Lionsgate's "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Premiere Afterparty
As a premiere event DJ in Hollywood, I’ve had the privilege of performing at the afterparties of some of LA’s most anticipated film screenings. Even so, it’s not often that I have the chance to be a part of something as iconic as Lionsgate’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. So, on April 15, 2023, I was honored to be the musical maître de for the big screen production of this legendary coming-of-age novel.
Originally published in 1970, Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is a canonical work of young adult fiction that tells the story of eleven-year-old Margaret Simon, who recently moved to the New Jersey suburbs from NYC with her family. The novel reveals Margaret’s innermost adolescent dialogue through her prayers as she comes to terms with everything from periods and bras to boys and religion. For decades, Margaret’s journey has resonated with readers who identify with the struggles of a changing family, a changing body, and a changing sense of self.
This Hollywood adaptation of what is quite possibly Blume’s most beloved work has been a long-awaited addition to the world of film. Lionsgate’s production features an award-winning and A-list cast, including Rachel McAdams as Margaret’s mother, Barbara, Kathy Bates as her grandmother, Sylvia, and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret herself. Needless to say, the premiere of such a film was highly anticipated and deserving of the most incredible celebration.
What I loved most about this event, aside from the chance to see the amazing cast and crew — like Judy Blume and Rachel McAdams — IRL, was that its theme stayed true to the 60s and 70s roots of the film. From the retro font to the classic color scheme of browns, yellows, oranges, greens, and pinks, everything about this party, held at Baltaire nonetheless, was giving vintage. And you know what that means; I could finally bust out all my favorite oldie jams.
For this special occasion, I curated a very groovy mix of the best 60s and 70s music from genres like Classic Rock, Soul & Funk, and Disco. Some of my personal favorites were Chicago’s “Saturday In The Park,” Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” Blondie’s “Heart Of Glass,” and other tunes from artists like the Bee Gees, Aretha Franklin, and Simon & Garfunkel. But what I loved most about this bash was that everyone there was totally immersed in the nostalgia; not a single person there — even the youngens — requested a current song. In fact, it was the kids from the cast who requested songs like Blue Swede’s “Hooked On A Feeling,” Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” And I’m not lying when I tell you they knew every last word to each of those songs!
I love a good retro theme, and it was an absolute blast to help create some feels for the guests from such a dreamy bygone era. Thank you so much, Damminger Productions and Lionsgate, for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
You can catch Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. in theatres now!
