Celebrate Derby Day with an Interactive ‘Living Movie’ in Somers Point

Fans of the Kentucky Derby have a different way to watch and celebrate this year’s “most exciting 2 minutes in sports” – as part of an interactive “living movie”.

“Derby Day” is a live production based on a film script by Cape May’s award-winning playwright Bill Sterritt. Presented by SPQR Stage Company, the raucous rom-com is set against the backdrop of –what else? – the Kentucky Derby. The performance begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7 – aka Derby Day – at Studio;Space in Somers Point. It will be followed by a live viewing of the actual Kentucky Derby at 6 p.m. The event will also be streamed live behind a paywall for an additional fee.

The story examines the romance and rivalry between three syndicates competing in the “Run for the Roses”: an all-female team (including the horse) looking to make herstory at the Derby; the last of the Kentucky bluegrass breeders dependent on a jockey who blew a past race to get them out of financial trouble; and the most famous trainer ever in Derby lore, who is touting a horse whose record is "Infinity and Zero”.

“This ‘living movie’ of ‘Derby Day’ will have actors, costumes, props, and an exciting horse race of its own,” said Sterritt, who has been the recipient of the 2nd Place award at the South Coast Repertory Play Contest and was a finalist at the Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference. “As comedy, kisses and chaos ensue, and this race blends into a live viewing of the actual Kentucky Derby, guests will be treated to a few intriguing surprises.”

Written in 2019, “Derby Day” was once considered by an Academy Award-winning producer. Though it did not get produced, it went on to finish in the Top 20% at the Austin Film Festival competition in 2021.

A number of talented actors from New York and nearby will be part of the living movie. Dave Polgar and Evie Brandford-Altsher, who starred in SPQR’s holiday show “Magic Flowers” and the recently sold-out “New Works Weekend”, are featured prominently in “Derby Day,’ as is Cape May actor Parker Smith.

Aside from the living-movie version as well as the Kentucky version of two horse races, the event will feature a step-and-repeat for guests to take selfies and post on social media with the hashtag
#DerbyDaySPQRStyle. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress in their Derby Day finest – especially hats or fascinators, as there will be a “Best Hat” competition with prizes presented between the two Derbys. Mocktails will also be available on sale.

“The best way to understand what this live movie is all about is to be here on Derby Day – you won’t be disappointed,” said Sterritt. “We are changing the landscape of live entertainment in South Jersey.”

“Derby Day” runs 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7. The event runs through the viewing of the Kentucky Derby.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance through Eventbrite.com or at the door on the day
of. For those who can’t attend in person, the full event can be streamed for $20. For more
information and reservations, call 323-793-2153 or spqrstageco@aol.com. Studio;Space is at 112
Woodland Ave. in Somers Point, across from The Crab Trap.