So, this is how I spent my Saturday night with some amazing friends...
Alle, Lucky and I ate an early dinner and then got to the theater almost 2 hours ahead of time even though, as badge holders, we were pretty much guaranteed a seat. At that time there were a few film pass holders already in line, as well as several people waiting to buy any available tickets once the badge/pass holders were seated. A lovely gentleman on staff for the venue invited to sit inside the small lobby while we waited.
About an hour before the screening, Andrew Disney arrived, along with Red Sanders and Greg Beauchamp (producers), Jeff Waldron (cinematographer), Alice Wood (musical director and composer), Sam Parnell (film editor), and Chris Rodriguez (camera operator). Several other production team members and special guests were beginning to come in, as well.
Brian, Nick and Jason came in thirty minutes before the theater doors were scheduled to open. As Jason got about fifteen feet into the lobby, he happened to look our way, and when I smiled (and I'm pretty sure that Lucky and Alle were smiling his way too, but I really wasn't looking at them at that point

), he came right over to us and thanked us for coming. (Yes - he remembered me and I got a hug.

) I told him I wouldn't have missed it for the world and he seemed genuinely pleased. We spoke for a few minutes, but before long, the stars were whisked away and the theater doors were opened for the special guests.
The theater had a capacity of 225 people and almost every seat was filled. There was a tremendous of excitement in the air as folks were getting seated and waiting for the film to begin. Jason, Brian and Nick sat with Andrew in one of the lower level rows to one side of the theater. While waiting, we chatted with the awesome Richard Olsen, who was seated right in front of us. Richard played Detective Williams in the film -- he's the cop in the trailer who's holding the gun on Calvin when he delivers the "babbling brook" line. He's a great guy -- a local Texas actor -- who was thrilled to be there and to be part of such an exciting project.
As soon as the lights went down in the theater, the cheers began -- soon followed by gales of laughter. To say that the film was well received would be a massive understatement. Granted, it was a friendly crowd, filled with many supporters, family members and well-wishers, but the response was way beyond polite enthusiasm. People
LOVED it.
As the final credits rolled, a moderator from the film festival began introducing the creative team and they all stepped forward for a brief Q and A. Afterwards, a few pictures were taken and then we were ushered out of the theater so that the staff could prepare for the showing of the next film. Jason walked out with us, and we were able to chat a bit more and take a couple of photos in the lobby. Eventually, though, the staff insisted that everyone there for "Searching for Sonny" move along to make room for the folks wanting to see the next film. So, we all headed out to the after party which was held at a bar about a mile away. But more about that later, after Lucky and Alle get a chance to share.
