[IMG:L]Puckered-Up, In Search of My ‘Midnight Kiss’
To leave no stone unturned in the endless landscape of celebratory blowouts at the Tribeca Festival, it’s critical to partake in the proliferation of these said events. In other words: “Party like a rock star!”
Having had my first taste of action-packed, celeb party life at the colorful Chavez Mexican extravaganza, I was well-prepared to embark upon another adrenaline-driven night, filled with adventure and intoxicating diversity. Kicking-off my party hopping, I made my evening debut at the highly anticipated In Search of a Midnight Kiss premiere after-party. From the producer of Before Sunset and Dazed and Confused, this dark romantic comedy is based on two unlikely strangers who discover both security and vulnerability within each other, while on a rollicking journey on New Year’s Eve night.
In search of my special Kiss cast, I dashed through the vibrant streets of NYC, rushing to make my first stop appearance. Exhilarated and breathless I arrived at the East Village Gallery Bar. Its exterior all dolled-up with a mini- red carpet façade, I stepped inside the eclectic hot spot. The Gallery Bar had an uber-trendy interior matching its village-chic patrons who adorned the bar.
Before engaging in any liquid indulgences however, I wisely mingled with the highly visible cast and crew of Midnight Kiss to feed off some of their emanating vibes. In trapping my first victim, the pretty, young star of the film, Sara Simmonds, disclosed that despite her initial “first screening” jitters, she was “very proud of the movie.” She glowed with enthusiasm. Clearly impressed with its energy, Simmonds noted that “this low budget film,” was shot in a “very fast pace” much like its NYC host. Befittingly, she radiated a contagious energy, while professing her love for the Tribeca Film Festival; and Simmonds confessed how much she “loves NYC, the dangers of shopping, dining with friends and the fabulous fans who come out for the love of the film.” Can’t disagree with the budding starlet.
Before slipping into the midst of the shindig to sip on my long-awaited dirty martini, I snapped away with my digital camera, taking some cute mini- red carpet shots. Then I snagged the opportunity to get in on Scoot McNairy’s verbal interaction with his fellow cast member. Starring opposite Simmonds, McNairy, who plays Wilson, is the film’s engaging lead. I was quite amused by the adorable, quirkily named actor.
While infringing upon his stogy-puffing moment with my casual questions, I got an earful. McNairy graciously revealed a bit about his compulsive and last minute commitment to the film. The actor who looks up to big stars like “Gary Oldman, Giovanni Ribisi and Robert Downey Jr.” admitted his desire to “act, keep making films and stay busy all the time.” Undoubtedly, McNairy has certainly come to the right city to fulfill his goal of keeping busy in this business.
At last, I made my way into the cool, hip lounge bar to sip on my long awaited cocktail, and absorb the scene. The casual yet chic, designer-clad crowd oozed unpretentious downtown appeal. The beverage of the night was a variation of vodka concoctions. Dispersed on chaise longes, the mingling crowd exuded a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Finishing the last sip of my olive garnished beverage, I bid the cast of Midnight Kiss a farewell, and went off into the night, making my way to the next celebrity fete.
Putting on a Poker Face at The Grand
[IMG:R]It can be a bit unnerving when encountering tedious door policies. You know you need to make the guest list cut, and receive a ‘go’ past the stern-faced doorman guarding the red velvet rope. Well, upon my arrival at the trendy meatpacking district’s uber-suave lounge du jour, Lotus, I experienced a brief, but rather unpleasant encounter with the ‘door’. Fortunately, a chance outside rendezvous with a dynamic publicist helped me gain ‘special’ V.I.P. admittance–allowing me to dive right into what I would consider the most magnificent and impressive Tribeca party yet.
I was astonished and overwhelmed with excitement as I entered the depths of an over-crowded, large-scale poker party; I had truly arrived at the grandest of The Grand.
Getting whiplash from the star studded event, I shook my bootie to the jumping beats spun by the house DJ and stationed myself by the VIP section. The first person I spotted was Noah Emmerich; followed by SNL’s Chris Parnell, heavyweight director Brett Ratner, and an alluring and dimpled Woody Harrelson–the film’s star. Also in the mix were other talent standouts: the super-gifted Dennis Farina, Larry David’s onscreen wifey Cheryl Hines, and comedic actor Richard Kind. Everyone was in great spirits.
Surprisingly, there was a ‘full house’ in attendance celebrating this mockumentary premiere, directed by Zak Penn and based on a climactic, high stakes poker tournament, played live. The bubbly, star-studded gallivanting reflected an apparent camaraderie, which obviously existed with cast members, both on- and offscreen.
Helping myself to a cocktail, I circled the trendy hot spot. To my amazement, I discovered the strategic placements of poker tables throughout the club. However, aside from the décor value, every seat was suitably adorned with a warn body and playing hand. Sporting their best poker faces, these folks knew when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em. Absorbed, engrossed and oblivious to their surroundings, there was no walking away from this gambling party for the hardcore players.
I headed toward the back for a fuller view of the packed room; the spectacle was something special and those gathered to party, effortlessly rose to the occasion. Amused by planning efforts of the party planners to correlate décor with the film’s theme, I observed it all for a short while longer, before throwing down my own cards, and pushing my way through the crowd, to yet another spot. A hot n’ lively crowd, and an electrifying vibe made this party a truly magical one.
Finishing off the last of their champagne in the sectioned off VIP booths, the actors started to retire one by one making their way through an adoring crowd mesmerized by the presence of star power. As tempted as I was to linger, drink and dance in the name of poker, the time had come to move on to my final party destination before retiring from an eventful and memorable night!
[IMG:L]’Suburban Girl’ at an Urban Party
It would be a difficult or unfair task for any after-party ‘to top’ the kind of bash that was thrown for The Grand. Regardless, I ignored the pain signals coming from my feet and optimistically made way to the final party scheduled on this evening’s list. The celebration was for a cute film called Suburban Girl starring the talented Sarah Michelle Gellar and charismatic Alec Baldwin. Arriving at the swank City Hall Restaurant located in NYC’s financial/Tribeca area, I encountered a completely different atmosphere than the last.
The crowd emanated more sophistication and elegance. As anticipated, Alec Baldwin was a no show, perhaps because of his recent parental telephone scandal. However, Sarah Michelle Gellar and handsome hubby Freddie Prinze Jr. made an appearance to support her new romantic comedy.
As I eyeballed the dimly lit restaurant, I took note of an industry-driven crowd, networking in a charming ambiance while sipping on fine spirits. The gathering was comprised of an upscale cross-section of movers and shakers in the biz. It seemed to be the place where intellectuals and professionals met to dish and network. The “action” was minimal, and the conversation more savvy than at the other casual events. In retrospect, this type of bourgeois–a.k.a boujie–socializing was a perfect, and subtle end to a hustling night.
I was in desperate need to get some serious shut-eye and recharge my batteries, before starting anew at the next slew of premiere after-parties! With a sad farewell to the bustling evening, I made my way home and collapsed into a satisfying coma.
Stay tuned for more thrills at my continued party coverage.
Tribeca Film Festival Nightlife: The After-Parties – Part I
