Friday the 13th’s Jason actor hitting the Tillsonburg stage

(Contributed Photo).

Ben Andress

In the spring of 1980, most moviegoers were watching a film about hyperspace while horror fans were crowded in theaters cheering on camp counselors in Friday The 13th as they had the worst summer of their lives. At the time no one knew that Jason Voorhees would become a household name. Even actor Ari Lehman who portrayed Jason in the first film of the franchise never would have imagined the impact he would make and the places that role would take him.

Friday The 13th grossed $59.8 million worldwide and received praise for Harry Manfredini's film score and Tom Savini's innovative special effects while spawning an iconic franchise that includes film sequels, television series, video games and collectible merchandise. Some of the surprise success is attributed to Savini's suggestion to producer and director Sean S. Cunningham to bring back actor Ari Lehman and the character Jason Voorhees during script rewrites.

From his Chicago office, Ari Lehman recalls the phone call that was the catalyst for his film career and metal band First Jason. "Ari, can you swim?" Lehman's working relationship with Cunningham started in 1978 after Ari snuck into the casting auditions for the 1978 film Manny's Orphans landing the role of Roger and making him top choice when it came time to cast young Jason.

"For months it was up in the air then we shot the final sequence. Paramount Pictures loved that final scene so much that they distributed Friday The 13th in 800 theaters across the country." While recalling fond memories from the film set, Ari Lehman reflects on the impact that Friday The 13th made to the horror genre.

"Nobody expected that we would be standing here today talking about the legacy of Jason Verhoores and this character that people just embraced. I never take that for granted." After the release of the film, Lehman studied classical music and jazz piano at New York University and recorded with Interscope Records artists including reggae Nigerian singer-songwriter Majek Fashek. "My life was very much involved with world music." During this time Jason was not a big part of Ari Lehman's everyday life.

That changed in 2004 with an invitation from Tony Tipone to be a part of Fangoria's Weekend Of Horror convention in New Jersey. This was also the same year the punk metal band First Jason was formed by Lehman with song lyrics and themes based off of his role in the iconic film.

"It's horror and metal together forever. I saw a door opening which I went right through. I'm very fortunate because the metal and punk scenes are very open minded and give you a chance to express yourself and find your voice." 

First Jason features Ari Lehman on vocals and keytar, Bass Amp on bass and vocals, Fabian Arroyo on drums and Eddie Machete on guitar. The band is currently touring to support a recently-released career spanning compilation album titled Killin' It, which features appearances from TWIZTID, Alex Vincent, Courtney Gains, Tim Cappello and Ice Nine Kills. First Jason ends the year in Canada with tour stops in Tillsonburg, Guelph and a sold-out show in Kitchener. 

Once home, the band has plans to write a follow up to 2017's album To Be A Monster. Lehman explains the perfect formula when asked if elements of his reggae past would appear on the new album. "First Jason has to be heavy. It has got to be hardcore."

Tillsonburg's rural woods and quaint picturesque landscape are comparable to the environment that Jason Voorhees roamed in Friday The 13th's fictional Camp Crystal Lake and makes the perfect first stop when First Jason tours Canada next month. 

You can meet the actor that played Jason Voorhees on Friday, Dec. 6 during the Nightmare Before Xmas Halloween Party at Paddy's Underground located at 20 John Pound in Tillsonburg. The event features live music from First Jason and B.A. Johnston, local vendors and a costume contest. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with an 8:30 p.m. showtime. Tickets are $20 in advance by calling the Mill at 519-842-1878 or by visiting Eventbrite.ca. Tickets are available the night of the show for $30 subject to availability. This is an all ages/licensed event. Meet & Greet packages are available to purchase at the First Jason merch booth. Bring cash to support local vendors and touring artists. There is no ATM on site. This is a wheelchair-accessible venue. 

Anyone wanting more details can visit firstjason.com or Paddy's Underground Facebook page.