BC/EFA Hosts Pre-Screening of Taymor's 'Across the Universe'

On Monday evening Labor Day, September 3, 2007, an exclusive pre-release screening of Julie Taymor's upcoming film Across The Universe will take place at The Sony Building Screening Room (550 Madison at 56th Street) followed by a conversation with the film's director. Proceeds from this event will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA).

Stars of the film include Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Bono and Eddie Izzard plus Joe Cocker and Dana Fuchs.

"At once gritty, whimsical and highly theatrical, Revolution Studios' Across The Universe is a groundbreaking movie musical, springing from the imagination of renowned director Julie Taymor (Frida, Titus and the Broadway smash hit musical The Lion King) and writers Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais (The Commitments), that brings together an original story and 30 revolutionary songs including: 'Hey Jude,' 'I Am the Walrus' and 'All You Need is Love,' that defined a generation?" declare press materials.

"A love story set against the backdrop of the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, mind exploration and rock 'n roll, the film moves from the dockyards of Liverpool to the creative psychedelia of Greenwich Village, from the riot-torn streets of Detroit to the killing fields of Vietnam. The star-crossed lovers, Jude and Lucy, along with a small group of friends and musicians, are swept up into the emerging anti-war and counterculture movements, with Dr. Robert Mr. Kite as their guides. Tumultuous forces outside their control ultimately tear the young lovers apart, forcing Jude and Lucy against all odds to find their own way back to each other."

Tickets are $100 for the Across The Universe screening, talk back with Julie Taymor and cocktail reception. Tickets are $250 for the film, talk back with Julie Taymor, cocktail reception and a personalized signed copy of the book "Julie Taymor: Playing with Fire" (new, updated 3rd edition published by Harry N. Abrams).

To purchase tickets, call 212-840-0770 ext. 268 or visit www.broadwaycares.org for additional information.

The film's creators drew their inspiration for the characters from the songs written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney, as well as by George Harrison and Ringo Starr.  Unlike most musicals where the story comes first then songs are inserted, the songs themselves defined the characters and shaped the plot.

Academy Award-winning composer Elliot wrote the score to the film and produced and rearranged the songs along with Grammy-winner T Bone Burnett and Teese Gohl, who has worked with Goldenthal as a music producer on more than 20 films.

Interscope Records will be releasing the Across The Universe film soundtrack.  Featured on the soundtrack are 16 songs, including Joe Cocker singing "Come Together," Evan Rachel Wood singing "Blackbird," and Bono performing "I Am the Walrus" and the end title track "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." Also featured on the album are cast performances of "All My Loving," "I Want To Hold Your Hand," "It Won't Be Long," "I've Just Seen A Face," "Let It Be," "Something," "Oh Darling," "Across the Universe," "Helter Skelter," "Strawberry Fields," "Happiness Is A Warm Gun," and "Hey Jude."