey this winter as The Mahoning Drive-In Road Show brings a classic 1970s drive-in experience indoors for one night only. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, UCPAC’s Main Stage will host a special 35mm double feature presentation of two iconic horror films: William Friedkin’s The Exorcist (1973) and the cult Italian shocker Beyond the Door (1974). Tickets are on sale now, promising a nostalgic cinematic event for fans of vintage horror and classic drive-in culture.

Mark from the Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Pennsylvania invites audiences to a fully immersive experience, complete with vintage snack bar advertisements, original trailers, and an intermission reel between the films. The show begins with an introduction by Mark and Virgil, who share stories about the history of the Mahoning Drive-In and provide insights into the films about to be screened. Attendees will be transported back to an era when double features were the centerpiece of a night at the drive-in, and the magic of 35mm film created an unforgettable, larger-than-life experience on the big screen.

The evening kicks off with The Exorcist, widely considered one of the greatest horror films of all time. The story follows a young girl, Regan (Linda Blair), whose disturbing possession forces her mother (Ellen Burstyn) to seek help from the clergy in a desperate bid to save her child. Friedkin’s masterful direction, groundbreaking special effects, and unforgettable performances made this film a landmark in cinematic horror, and experiencing it on 35mm promises an intensity and authenticity that digital screenings rarely capture.

Following this classic, the program continues with Beyond the Door, an Italian horror film notorious for its similarities to The Exorcist. Marketed with chilling taglines such as “Beyond this door, the most terrifying event in the history of mankind is about to occur,” the film gained notoriety when Warner Brothers sued for copyright infringement. Its blend of supernatural terror and 1970s cinematic flair offers fans a unique glimpse into international horror’s response to the era’s American blockbusters.

This special Mahoning Drive-In presentation is more than just a movie night—it’s a full-scale homage to the golden age of drive-ins, with all the charm and thrill of the original experience preserved. Whether you’re a longtime fan of horror cinema or discovering these classics for the first time, the evening promises to deliver nostalgia, frights, and the unique energy of 35mm film projected in a live theater setting.

For those looking to explore additional live theater, film events, and cultural programming in New Jersey, Explore New Jersey Theatre provides comprehensive coverage of upcoming shows, screenings, and performances throughout the state, helping audiences discover memorable entertainment experiences.

The Mahoning Drive-In Road Show is a must-see for anyone who loves horror, classic cinema, or the vibrant culture of drive-in theaters. Don’t miss this chance to relive a bygone era, feel the suspense of The Exorcist, and experience the offbeat thrills of Beyond the Door in the immersive atmosphere of UCPAC’s Main Stage.