05.12.2023 - Stamford, Connecticut
Remarkable in every sense of the word. Even the weather seemed to envelop the festivities with a warm and comforting glow. Guests were treated to stunning hors d’oeuvres and top-shelf beverages on the expansive patio on the scenic Stamford Museum and Nature Center grounds. Inside the “Farm House” Chef Robin Selden and her staff were preparing a sumptuous repaste fit for royalty.
The red carpet was rolled out and gleaming for the Connecticut premiere of the award-winning film The Artist & the Astronaut. Bill Muench, the film’s director, Todd Hobin, composer, and Pat Musick, the star of the film were surrounded by guests queuing for a photo with them.
The historic museum sits on over one-hundred acres of hardwood forestland and is a working farm, with fields full of farm animals, surrounding a freshwater lake. On a hill overlooking the Farm House sits the site of a brand new planetarium and observatory. That very morning, the old observatory was raised to make way for the new facility. Funds this night will be used to help make it a reality. A ground-breaking ceremony is only weeks away.
Once inside, 150 guests walked by one of Pat Musick’s most iconic pieces of art, and into the grand room, which featured two giant movie screens. The evening’s emcee was Mets stadium announcer, none other than Colin Cosell, the grandson of the famed Howard Cosell. Mr. Cosell brought the audience to order and started the bidding at $10,000.00. His impression of his grandfather was spot as he introduced Bill Muench.
As promised the Chef’s team served up a remarkable dinner topped with a classic farmhouse dessert. The wine flowed and the audience settled in for a screening of the film.
There were moments of pure joy and laughter, gasps of anguish, and quite a few tears. This film brings out memories for some and astonishment for others, but all were moved. The question and answer session following the film was filled with questions about the making of the film and how an individual could help bring this amazing film to the general public.
If you would like to help the Artist & the Astronaut with a theatrical release and an educational rollout, please visit https://www.theartistandtheastronaut.com/screenings/support
Many thanks and congratulations to Melissa Mulrooney, CEO, and her amazing staff. With a special nod to Liz Sabia whose organizational skills are paramount to none. The Board of Directors for this organization is very active and engaged. Truly remarkable in every sense of the word.
