Milford's Will Young covets roles in 'Our Town,' 'Ernie'

Published: Monday, March 28, 2011

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Actor Will Young (left) and Director Dennis North sit on the set of "Our Town" on the OCC Orchard Ridge Campus. Photo courtesy of Kurt L. Mathiak

Director Dennis North works with the cast of "Our Town" at OCC Orchard Ridge Campus. Photo courtesy of Kurt L. Mathiak

By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

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Actor Will Young plays the part of Stage Manager in "Our Town" at OCC Orchard Ridge Campus. Photo courtesy of Kurt L. Mathiak

Actors often wait a lifetime for their dream role. Will Young of Milford is pinching himself to make sure he isn’t dreaming, as he has not one but two perfect roles, and not back to back, but at the same time.

Young accepted the role of Stage Manger in the Oakland County Community College (OCC) Orchard Ridge Campus production of the American classic “Our Town,” before recently landing the part of Detroit Tigers broadcasting legend Ernie Harwell in the upcoming play “Ernie” by Mitch Album. Young smiled broadly as he described himself as one busy guy.

“I’m in rehearsals for Ernie six days a week for six to eight hours, before heading out to join the cast of ‘Our Town,’ ” Young said. “It would be impossible without the support of the ‘Ernie’ director and stage manager who arrange my schedule so I can get to the two weeks of ‘Our Town’ rehearsals.”

Young, who grew up in the small Minnesota town of Cokato, saw “Our Town” when he was in seventh grade, said he coveted the role of the Stage Manager, thinking he would never have an opportunity to perform it. Years later he landed the role in a production at the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea, then was offered that childhood dream role again by his long-time friend and director, Dennis North.

“Will is an Equity Actor and this is the first time OCC has brought a professional actor into a production,” North said. “When I decided to do ‘Our Town’ this season, I thought of Will because for me, Will owns that role. You won’t find a better Stage Manager.”

Young is a member of Actors’ Equity Association which is the labor union that represents more than 48,000 actors and stage managers in the United States.

The majority of the 23 member cast of “Our Town” is OCC students and former students who say they are watching and learning from both North, who is also a professional actor, and Young.

“Will raises the bar,” Lilli Bishop (cast as Mrs. Gibbs) said. “He makes you want to be the best you can be.”

Young said he feels a sense of responsibility to model a professional work ethic and support his fellow actors.

“The first time he came to rehearsal, he knew all his lines,” Garett Harris (cast as George) said. “My jaw dropped.”

Balancing the two productions not only requires careful scheduling. Young explained that he needs great focus while on each stage. A self-proclaimed worrier, Young admits he is anxious about representing the icon and beloved Ernie Harwell, and is carefully studying his body movement and expression.

“ ’Ernie’ is a labor of love by Mitch, and I am honored to be chosen for the role,” Young said. “I have most of the lines in both shows, so I am now speaking for about nine hours a day between the two show rehearsals. I’m not complaining, believe me.”

Young added that both projects offer him phenomenal roles and both have beautiful words and are incredible pieces.

North described “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder as a spiritual play with a journey of love and loss. Noting the play has no formal set and few props, so audience must bring their imaginations to the performance.

“Our Town” can be seen at the Smith Theater on the Oakland County Community College Orchard Ridge Campus at 8 p.m. on March 31 and April 1 and 3, and at 3 p.m. on April 3. Tickets are available by calling 248-522-3666 or at the box office. Tickets for adults are $8 and $5 for students and seniors.

“Ernie” opens at City Theatre on April 28.

By NANCY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

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Antoinette Nikprelaj is Dr. Scarlet Sangfro in "Scar 23."

Antoinette Nikprelaj of Rochester is preparing for the role she hopes will launch her to Hollywood stardom. The 24-year-old actress is learning the skills she will need to save all mankind in the year 2099.

Nikprelaj is starring in the upcoming “Scar 23” — a futuristic, sci-fi thriller in which she plays a time-traveling scientist, heroically trying to save Earth — shot entirely at the Livonia-based Maxsar Digital Studios.

“I gave her a screen test and she was perfect. We put her in an apartment near the studio and away from her family so that she can concentrate on her training with our technical consultant Darcy Leutzinger of the Warren Police Department,” said Philippe Martinez, the film’s producer and director. “When I saw Antoinette, I knew she was our star, Scarlet.”

Nikprelaj’s Cinderella story began last year when the former model was urged by her cousin to audition as a stand-in for a Hollywood star who was originally set to play the kickboxing and fearless scientist in the Maxsar film, primed for its first feature-length CGI release.

After the meeting with Martinez, Nikprelaj walked away with the starring role of Dr. Scarlet Sangfro, replacing previously cast actress.

Months of pre-production self-defense and weapons training have been grueling, but the sacrifice proving most difficult for the young star is being away from her husband Nua and 3-year-old daughter Gianna.

“I miss them so much,” said Nikprelaj. “They are my life, but I am doing this also for them, because I see a great potential to become successful.”

In terms of training, she says that staying focused, especially in those sessions when the long hours have exhausted her, is her greatest challenge. Adding that pushing herself beyond her comfort zone taught her that she is a much stronger person than she thought.

“The pressure is on me to make it believable,” said Nikprelaj. “I am working with my acting coach, Megan Brown, on every detail including how to stand and where to put my hands. I actually play several versions of myself — one sexy, one strong and another is very sad.”

Nikprelaj moved into the Detroit area as a child with her Albanian-born parents.

She began modeling as a teenager, landing a national ad campaign for the women’s clothing chain “The Limited.” Her young career soon grew. She appeared in several music videos, then won roles in “Just Go With It” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” playing a mermaid opposite Johnny Depp’s iconic Captain Jack Sparrow.

“Johnny Depp is very kind and talented,” said Nikprelaj. “In the film he tries to kidnap one of mermaids so the mermaids fight the pirates. We had a chance to speak often, and he told me it is important to remain true to yourself, follow heart, and hope people like what you create.”

Depp’s insights are emanating through Nikprelaj in “Scar 23,” written by Stevie Robinson of Dearborn. The $16.5 million film will be the first full-feature computer generated (CGI) film shot in Michigan.

That means, however, that Nikprelaj will not act with anyone — she will stand in front of a 30-foot-tall, image generating green screen for every scene, some that include battles with all sorts of terrifying creatures.

“This will be an acting challenge,” she said. “My imagination has to be very elaborate. I will do lots of fighting, and I am learning to ride a custom made motorcycle, created just for me.”

The willowy 5-foot, 7-inch actress is currently putting in eight-to-nine hour days between her physical training and sessions with Brown.

Through it all, Nikprelag says she knows she’s lucky to have the opportunity, sometimes likening it to her own personal fairytale coming true.

“They have a nickname for me — ‘Cinderorky,’” she smiled. “That’s ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Rocky’ mixed together. An unbeatable combination.”

For more information about “Scar 23,” which is due out in 2012, visit www.cinepropictures.com.

Actor Dennis North shares his craft with studentsActor shares his craft with students

Actor shares his craft with students

Published: Saturday, December 18, 2010

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Director Dennis North directs Oakland County Community College students in a scene from Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Connor Payne, Dennis North, Aaron Burton. Photo by Kurt Mathiak

Dennis North directs Oakland County Community College students in Everything I Need To Know I Learned in Kindergaten. Erin Ginger, Mitchell Wilson, Connor Payne, Sabrina Acovski, Dennis North, Aaron Burton, Lilli Bishop, Brittany Bradley. Photo by Kurt L. Mathiak

Photo by Kurt L. Mathiak/www.seewhatsinsidetours.com Actor Dennis North directis students in a production of "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." Students are Sabrina Acovski (from left), Connor Payne, Lilli Bishop, Erin Ginger and Ryan /Ernst

By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

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Dennis North directing students in a production of Everything I Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten Sabrina Acovski, Connor Payne, Lilli Bishop, Erin Ginger, Dennis North, Ryan Ernst. Photo by Kurt L. Mathiak

Actor Dennis North enjoys challenging roles that stretch his skills and demand he create characters who movie fans either adore or give them goosebumps with a capital G.

When North is not on a film set or a stage, he’s teaching his craft to students at Oakland County Community College, Orchard Ridge Campus, Oakland University or Wayne State University.

“I teach by often using my real experiences to convey a lesson. It’s been a blessing to be able to teach what I actually do,” North said. “For a lot of students, it’s a first-time experience taking an acting class and I really try to make it a good one.”

North has appeared in lead and principle roles in nearly a dozen films and television programs including “Gifted Hands,” in which he played a doctor and shared scenes with Cuba Gooding Jr., starred as a terrifying pedophile in “Small Beautiful Hands,” and just wrapped up a role as the father in the Miley Cyrus/Demi Moore film, “LOL (Laughing Out Loud).”

“‘LOL’ was truly fun because we had this international feel, the director/writer was from France; the (director of photography) was from Ireland; crew from Detroit, L.A., France and New York; and the actor playing my son was from London, U.K.,” North said. “Miley Cyrus is very nice person, very down to earth.”

Growing up in Los Angeles, North moved to the Midwest as a teenager. He came to Detroit for his master’s degree at Wayne State University and landed his first film, “Singapore Harbor,” shortly after graduation. Since then, he has been featured in “SWAT,” “Butterfly Effect: Revelation, Restitution,” now in post production, “Salvation Boulevard” starring Pierce Brosnan, also in post production, and others.

North is dedicated to acting and mentoring his students, and uses a video camera in the classroom to record student performances. He says the camera is a wonderful tool that allows students to see what works in a scene and what doesn’t.

“We performed monologues and scenes and he would have us perform it without any direction, and then coach/direct us for a second take,” said Oakland University theater major Lauren Knox. “When we played the tape back, we’d see our own improvements. He doesn’t settle, and didn’t let us settle, for anything less than the truth in our performances. I can still hear him saying ‘Yeah, I just didn’t buy it that time.’ or ‘Beautiful. That was it. I believed you, you were telling the truth,’ in response to some of our work.”

Rami Paulus took four acting classes from North at Oakland County College and is now in Hollywood testing the waters.

“I feel prepared, 1,000 percent thanks to Dennis,” Paulus said. “He takes the time to teach us the correct way because he wants to build actors. He gives us the armor we need to be successful by mentoring and caring about us.”

North is as comfortable on film as on stage. With his production of “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” wrapped up last month, North is directing “Our Town,” which will be performed at the Oakland County Community Smith Theater in Farmington Hills next March.

“I’ll tell you one other thing that’s been great to be able to say to students — Michigan is a great place to work, especially film. The Midwest has always been a great area for theatre and commercial work, but when it comes to film, I’ve truly never been able to say that before but now, at least as long as the incentive holds out, I can. It’s nice.”

Milford to hit the big screen

Published: Monday, September 13, 2010

Mike DiVito Gaffer Sterling Heights, Frank Dorset Gaffer Farmington Hills left to right

Joe Gressis, Producer, Dena Hysell, Producer, Frank Dorset, Gaffer Left to Right

By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

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Joshua Saba

The film “Homerun Show Down” is a huge hit with Milford area residents who have been flocking about town for a glimpse of Hollywood film making.

The independent film is about two little league coaches played by actors Dean Cain and Matthew Lillard. The characters are not only brothers but arch rivals. The action takes place in Milford’s Central Park, the now vacant Baker Elementary School and O’Callaghan’s Irish Pub, which closed in February 2009 and has been transformed into Big Al’s Bar and Restaurant.

“Big Al’s is owned by the brother’s father, played by Barry Bostwick,” said Dena Hysell, producer. “The brothers are competing to win a sports bar, so much of the action takes place right here. Baseballs, jerseys and lots of sports photos transformed the Irish pub into a comfortable sports bar.”

More than 150 children, mostly boys ages 10 to 13, were cast to play baseball in the film. Joshua Saba of Farmington Hills landed a speaking role. Joshua says the days were long but exciting.

“I played Dave, who is

9 years old,” Joshua said.

“I was the announcer and interviewed people. I enjoyed it very much and would like to be in another movie.”

Charles Gertner, 11, of West Bloomfield Township, says he was thrilled to play a pitcher in the film. He offered a few acting suggestions to director Oz Scott.

“I asked if I could throw my glove at someone after getting some bad news, and he said I could,” Charles said. “I thought of a couple of other things and he said he liked my ideas and put them in the movie.”

Co-producer Joe Gressis recalled a casting call with more than 100 young hopefuls showing up. He says he could tell within seconds who could handle lines and who would be playing ball.

“The kids were great and really worked hard,” Gressis said. “We love working in Michigan. People have a great work ethic and are anxious to learn about the business.”

The village of Milford welcomed the “Homerun Show Down” production, and in return the cast and crew explored the local restaurants, coffee shops and stores.

“We weren’t recognized like the cast so we enjoyed slipping into restaurants and listening to people talk about the movie being made here in town,” Hysell said.

“We are having a great time and have enjoyed seeing this beautiful state in our downtime.”

Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger calls the movie a great attraction. Not only were vacant buildings utilized, but people are thrilled to see a film being made in their community.

“I saw a mother bring her children to the park while they were filming so the children could see how it’s done,” Shufflebarger said. They didn’t have to fly five hours to see a movie being made when it is happening right here.”

The producers say a Michigan premiere may be possible. They are planning for a box office opening next July Fourth weekend.

More Photos

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Mike DiVito Gaffer Sterling Heights, Frank Dorset Gaffer Farmington Hills left to right

Joe Gressis, Producer, Dena Hysell, Producer, Frank Dorset, Gaffer Left to Right

By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

Click to enlarge

Joshua Saba

The film “Homerun Show Down” is a huge hit with Milford area residents who have been flocking about town for a glimpse of Hollywood film making.

The independent film is about two little league coaches played by actors Dean Cain and Matthew Lillard. The characters are not only brothers but arch rivals. The action takes place in Milford’s Central Park, the now vacant Baker Elementary School and O’Callaghan’s Irish Pub, which closed in February 2009 and has been transformed into Big Al’s Bar and Restaurant.

“Big Al’s is owned by the brother’s father, played by Barry Bostwick,” said Dena Hysell, producer. “The brothers are competing to win a sports bar, so much of the action takes place right here. Baseballs, jerseys and lots of sports photos transformed the Irish pub into a comfortable sports bar.”

More than 150 children, mostly boys ages 10 to 13, were cast to play baseball in the film. Joshua Saba of Farmington Hills landed a speaking role. Joshua says the days were long but exciting.

“I played Dave, who is

9 years old,” Joshua said.

“I was the announcer and interviewed people. I enjoyed it very much and would like to be in another movie.”

Charles Gertner, 11, of West Bloomfield Township, says he was thrilled to play a pitcher in the film. He offered a few acting suggestions to director Oz Scott.

“I asked if I could throw my glove at someone after getting some bad news, and he said I could,” Charles said. “I thought of a couple of other things and he said he liked my ideas and put them in the movie.”

Co-producer Joe Gressis recalled a casting call with more than 100 young hopefuls showing up. He says he could tell within seconds who could handle lines and who would be playing ball.

“The kids were great and really worked hard,” Gressis said. “We love working in Michigan. People have a great work ethic and are anxious to learn about the business.”

The village of Milford welcomed the “Homerun Show Down” production, and in return the cast and crew explored the local restaurants, coffee shops and stores.

“We weren’t recognized like the cast so we enjoyed slipping into restaurants and listening to people talk about the movie being made here in town,” Hysell said.

“We are having a great time and have enjoyed seeing this beautiful state in our downtime.”

Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger calls the movie a great attraction. Not only were vacant buildings utilized, but people are thrilled to see a film being made in their community.

“I saw a mother bring her children to the park while they were filming so the children could see how it’s done,” Shufflebarger said. They didn’t have to fly five hours to see a movie being made when it is happening right here.”

The producers say a Michigan premiere may be possible. They are planning for a box office opening next July Fourth weekend.

A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas

By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

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From left to right, Peter Yee, Kim Baxi, Kal Penn, and Margaret Yee at Kim's Family Restaurant, Inc., 102 E. Long Lake Road, Troy, MI 48085 During filming of the movie "A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas" Special to The Oakland Press/NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER

Margaret Yee stepped out of her comfort zone and into three crazy days of life, Harold and Kumar style.

Through some Hollywood magic, Kim’s Restaurant on East Long Lake in Troy was transformed into a movie set for the film “A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas.”

“One of our favorite customers, Steve Schliek, is a location scout for the film industry and suggested the director check us out,” said Margaret Yee, manager of the Yee family’s restaurant. “Todd Strauss-Schulson, the director, said we had the space and look he needed, and the excitement started.”

Huge trucks rolled into the parking lot on June 21, followed by dozens of people charged with the task of lighting and turning Kim’s into a New York City eatery. The Yees closed the dining room, but were able to provide carry-out orders for their customers and the crew.

“They were such long days, from 5 a.m. until midnight, that we wanted to help keep up their strength,” Margaret Yee said. “They were so nice. I had nightmares about people being upset about this or that, but didn’t happen. Everyone was in great spirits, including the stars, John Cho and Kal Penn.”

Cho and Penn are reprising their title roles in the third installment of the Harold and Kumar film series. “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle” attracted a cult following in 2004, followed by “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.”

“A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas” is the first of the comedies to be shot in 3-D, and picks up six years after the duo’s last adventure. Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) are preparing for Christmas celebrations. Along the way, the two reconnect and find themselves searching for the perfect Christmas tree in New York City.

Margaret Yee and 10 of her staff members will appear as extras in the restaurant scene, but say they have been sworn to secrecy and cannot talk about the plot. However, they do describe their film debut as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yee says several local residents were on the film crew, including two Troy firefighters and actress Henrietta Hermelin.

“The crew of 100 people was a well-oiled machine and very organized,” said Yee. “About 80 extras were bused in from various nearby locations for their scene, then taken back to wait. Outside of blowing an electrical circuit that was not designed for those huge lights, everything went very well. It is just amazing to watch.”

Yee said the crew spent their first day of filming at the Somerset Collection, complete with holiday decorations. Their second day, June 22, was spent at Kim’s Restaurant.

Would she again open her restaurant to another film crew? Yes, Yee said without hesitation, adding that she’d need some time to rest up.

By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

Click to enlarge

From left to right, Peter Yee, Kim Baxi, Kal Penn, and Margaret Yee at Kim's Family Restaurant, Inc., 102 E. Long Lake Road, Troy, MI 48085 During filming of the movie "A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas" Special to The Oakland Press/NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER

Margaret Yee stepped out of her comfort zone and into three crazy days of life, Harold and Kumar style.

Through some Hollywood magic, Kim’s Restaurant on East Long Lake in Troy was transformed into a movie set for the film “A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas.”

“One of our favorite customers, Steve Schliek, is a location scout for the film industry and suggested the director check us out,” said Margaret Yee, manager of the Yee family’s restaurant. “Todd Strauss-Schulson, the director, said we had the space and look he needed, and the excitement started.”

Huge trucks rolled into the parking lot on June 21, followed by dozens of people charged with the task of lighting and turning Kim’s into a New York City eatery. The Yees closed the dining room, but were able to provide carry-out orders for their customers and the crew.

“They were such long days, from 5 a.m. until midnight, that we wanted to help keep up their strength,” Margaret Yee said. “They were so nice. I had nightmares about people being upset about this or that, but didn’t happen. Everyone was in great spirits, including the stars, John Cho and Kal Penn.”

Cho and Penn are reprising their title roles in the third installment of the Harold and Kumar film series. “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle” attracted a cult following in 2004, followed by “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.”

“A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas” is the first of the comedies to be shot in 3-D, and picks up six years after the duo’s last adventure. Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) are preparing for Christmas celebrations. Along the way, the two reconnect and find themselves searching for the perfect Christmas tree in New York City.

Margaret Yee and 10 of her staff members will appear as extras in the restaurant scene, but say they have been sworn to secrecy and cannot talk about the plot. However, they do describe their film debut as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yee says several local residents were on the film crew, including two Troy firefighters and actress Henrietta Hermelin.

“The crew of 100 people was a well-oiled machine and very organized,” said Yee. “About 80 extras were bused in from various nearby locations for their scene, then taken back to wait. Outside of blowing an electrical circuit that was not designed for those huge lights, everything went very well. It is just amazing to watch.”

Yee said the crew spent their first day of filming at the Somerset Collection, complete with holiday decorations. Their second day, June 22, was spent at Kim’s Restaurant.

Would she again open her restaurant to another film crew? Yes, Yee said without hesitation, adding that she’d need some time to rest up.

Annabelle and Bear Sneak Preview

Film’s sneak peek to benefit charity
Published: Thursday, February 11, 2010
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By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

The red carpet will be rolled out Feb. 20 at the Music Hall Center for Performing Arts to showcase a made-in-Michigan film with proceeds donated to Starfish Family Services, an organization that strives to help strengthen family relationships.

“Annabelle and Bear,” a movie made by Radish Creative Group of Royal Oak, was filmed at 12 locations in southeast Michigan last summer and director Amy Weber will soon offer the community a sneak preview of the movie.

“We are excited to share the film with everyone,” said Weber, who resides in Birmingham. “The movie is the tender story of a man named Bear who is thrust into fatherhood, and the love he finds in the heart of his 2-year-old daughter. We teamed up with Starfish because of the agency’s focus on families and children, which is a great fit with the movie’s theme.”

Starfish Family Services is a nonprofit organization based in Inkster that is dedicated to helping children and families in Metro Detroit. CEO Ann Kalass said the donation from Weber and her Radish Creative Group will be used to enrich the lives of local families in need.“We help people like Bear every day,” Kalass said.

“Starfish has many programs designed to teach parenting skills and give them confidence. We have a caring staff to guide and coach moms and dads looking for ways to create a brighter future for their family.”

The film’s cast, crew and musical talent are all from Michigan, Weber said. They are a blend of seasoned professionals and people looking for experience in the film industry.She selected 20 instrumental pieces and songs from a competition Radish Creative Group hosted to help create the film’s musical score. The band, “Nervous But Excited,” won the competition and made a cameo appearance in the film.

“Radish Creative Group opened our doors to people interested in film making,” Weber said.“Our crew of nearly 200 people was just incredible and ignited a passion for the movie and the film industry. Some of those people have already gone on to work with other films.”

A star of the film, 3-year-old Olivia Walby of Oakland County, was chosen for the role of Annabelle from hundreds of young girls who auditioned.“A friend of mine told me about the audition, and I thought it would be a fun outing for Olivia to play act,” said Olivia’s mother, Patty Walby. “When she got the part, I was amazed at how quickly she understood that there was a beginning and an end to her pretending, and could recite several lines of dialogue.”

Walby said that even with her own 20 years of television production experience, she found it fascinating to watch the making of a movie and the many levels of coordination it takes to create a full-length film.
FYI
To purchase tickets for the screening gala of Annabelle and Bear, benefi ting Starfish, call the Music Hall Box Office at 313-887-8501 or visit www. ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $15 each. For more information, visit www.annabelleandbear.com.