The Bedford Playhouse Transports Audience to The Carlyle Hotel

Audience members at The Bedford Playhouse were transported back in time during the special documentary screening, Always at The Carlyle. The evening started off with a cocktail party cleverly titled “Bemelmans in Bedford”, which paid homage to The Carlyle Hotel's sophisticated, upscale piano bar, adorned with Ludwig Bemelmans' famed murals. Guests enjoyed crafted cocktails served in vintage glassware from the playhouse's bar. Theme cocktails to this film were offered, such as The Central Park (rye, orange bitters and cherry liquor) or The East Sider (champagne and chambord).

Situated at the corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street, The Carlyle has been a classic landmark of Manhattan's elegant Upper East Side since 1930. Throughout the years this hotel has hosted a wide variety of celebrities and even royalty.

Always at The Carlyle explores the untold stories of New York's legendary landmark hotel. Interviews by celebrity patrons include George Clooney, Sofia Coppola, Tommy Lee Jones, Jeff Goldblum, Anjelica Huston, Wes Anderson, Lenny Kravitz, Naomi Campbell and Jon Hamm. The film also interviews staff members to uncover golden moments at this iconic destination.

Following the cocktail party and screening of Always at The Carlyle, was a Q&A session with Director Matthew Miele and Carlyle pianist, Earl Rose. Founding partner of Cross River Productions, Nancy Steiner, moderated this Q&A panel.

Miele revealed that this film took four years to make and during this time he conducted over 120 interviews.

He explains that he was inspired to create movie because, "The Carlyle is an experience that you cannot duplicate" and states that "The Carlyle was screaming to be captured". Miele feels that the uniqueness of The Carlyle could disappear soon, which prompted him to create this film. The film showcases how this hotel embodies the classic essence of old New York and the finer things in life.

There are numerous opportunities to view this film, including Starz and Amazon Prime.

The Bedford Playhouse strives provide a vibrant, state of the art cinema, cultural center and community hub, featuring outstanding films, arts-related programming, educational offerings and a fun, welcoming space to relax and socialize. To learn more about the great programming and events offered by The Bedford Playhouse, click here.

#film #cinema #filmmaker