Laughs, Chaos, and Creativity: “The Premiere” Hits Bay Street Theater this Sunday

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce the screening of The Premiere, a comedic mockumentary about the chaos of making a musical about a movie — or, in this case, about the madness of trying to turn Scream into a musical. Fresh off its World Premiere at the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival, this uproarious film returns to the theater where much of it was shot. The screening will take place on Sunday, December 15th at 3 p.m. and will be followed by a lively “talk back” and Q&A with filmmakers Sam Pezzullo and Christopher Bouckoms, moderated by Tracy Mitchell, Executive Director of Bay Street Theater.

The Premiere marks the directorial debut of Sam Pezzullo and Christopher Bouckoms, who also star in the film. The duo brings a fresh and hilarious twist to the mockumentary genre, which has long been beloved for its awkward humor and biting satire. The plot centers around Sam (played by Pezzullo himself), a wildly self-absorbed theater producer with an absurdly lofty ambition — to turn the iconic slasher film Scream into a full-fledged musical, staged at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. But Sam’s vision is anything but conventional, and the journey to make his dream a reality is filled with quirky characters, chaotic situations, and plenty of cringe-worthy moments.

Drawing inspiration from cringe comedy classics and powered mostly by improvisation, The Premiere takes the viewer on a rollercoaster of awkwardness, absurdity, and dark humor. The film doesn’t just lampoon the world of theater; it also serves as a biting love letter to the Hamptons, capturing the unique charm, eccentricity, and artistic spirit of the local community. With a talented cast of real-life Sag Harbor locals, the film blends authenticity with hilariously exaggerated antics, making it a true local gem.

In addition to Pezzullo, the film features an ensemble cast including Alan Ceppos, Kristen Curcie, Mohna Hoppe, Ruby Jackson, Andrea Harum-Schiavoni, Catherine Schiavoini Bromberg, Scott Baker, Lorenzo Rodriguez, Christina Brown, and many more. Their performances bring a sense of genuine community spirit to the film, amplifying its mix of humor and heart.

Following the screening, attendees will have the chance to dive deeper into the making of the film with a talk back and Q&A session. Pezzullo and Bouckoms will discuss their creative process, share behind-the-scenes stories, and answer audience questions. Whether you’re a fan of theater, film, or the Hamptons community itself, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Don’t miss the chance to experience The Premiere at Bay Street Theater, a film that not only delivers big laughs but also celebrates the quirky, passionate spirit of Sag Harbor and its vibrant arts scene. Grab your tickets today for an unforgettable afternoon of comedy, conversation, and creative chaos!