Expecting Mary Premiere in Palm Springs

Jim Casey, Lainie Kazan, Della Reese, Linda Gray and Kim Waltrip

Last night was the official Palm Springs premiere for the brand new film 'Expecting Mary'. It was held as a benefit to the Desert Aids Project, a non-profit organization that provides medical care and comprehensive support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the desert community. Expecting Mary has close ties to the desert; J&J and Wonderstar Productions are both based here in Palm Springs.

Members of the supporting cast of Expecting Mary

Expecting Mary was completely sold out for this special viewing, just one day before the official opening Friday September 10th in select cities. Principal cast members attended, including Linda Gray, Della Reese and Lainie Kazan. If you missed my interview with Linda Gray, you can still listen to it on demand here. In addition, a broad group of supporting cast were also on hand to support this presentation, including Duncan Bravo, Kathy Lampkin, Kinsey Packard, Matt Kaminsky, Mandell Butler, & Larry Bates. I've seen Expecting Mary multiple times, having attended screenings in several cities. The audience reaction to the film was electric; people were experiencing the full range of emotions that the script so masterfully elicits. 

After the film, the key stars were on stage for a Q&A moderated by local personality Gloria Greer from Palm Springs Life magazine and CBS2 TV. The stars happily answered questions from an enthusiastic audience for about 20 minutes before attending a lovely reception held outside under the clear desert sky.

Until you see the film, this yellow VW bug won't mean much, but once you've seen it, it will make you laugh! The reception had an array of delicious cupcakes and cookies with various movie logos on them.

Della Reese and I chatted for awhile and caught up since we last saw each other in New York. She is such an incredible lady, and a true talent on many levels. Della's role in Expecting Mary is a scene-stealer for sure. Della plays 'Doris Dorkus", the grumpy owner of trailer park where much of this story takes place. She punctuates the screen with a bold, direct sense of humor, and draws in the viewer wondering what made her become so cantankerous and surly to the ditsy and innocent Darnella whom she encounters several times. But soon, even Doris has a transformation, along with several characters making her a lovable woman with great appeal. This film is filled with great characters, each colorful and likable. If you live in one of the cities where this opens for its initial run, please go check it out this weekend (see yesterday's post below for cities). Strong openings are very important to the success and sustainability of independent films. Go see the film and tell me what you think. With a dash of good luck and your support, it will expand to additional screens in time for Thanksgiving...stay tuned!
-Rick Rockhill

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