It was a dark and stormy night. Well, actually it was a beautiful autumnal evening with not a cloud in the sky, as SPHERE members, their friends and families, and lots of movie fans descended upon The Ridgefield Playhouse on Thursday night, October 24 for the premiere of the group’s latest production – “The Bride of Frankenstein!”
As the lobby began to fill prior to show time, there was a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation, and everyone was eager to see how the many months of hard work had finally come together on the big screen. (Much like Igor’s “checklist” in the film, many little details were involved in this production, and it all was about to come together and take on a life of its own.)
As people continued to gather, a number of SPHERE members shared their excitement. Many said they’d be looking for specific scenes in the film – ones where they were featured, in the group’s tradition of providing every member with their own moment in the spotlight. Diane, who plays the chief of police in the film, said she was looking forward to seeing the scene in which she inspires her officers to fan out and track down the monster. Marianne said she was excited that everyone in the group would be seeing it for the first time all together, making the whole experience much more fun. Ben expressed how much he enjoyed being part of the team during the making of the film. John Andrew, who plays the blind “Hermit” in the film, said he hoped the audience would enjoy the scene in which he plays his guitar for the monster. (He’s a very talented musician, and the audience loved that scene, of course.) Members of the group were especially glad to see their friend Juliana, who plays the hilarious “Dr. Pretorius” in the film. As a dedicated student of great filmmaking, she was especially excited and enthusiastic about the whole process of taking the story from the idea stage to the screen. Jocelyn, a member of SPHERE for 25 years, said that it’s wonderful to see the community embrace the group as it has. She also said that she’s very impressed at the way the leadership team has expanded the activities and programs for members, and she warmly described the group as “my other family.”
After enjoying conversation in the lobby, it was time for everyone to head to their seats for the big show. Lori Berisford, chairman of the board for SPHERE, welcomed a packed house of movie fans and reminded us that the stars of this very special evening were not in the sky, but instead seated in the first five rows of the theater – where they could cheer, applaud, laugh, and feel deservedly proud of their fine work.
Before the lights went down, SPHERE’s president, the ebullient Valerie Jensen, director of the film – clearly embracing the idea that costumes were encouraged, looking wonderful in a gothic ball gown ensemble – told the audience about the talented production team responsible for bringing this project to life. (It’s alive!) While SPHERE celebrates and encourages the talent of individuals, the group wouldn’t be what it is without teamwork and the support of so many families, so it was wonderful and appropriate that all four lovely Ciota ladies were in attendance – Amy, Hope, Rebecca and Valerie. (Papa Don was there too, of course, as the group would be lost without him.)
In his remarks just prior to the show, filmmaker Adam Welby, director of photography for the project, praised the SPHERE members for their great acting, and said that he finds them more talented than many of the professional actors he has worked with in New York.
The newest – and perhaps most “tireless” – member of the production team is Bijahn Clarke, who saw this project to the finish line and with his masterful editing created a showcase that each and every SPHERE member can be proud of. Bijahn thanked every member of the group for making him feel welcome and appreciated, and Bijahn thanked Valerie for treating him “just like a member of the family.” (We will provide more details about that remark as they become available.)
On behalf of the film’s cast, Rachel Wise – looking even lovelier than ever this premiere night – told the audience how much fun everyone had working on this project, and reminded them that copies of “The Bride of Frankenstein” coloring book were available for sale in the lobby. (This coloring book served the essential role of “storyboard” during the making of the film, and kept cast and crew on track and gave everyone a sense of how each wonderful scene fit into the story as a whole.)
For the next hour, the Ridgefield Playhouse was filled with joy and awe, as everyone in attendance was captivated by this wonderful film. (Professional actors often talk about how they cherish the opportunity to “chew the scenery” in a spoof or comedy skit. Let’s just say there was a wonderful level of “chewing” throughout this film – especially by “Frankenstein,” the very talented Mark Furano, Jr.) Every member of the SPHERE family demonstrated their impressive talent, and undoubtedly this film will be appreciated for many years to come. As Emily Pambianchi, the film’s assistant director, said just prior to the show, everyone who has a chance to get to know the members of this terrific group comes away from the experience touched, inspired and very impressed. “The Bride of Frankenstein” is another wonderful example of the truth of that observation. Now, like Dr. Frankenstein’s monster, it’s time to unleash it on the world!