If you've ever yelled, “Tina, bring me the ax!” or “No Wire Hanger!!”, the revival of the popular Chelsea Classics movie series – the quintessential cult favorite is coming to the big screen in Hell's Kitchen. dear mama — That might be your ticket!
The festive return of Chelsea Classics — screening May 8 at the LOOK dine-in cinema on W57th Street, with the following screenings scheduled: grease, showgirl and To Wong Fu… Following — featuring an interactive rerun of Faye Dunaway's infamous 1981 star vehicle, as well as a pre-show chat with Ruthanya Alda, who appeared in the film as Crawford's faithful housekeeper (Lutanya , the author of a memoir called A Dear Mom's Diary: Carol Ann Tells All, I'm sure there are plenty of stories to tell on set). The series was previously held at the now-closed Cinepolis movie theater (its predecessors were Bowtie Cinema and Chelsea Clearview Cinema) and was hosted by drag performer Hedda Lettuce. will be directed by Ben Cameron, widely known as the mainstay of Hell's Kitchen. He was recognized for his work as host of the popular Broadway Sessions Cabaret series in Green Room 42.
Head of Business Development Craig O'Connor told W42ST that bringing Ben on board to revive the series at LOOK was the last serendipitous step in a long-held desire to revive the program he worked on at Bowtie. Told. “This series started in 2002 for him as a way to do something special to people. [the LGBTQ+] It’s a community that no one else was doing,” Craig said. “We started by running a month-long series of films loved by the LGBTQ+ community, with a pre-show hosted by popular drag queen Hedda Lettuce, featuring prize draws and audience interaction. It was an instant success, and soon we were regulars, and it snowballed into a wonderful series that lasted for 15 years.”
When Craig joined the LOOK team, he saw an opportunity to bring the same level of community, camaraderie, and cinematic camp to Hell's Kitchen. He added that the relaunch in Hell's Kitchen was a natural transition, as “a lot of his LGBTQ+ population in Chelsea moved to Hell's Kitchen” or still remember the series fondly.
Hedda may make occasional guest appearances if the series continues, but her current commitments have led the team to search for a new permanent host, he said. He hopped on an Atlantis Events LGBTQ+ cruise and passed Ben, the ship's bona fide entertainment director, on the flight home. “After a week of listening to my pranks go nowhere but over the top, he decided to involve me. [the series]We couldn't be more excited! '' Ben said as we gathered in the sun-drenched lobby of LOOK ahead of the first screening.
Ben said he had always wanted to see Chelsea Classics, but never had a chance to attend a screening before West Side movie theaters closed. The team at LOOK gives the veteran host the freedom to make his own impression on the show, and Ben believes his background as a “trivia nerd” may inform some of the pre-show fun and games. He added that it was expensive. “I think people are used to Hedda Lettuce showing up in full drag,” Ben said, thinking about his outfits for upcoming shows. “Also, I can’t say I won’t wear a poodle skirt.” grease Sing together! ”
He added, “For me, it's about elevating the audience through an interactive experience. These films are so iconic that I want to create moments that we can all share. Each of these films has… There are moments we are waiting for. [In Mommie Dearest]Joan Crawford says, “No wire hangers! ”, so we have ordered 300 wire hangers so that everyone can have them for the time being. ”
I was asked if the screening would consist of the following raucous style: rocky horror show Ben wagered that he would encourage interactive viewing “as long as it tastes good,” even if the film being screened wasn't. Craig and Ben say that while some of the current and potential line-up of Chelsea Classics takes the spooky content to John Waters-esque extremes, the intention of the series is that many of the films It acknowledged that the purpose was to commemorate the lasting cultural impact it had on the queer community. “When we were in Chelsea, we asked people who raised their hands how many times they had seen the movie. [audience members] Has anyone seen it 5, 10, or 20 times? ” Craig said. “Many of these films are old and outdated films, but they are meant to be cultural artifacts,” he added. “For people who haven’t seen it, in a sense, [camp] education. ”
Ben agrees. “I'm very careful to judge the line between people who actually enjoy these movies and people who go out and watch them from a camp perspective and people who are making connections. You're old enough! — To young people: “These are the reasons you need it.” cereal mom in your life; after seeing it you will be changed forever showgirl,''' he said. “These movies are passed down and connect generations. It's such a classic, and I'm so happy to give it to others as people have given me these movies.”
He believes: “In a world where you can stream anything, come see a movie as absurd as the one we're about to see, with other people who understand that absurdity. At least it makes me feel less alone.” yeah” ”
Craig added that a new feature that creates community for the series is the LOOK feature, which offers themed food and cocktails during screenings. “One of the things we want to do is encourage people to get together at the bar and talk about movies,” he said.
“What brings people together more than coming out of the lobby and having a conversation with someone about this movie that we all have such stupid opinions about,” Ben added. “This is the icebreaker of icebreakers. And we're going to take his three-second finger off Grindr,” he laughed. “Come see a movie and discuss it with others while you hold a copy of Cosmopolitan!”
It is hoped that LOOK will be able to continue the Chelsea Classic as a permanent weekly program if new or returning regulars are found for the series. And Craig and Ben What happened to Texas' best little brothel, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Baby Jane? (Starring the real-life Crawford!) And of course, cereal mom.
For now, Ben is excited to connect with the entire queer community in Hell's Kitchen and New York by watching some of their most treasured films. Camp movies, he added, are “nothing more than an escape from the strange world” we live in. “I look forward to the energy that everyone shows up to have a similarly elevated and shared experience…and feel more like a living, breathing part of something than just going to the movies.” I'm looking forward to seeing people walk away feeling like they're the real deal. I want them to go on a thrilling ride!”
LOOK Dine-in Cinemas is located at 657 W57th Street (bw 11/12th Ave) and will be hosting the Chelsea Classic Series on May 8th (dear mama), May 22nd (grease),June 12(showgirl) and June 26th (Thank you as always, Mr. Wong Foo!julie newmar). Tickets are $15.
