BWW: Multi-Tasker Kerry Logan Gives His Insider Perspective on His HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY

Kerry Logan - former caterer/event planner, now writer/director/producer - has combined his party-throwing expertise and acting experiences into an audience-participation, behind-the-velvet-ropes evening titled HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY THE SHOW debuting October 7, 2016 at the Manor on Vine in Hollywood.

Thank you, Kerry, for doing this interview for BroadwayWorld and myself.

Would you describe the initial seed of the idea and its growth into the October 7th opening of HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY THE SHOW.

Having lived in Los Angeles for 25 years, and having been involved in both the entertainment and services industries; I have always been keenly aware of the fascination of the "Hollywood" party - for the most part; an exclusive, insiders-only custom. Scoring an invite to a Hollywood party is like an invitation to the insider's club... even if only temporary. As a writer and director, the idea of creating an opportunity for the average Joe to experience one of these events was an exciting revelation that I had about seven years ago. Have started out as a waiter at many of these events and later, attending them myself, I believe I have a solid point of view from all sides.

Also, having been fortunate to have been cast in the early years of TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING in New York, which, in my opinion, put immersive theater on the map, this was a huge well to draw from. Once the idea was solidified - which took some time and development, we spent much of our time searching for a venue that would allow for a true-to-life experience, on a theater budget (a tall order ask). We finally found our location, Manor on Vine, in the heart of Hollywood, which serves as a venue for these parties in real life! After that, the rest is casting, producing, developing and writing, which we continue to work on as we speak.

What will your audience/"guests" expect from an evening at the HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY THE SHOW?

As guests arrive, they will check-in at the "check-in table" and receive their wristband, or for VIP ticketholders, their VIP badge. As the 'stars' are preparing for their arrival and the 'red carpet pre-show,' guests are free to walk the red carpet, take photographs and even talk to our ET-style hostess for the evening, as she prepares for the 'live' broadcast.

As the 'stars' arrive, they are ushered onto the red carpet and interviewed by our host for the evening, Mary Sharp. At this point, the audience will get to know our cast of characters, who they are, where they've been, etc...

Once the red carpet pre-show concludes, the audience is invited inside as the band plays and waiters pass hors d'oeuvres. Everyone here is in the show - the waiters, the limo drivers, the agents, etc...

The evening includes live music, appetizers, dinner, dessert, a cash bar, and a cast of characters that will engage the audience in both scripted and improvised scenes.

The evening concludes with a special Q&A with the cast and crew of the romantic comedy "Love & Waffles," which is the fictional film being celebrated at the HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY.

Oh! And, of course, there are gift bags for our VIP guests!

Do you know what you'll be serving your guests to dine on?

We are serving an array of passed appetizers, an LA-style "Burger Bar" for dinner and, in the spirit of our film, Love & Waffles, we have a Waffles and Ice Cream bar dessert buffet.

Angelenos can be pretty casually dressed for all functions. Would you suggest that guests arrive in 'proper' premiere attire? And what would that be for the uninitiated?

I completely agree. In true LA style, guests (including celebrities) may show up in anything from ripped jeans to a tuxedo. Following that same path, we encourage the same for our guests - if you feel casual, dress casual. If you feel trendy LA party-wear, go for it! Personally, I do think there's a bit more fun in joining in the dress-up crew.

What motivated you to put on an immersive show as opposed to a more traditional show on stage?

In this case, as I discuss, this is an actual party. There's no other way to do it.

When you were cast in the immersive TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING in 1991, what was expected of you as a performer?

Auditioning for the show was very telling regarding the expectations as a performer. The audition (at least my experience) was to show up in character and participate as much as possible. Overall, this is a very effective tactic, as it would showcase your ability to improvise as well as your comfort level (and willingness) to immerse yourself with both the cast and audience. Once in the show, as a written character, this only changed slightly, as there is some scripted material to adhere to.

Are these the same qualities and skills you look for in HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY THE SHOW?

Absolutely. Casting was a very exciting process. Los Angeles has a huge talent pool of improv performers, and the auditions focused heavily on improvisation games and focusing on actors that are able to engage, listen and deliver on their feet.

You learned juggling and magic as a teenager to get gigs as a street performer. Do you still make use of those skills today?

I did! I worked my way around Baltimore, Washington and NY fire-breathing, juggling and such. I do keep up my juggling chops, but the fire-breathing died down (pardon the pun) after an on-set incident for a national commercial some years ago. Needless to say, I am still here to talk about it, but they call them 'stunts' for a reason.

Would you credit having your own catering company in the mid-90s, as giving you a sturdy foundation to produce an event experience like HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY THE SHOW?

Absolutely. In addition to serving at parties and eventually becoming a caterer, I produced many corporate events, children's parties and the like. Combined with my background as an artist, I could not imagine a better combination of experience to serve as the foundation for HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY.

What is your tried and true recipe for producing a fun event?

Is that a pun on my catering background? This may sound simple, but good food, lively entertainment - and booze always helps.

What was the craziest event you catered?

That's a loaded question. I could write a book, as I am sure a lot of people in town could. I can say that I have served everyone from Madonna to Spielberg, and there's always a story to take home. I do recall Arnold Schwarzenegger coming into a small kitchen, asking if I could make him an espresso, and before leaving, he turned around in the doorway and said "I'll be back," catching us both in the irony of the moment.

Can we expect some of that same craziness you're saving for your book incorporated into HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY THE SHOW?

I would say HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY is a combination of all of the crazy and fun experiences I have either had, seen or heard about in Hollywood - while keeping it PG-13.

How do you want your guests of HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE PARTY THE SHOW to feel leaving the experience?

When guests leave our show, if they have been entertained, well fed and had a one-of-a-kind experience that they want to share with their friends - and come back for more - then we will have done what we set out to do. The show is never the same, so we want them to leave wanting to come back again and again.

Thank you, Kerry! Look forward to seeing you in your element on your opening night!

To experience an insider's look at a Hollywood event, check out:

MANOR ON VINE
1718 Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90028

For tickets and schedule: www.hollywoodpremiereparty.com/tickets

To post a comment, you must register and login.