Big Night on the Big Screen for Farmington Hills Resident

Of all the things Jeff Barron imagined doing during his life, signing autographs at a movie premiere wasn’t one of them. But that’s exactly what he did Monday night at the .

Barron, a 49-year-old marketing executive from Farmington Hills, starred in a leading role in the movie Leonie! which was filmed and produced locally by Holy Trinity Productions. 

“I never would have dreamed that I'd be in a movie,” Barron said. “It’s amazing how God opens up doors to things you couldn’t have even conceived on your own.”

Leonie! tells the true story of a young French girl in the 1800s who desperately wants to join a cloistered religious order despite a troubled childhood, learning difficulties, and chronic illness. Leonie, sister of Saint Therese of Lisieux, struggles as she watches each of her four sisters set off for the convent.

In the film, Barron plays the role of Leonie's father, Louis Martin, who deals with his wife's passing, his daughters growing up and leaving home, and, eventually, his own dementia.

Barron had never tried acting until he joined the cast of the Living Stations of the Cross at in Farmington eight years ago. In the spring of 2009, he played the role of Peter. Director Joe Maher, who had just agreed to direct Leonie!, was in the audience.

“I wrote the script, so I had a preconceived notion of how Louis should be,” Maher said. “As soon as I saw Jeff in the Living Stations, I knew he had to play the part."

About a week later, Barron was surprised to get the call asking him to be in the movie. As a father of five daughters of his own, he knew he would be able to relate to Louis, and immediately said "yes".

The only catch: He had to grow a beard for the part and keep it during filming, which lasted two months that summer.

Barron’s wife, Peggy, said that the beard was the only sacrifice of the experience.

“I was thrilled for him. We had a great support system of friends that helped us while Jeff was busy shooting the movie,” she said. “The only part I really had to endure was the beard.”

The cast consisted of over 80 actors and actresses, all local and all volunteers. Most of Barron’s scenes were shot at a private home in Romeo.

“At first, getting in front of the camera felt a little awkward, but it became easier as I got to know the other actors,” Barron said. “I could appreciate how Louis was always cognizant of trying to develop virtues in his daughter – the kind of man he was gave me a lot to think about when acting.”

Two years later, the film was ready for the big screen.

Monday night’s event had all the makings of a Hollywood premiere, with photographers, stars in gowns and tuxedos, and a red carpet. The two scheduled premiere shows sold out in three days. Two more shows were added; over 1,000 people saw the movie that night. 

“We’re working with three distributors right now in hopes we can get this out for others to see Leonie's story after tonight,” said Barbara Middleton, executive producer of Leonie! and president of Holy Trinity Apostolate, which produced the film.

After the movie, audiences gathered outside the four theaters to mingle with the cast and crew. 

“It was strange to see him on a huge screen like that,” said Barron’s 16-year-old daughter, Jennifer. “He did a really good job, I thought.”

Director Maher said he’d cast Barron in a film again.

“He’s a natural,” said Maher.

To inquire about seeing Leonie! when a distributor is secured, contact Barbara Middleton at barbaramm@sbcglobal.net.