PALM SPRINGS, CA — A special screening of the epic 1960s comedy "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" is planned for Sunday, November 1, at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.
"This event is a fundraiser for the Plaza Theater Foundation and will feature a costume contest, a trivia contest, a book signing, and an exclusive VIP after party," said event organizer and promoter Bob Bogard.
It's like stepping into 1960s history.
"The event will be hosted by Karen Sharpe-Kramer (actress/producer and widow of legendary filmmaker Stanley Kramer) and Stanley's daughters, actress/producer Kat Kramer and actress/filmmaker Jennifer Kramer," he said.
"They will be joined by author James Curtis for a book signing and Q&A after the screening.
"Stanley Kramer was the film's producer and director and was a long-time Palm Springs resident who received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in 2017," according to the theater's news release.
Additional film-related activities for the event include a costume contest and trivia games. Tickets for the screening are $25 and a limited number of $75 tickets are available for an exclusive afterparty. This event is a fundraiser for the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, and all proceeds will help support the Theatre's operation and programming.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events/detail/mad-mad-world.
Karen Sharpe-Kramer, widow of filmmaker Stanley Kramer, co-Founder of KNK Productions, and event co-host, shared her thoughts.
"We are thrilled to screen this beloved classic at the Plaza Theatre once again," Sharpe-Kramer said. "We are so touched that although the film was produced more than six decades ago, it continues to resonate with today's audiences.It was largely shot on location in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, including the car crash scene, which was filmed on Highway 74. This film has not been shown at the Plaza Theatre since it originally screened in 1963, so we are delighted to bring it back and offer this screening in the beautifully restored Plaza Theatre as a fundraiser for the Plaza Theatre Foundation."
In addition to the screening, author James Curtis will sign copies of his new book, Comedy Is a Grim Business: The Making of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World.
It is a comprehensive 300-page account covering more than 60 years of history, from the film's inspiration through casting, production, international release, and restoration. The book is essential reading for film enthusiasts, filmmakers, and comedy fans alike and may be purchased at the event for $37.50.
At the event, guests are encouraged to enter a costume contest as a fun way to pay homage to the film's iconic stars and get in the spirit of the event.
Costume contest participants will register when they arrive and the contest will be held on stage prior to the start of the film. Winners will be announced winner at intermission.
The winners will be selected by a panel of judges including Paul Belsito, Danny Bonaduce, Kathy Garver, Kat Kramer, Valerie Milano (of media sponsor The Hollywood Times), Steven Roche, and author James Curtis. Actor/director Terry Ray will lead and participate in the MAD WORLD costume contest. Prizes (including a dinner at Lulu California Bistro, tickets to upcoming Plaza Theatre events, and books) will be awarded to the top three winners.
"We are so pleased we can offer our guests with the chance to meet James Curtis at this screening," Kramer said. "Fans of the film will love Curtis' book and enjoy playing the interactive trivia game we will offer during intermission. We are so excited about the fun costume contest and our exciting panel of contest judges. Contestants should focus on the film's colorful characters, including Mrs. Marcus (played by Ethel Merman), Lennie Pike (played by Jonathan Winters), or Benjy Benjamin (played by Buddy Hackett). The more authentic the costumes are to the early 1960s and to the film itself, the better. All guests are invited to dress in their finest early 1960s outfits whether they participate in the contest or not."
Actress Barrie Chase (the last surviving cast member from the film) will be at the screening and guests are encouraged to consider her character's outfits as a potential costume.
At the "Big W Afterparty," guests will enjoy refreshments, meet Kat and Karen, learn about fascinating production details of the film, and discuss the Comedy Is a Grim Business book with its author.
The event features a host committee that supports the screening, and some committee members may attend. This screening's host committee includes Barrie Chase, James Curtis, Lainie Kazan, Jennifer Kramer, Karen Sharpe-Kramer, Kat Kramer, Jane Lynch, Charles Phoenix, George Schlatter, William Shatner and Bruce Vilanch. Additional host committee members will be announced later. Also, a special surprise celebrity guest will be at the screening. At a previous screening the guest was JoAnne Worley, who had worked with many of the comedy legends in MAD WORLD when she was on "Laugh-In."
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