Columbus, Ohio is the last place I thought I’d meet Ray Wise (Leland Palmer) and Sheryl Lee (Laura Palmer). Born and raised in the capitol city, I fell in love with my favorite David Lynch film in the early 1990s. Imagine my delight when I learned that Studio 35 Cinema was planning a weekend of screenings and a meet and greet session with the two actors from July 19-21, 2019. I couldn’t buy a plane ticket to Ohio fast enough. The trip home turned out to be a wonderful mini-Twin Peaks gathering with fellow Bookhouse Boys and Gals from around the world.
THE DIRECTOR SERIES: DAVID LYNCH AT STUDIO 35
The screening of the 1992 film was part of a “theatrical series showcasing the complete chronological works of directors selected by producer Mike McGraner.”
Mike, a long-time David Lynch fan, is a producer and director, best known for Nite Owl Theatre Starring Fritz the Nite Owl in Columbus, Ohio. He also is a budding musician who recently released an album which you can sample here in a teaser video.
Tickets to this Twin Peaks event were made available on March 30. In addition to screening Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, Ray Wise and Sheryl Lee would be attending, answering questions and signing autographs. Mike also showed The Missing Pieces following the night’s activities.
STUDIO 35 CINEMA IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
I arrived in Columbus late Thursday night and stopped by the theatre a few hours before the event. The last time I had been inside was in the mid-1990s when I saw Billy Zane’s The Phantom and Charlie Sheen’s The Arrival.
It’s a classic, one-screen draft house that has seen a few renovations over the years. Upon arriving at the theatre, I couldn’t believe I saw “Sold Out” on the marquee, especially since the initial release of Lynch’s film wasn’t as well received. It’s amazing what the passage of time will do.
Here’s a another look at the Studio 35 Cinema marquee.
POSTER ARTWORK AT STUDIO 35
For the Directors Series, Mike commissioned a series of posters by artist Matt Harris.
The poster was a gift for guests who purchased a VIP ticket to a screening. It was also used on a variety of items at the event.
DRINK SPECIALS & MERCHANDISE AT STUDIO 35
You could see the artwork on the drink menu special. I didn’t try any as I preferred local craft beers they had on tap.
The art was also included on these reasonably priced pint glasses created for the event.
For the Friday night screening, I had general admission. I purchased a VIP package for the Saturday night screening. I loved the repeating Bob image on the band.
I also picked up a t-shirt with Matt Harris’ artwork.
TWIN PEAKS FAN REUNION AT STUDIO 35
While I was super excited to see the film and meet the stars, I was also looking forward to seeing fellow Twin Peaks fans, many of whom I’ve only virtually met on Twitter.
The first people I saw were Ben Durant from the excellent Twin Peaks Unwrapped podcast (we first met at the 2018 Festival of Disruption in Brooklyn, New York) and fellow Steeplejack Aaron Cohen who has traveled the world for all things Twin Peaks.
Aaron traveled from North Carolina, while Dale Z came from Michigan. Clearly, this event attracted people from all over.
I wasn’t joking about bringing people together. Wim (far left) and Matteo seated behind Kenneth “119” Phillips traveled from the Netherlands and Switzerland respectively.
THIS IS THE SCREENING ROOM AT STUDIO 35
PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE DIRECTOR SERIES
After spending sometime in the bar area at Studio 35, I proceeded inside the one-screen theatre where Mike had assembled a series of clips from Seasons 1 and 2 of Twin Peaks.
Around 7:00 p.m., Mike McGraner was joined by Scott Ryan of Blue Rose Magazine fame to start the screening.
I was thrilled to meet Scott after the screening as The Blue Rose magazine is one of my favorite Twin Peaks publications.
Each issue reminds me of the same thrill I had when reading “Wrapped in Plastic” in the mid-1990s. Make sure you subscribe to this essential companion for any Twin Peaks fan.
TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME AT STUDIO 35
And then there it was … my favorite film on the big screen. It appeared to be a projection of the Criterion Collection release.
I was reminded again of how much I love the first 35 minutes in Deer Meadow.
It was also strange to think that for so many years, the final scene of Twin Peaks for me was Laura Palmer and Dale Cooper in the Red Room with an angel floating above. I still can’t believe Season 3 on Showtime was an actual thing.
“WISHES” BY BEACH HOUSE STARRING RAY WISE
After the credits finished, we were treated to the video for “Wishes” by Beach House from 2013. Wow. Just wow. This is a sight to behold on the big screen.
The video was directed by actor-comedian Eric Wareheim, he of notorious Tim & Eric Awesome Show fame. This article from Fast Company gives a great look at how it was made. I can’t stop singing this song now.
Q&A SESSION FOR THE DIRECTOR SERIES
The Q&A session with Ray and Sheryl was hosted by Mike after the video played. I wasn’t quite prepared to laugh as much as I did. The time in the upper right corner of the screen was how long the Q&A and autograph sessions would last until The Missing Pieces were shown.
Here is a 22-minute video of various answers from the Friday and Saturday night sessions:
I could have listened to Ray speak all night as he truly knows how to dazzle an audience. Sheryl and he had a wonderful banter and it was incredible to feel the energy in the room.
Mike began the session by explaining how he came to love the show. I can only imagine how over the moon he was and never thought years ago that this night would be a thing.
The surreal part for me was listening to their stories and seeing them in person after only watching their performances on screen for 26 years. I had to pinch myself several times.
And then Ray Wise sang “Mairzy Doats” first seen in Episode 2001 of Season 2.
It’s one thing to see Ray singing this 1944 song in Twin Peaks and something amazing to see him perform it in person.
Here are more photos from the session:
I was seated in the second row on Friday night and I’m forever grateful there was no one sitting in front of me.
AUTOGRAPH SESSION AT STUDIO 35
Following the Q&A session, we lined up to get autographs and photos with Ray and Sheryl.
I died when Ray signed “WASH YOUR HANDS!” on this photo. One of the best scenes in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.
I first met Sheryl Lee at the 20th Anniversary of Twin Peaks – Fire Walk With Me art exhibit at Copro Gallery in April 2012. This photo was perfect – I mean we are standing in front of red drapes. And Sheryl is such a blessing in this world – truly a kind, caring, loving and gentle spirit.
I couldn’t resist getting her homecoming queen photo signed. Iconic!
On Saturday night, I took additional photos with both Sheryl and Ray. I’m beyond thankful to Mike for hosting this event. Amazing!
I also had Ray and Sheryl sign the DVD cover that previously signed by David Lynch. I hope to get all of the cast to sign this one day.
SUCH A FUN TIME AT THE DIRECTOR SERIES EVENT
Overall, I can’t express how much fun I had, especially in my hometown of Columbus.
I could have spent all night speaking with my fellow fans. This photo from Mayor Senator Meow made me laugh.
Elephinicorn (who sketched lovely cards for Ray and Sheryl), Todd and me chatted in line while waiting for autographs and photos.
Loved meeting Kenneth “119” Phillips who has the BEST mustache!
THE JOE NEFF
The best moment, however, was reuniting with Joe Neff who has shared my Twin Peaks experiences for more than 26 years. Joe once hosted the 24-hour Horror and Sci-Fi marathons in Columbus.
Joe and I attended the 1996 Twin Peaks Fan Fest and basically grew up together in Columbus loving Lynch’s works and countless other films and television shows. He is my best friend, so seeing him at Studio 35 was a perfect accent to an already fantastic weekend.
FAREWELL FRIENDS
Here’s a great recap video by Matteo Maccarinelli who traveled to the event from Switzerland:
A big thank you to Mike McGraner, the Studio 35 Cinema team, Ray Wise, Sheryl Lee, Scott Ryan, Mike Perez, and so many fellow fans for making this event one to remember. [Swipes Temple]
