Mira Sorvino, William H. Macy, more coming to Long Island as part of Patchogue Theatre film series
Kelly and Sean Sharp, of Patchogue, came face-to-face with actor Bruce Campbell, center, during a meet and greet session at the screening of the 1992 cult film "Army of Darkness" at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts last year. Credit: Sean Sharp
In her 60-plus year career, actress Lesley Ann Warren has appeared in more than 130 projects, but playing Miss Scarlet in 1985’s cult hit “Clue” is one of her favorites.
“I love her swagger. She’s both sexy and tough. Portraying that character was really fun,” says Warren, 77. “Initially, I was asked to be Mrs. White because Carrie Fisher was playing Miss Scarlet but she had to drop out and they asked me to take over the role. I was happy because it felt like a better fit for me.”
This is the kind of behind-the-scenes insight Long Islanders can get at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts’ film and Q&A series, which Warren will be a part of this spring. The 100-year-old venue, located at 71 E. Main St., has branched out into this new form of entertainment.
“Having these Hollywood actors come into our village is not common. We are used to seeing musicians, comedians and Broadway singers but when else would you get the opportunity to see a film star?” says executive director Michele Rizzo-Berg. “It’s exciting to witness the person from the film you love so much actually stand in front of you and get to ask them a question or shake their hand.”
HOW IT WORKS
Patchogue Theatre presents a film on its 35-foot-wide-by-20-foot-tall screen and brings in a star from that film to do a Q&A with the crowd.
“We look for films that have a cult following that are iconic,” says Rizzo-Berg. “There are certain ones that hold a special memory for people.”
A moderator or the actor themselves conduct a live Q&A typically after each screening where audience members can ask the actor a question.
“I totally love talking to people. It’s a thrill,” says Warren. “Their questions are always fun, interesting and thought-provoking. I enjoy being able to share information with them because they are so hungry for it.”
The series began last year when Patchogue Theatre brought in “Napoleon Dynamite” with actors Jon Heder (Napoleon), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) in April, “Army of Darkness” with Bruce Campbell (Ash) in April and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with Barry Bostwick (Brad) in October.
'NAPOLEON' MANIA
Larry Dell’Erba, 58, of Babylon, enjoyed being part of the “Napoleon Dynamite” event, which even had Napoleon’s favorite snack — tater tots — sold in the lobby by local restaurant Standard Rec.
“They discussed a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff. For example, ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ started off as a short film two years before the full original movie existed. Jon Heder also talked about how his hair was permed and how they had to redo it because he didn’t know he couldn’t wash his hair for 24 hours,” says Dell’Erba. “If you were a ‘Napoleon’ fan, it really gave you some history of the film. The crowd was very enthusiastic. You could feel the energy in the room.”
'ROCKY HORROR' FAITHFUL
Lisa Colby, 59, of Smithtown, grew up going to see “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” multiple times at midnight showings in the Hauppauge movie theater during her high school years. As a hard-core fan, she was thrilled to see Bostwick in person live on stage.
“Barry went into character and was really funny,” says Colby. “He even brought people on stage who were dressed up as the movie characters. We voted by applause who was best.”
The event was interactive as the crowd was led by a shadow cast, which got them moving.
“During the ‘Time Warp’ everybody got up and danced in the aisles,” says Colby. “There wasn’t an empty seat in the crowd. We were all so excited. I’d do it again without question and bring more people next time.”
BRING ON BRUCE
Campbell cooked up a special presentation where he hosted a movie trivia game show called “Last Fan Standing” before his Q&A with the crowd and screening of “Army of Darkness.”
“Everyone played along to the screen using a special app on their phone,” says Sam Hoyos, 45, of West Babylon. “It was one of the best live shows I’ve ever been to. Bruce Campbell is just a ham, who is super funny and quick on his feet. There wasn’t a boring moment.”
MEET AND GREETS AVAILABLE
Another element of the film series is the meet and greet opportunities that actors offer with a premium ticket that also includes a seat in the first few rows; sometimes it’s an add-on to your ticket. These bonus one-on-one sessions vary but usually include photo opportunities, autographs and a chance to speak with the actor face-to-face.
“People are genuinely happy to meet you and express their feelings about the film,” says Warren. “I’ve never had a negative response. It’s just a joy.”
Sean Sharp, 45, of Patchogue, and his wife, Kelly, got some face time with Campbell at a meet and greet before the show.
“Bruce is really charismatic,” says Sharp. “He was friendly and was kind enough to personalize our photos. It was really cool.”
PATCHOGUE THEATRE’S FILM & Q&A SERIES
WHEN | WHERE Feb. 23 — actor Cary Elwes and “The Princess Bride,” March 1 — actress Mira Sorvino and “Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion,” March 16 — actor William H. Macy and “Fargo,” March 22 — actor Judge Reinhold and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” April 6 — actor Alan Ruck and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and April 20 — actress Lesley Ann Warren and “Clue”; Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue
INFO 631-207-1313, patchoguetheatre.org
ADMISSION Prices vary per event but range from $45-$210 per ticket (higher prices include a meet and greet session and VIP seating)
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
