Earlier this week, I enjoyed a special sneak preview of EVERY LITTLE STEP at the Paris Theater. Although I saw this film last fall when it had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, there was something quite magical about seeing it again in New York. Sitting in the audience were many notable figures connected to the show – including the brother of Michael Bennett (who conceived and choreographed the original show), Bob Avian (original co-choreographer), John Breglio (producer), Donna McKechnie (original “Cassie”), Marvin Hamlisch (wrote the score), Baayork Lee (who created the role of Connie and served as Bennett’s assistant choreographer), Jessica Lee Goldyn (revival cast – Val), Deidre Goodwin (revival cast – Sheila), Yuka Takara (revival cast – Connie) and many others. During the Q&A, Bennett’s sibling thanked the filmmakers for “so lovingly conjuring the spirit of my brother.” John Breglio added that “the documentary memorializes the essence of what Michael would have wanted,” elaborating that “after we saw this film, we knew we had found the new theatrical version of A Chorus Line.”
As Al Franken awaits a court verdict to determine his status as Minnesota’s senator, it was perfect timing to revisit the film AL FRANKEN: GOD SPOKE. Directors Nick Doob and Chris Hegedus joined us for a memorable screening of Franken’s transformation from no-holds-barred comedy to politics. The screening proved extra timely since this week there were new developments in his journey to the senate. For the latest on Franken’s career, visit http://www.alfranken.com/ and to read a full review of the STF screening, read Karina Longworth’s piece on SpoutBlog. (Photo L to R: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker and Nick Doob)
Congrats to our friends Nicole Barrett and James Stewart who attended the first two screenings of STF’s spring season in an advanced stage of pregnancy. Neither THE ENGLISH SURGEON nor NURSERY UNIVERSITY was able to shock Nicole into labor. But last Friday, she gave birth to infant Emily, the first known case of STF loyalty beginning in the womb. Wait a second, Nicole: I just realized your husband’s name is James Stewart. Now, that’s movie love.
BEFORE (at “Nursery University,” Monday, April 6).
On April 7, Barbara Kopple made a special appearance at STF to screen her rarely seen documentary FALLEN CHAMP: THE UNTOLD STORY OF MIKE TYSON that originally appeared on NBC in 1993. She was joined for the Q&A by her collaborators Richard Stratton, Bill Davis and Leon Gast (who visited STF last year with his film WHEN WE WERE KINGS). This special screening brought out a number of prominent film journalists who were curious to screen this film in juxtaposition to James Toback’s forthcoming documentary TYSON (being released in theaters later this month).
STF passholders were treated to a special bonus screening of NURSERY UNVERSITY on Mon. April 6. In the Q&A, filmmakers Marc Simon and Matthew Makar shared the challenges of dealing with hyper-cautious New York nurseries and protective parents. The film opens in theaters on April 24. For more information see: www.nurseryuniversitythemoview.com
Earlier this week, I enjoyed a special sneak preview of EVERY LITTLE STEP at the Paris Theater. Although I saw this film last fall when it had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, there was something quite magical about seeing it again in New York. Sitting in the audience were many notable figures connected to the show – including the brother of Michael Bennett (who conceived and choreographed the original show), Bob Avian (original co-choreographer), John Breglio (producer), Donna McKechnie (original “Cassie”), Marvin Hamlisch (wrote the score), Baayork Lee (who created the role of Connie and served as Bennett’s assistant choreographer), Jessica Lee Goldyn (revival cast – Val), Deidre Goodwin (revival cast – Sheila), Yuka Takara (revival cast – Connie) and many others. During the Q&A, Bennett’s sibling thanked the filmmakers for “so lovingly conjuring the spirit of my brother.” John Breglio added that “the documentary memorializes the essence of what Michael would have wanted,” elaborating that “after we saw this film, we knew we had found the new theatrical version of A Chorus Line.”
As Al Franken awaits a court verdict to determine his status as Minnesota’s senator, it was perfect timing to revisit the film AL FRANKEN: GOD SPOKE. Directors Nick Doob and Chris Hegedus joined us for a memorable screening of Franken’s transformation from no-holds-barred comedy to politics. The screening proved extra timely since this week there were new developments in his journey to the senate. For the latest on Franken’s career, visit 
BEFORE (at “Nursery University,” Monday, April 6).
AFTER, Friday, April 10.
On April 7, Barbara Kopple made a special appearance at STF to screen her rarely seen documentary FALLEN CHAMP: THE UNTOLD STORY OF MIKE TYSON that originally appeared on NBC in 1993. She was joined for the Q&A by her collaborators Richard Stratton, Bill Davis and Leon Gast (who visited STF last year with his film 
STF passholders were treated to a special bonus screening of NURSERY UNVERSITY on Mon. April 6. In the Q&A, filmmakers Marc Simon and Matthew Makar shared the challenges of dealing with hyper-cautious New York nurseries and protective parents. The film opens in theaters on April 24. For more information see: