“It's been a whirlwind month!” exclaimed Paula Gregg during the red-carpet premiere of “Christmas in Compton,” a film she co-produced with Susan Burig. “We had the L.A. premiere last week. ... It's starting to sink in.”
Rubberneckers caused a slight scene outside of the Hollywood Theater Dormont, where sports deities from the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers were making their way in, including Charlie Batch, who was immediately accosted by fans before reuniting with his wife, LaTasha, and mother, Lynn Settles. Meanwhile, inside, theater manager Ben Prisbylla and board member Kahmeela Adams were awaiting the sold-out crowd that included cast members Miguel Nunez, Porscha Coleman and Omar Gooding.
Filmed entirely in Compton, Calif., the story focuses on a father and son who are joined by members of the community to save their Christmas tree lot after a deal gone sour.
“They told us we'd never get it into the theaters, and we did,” Gregg added.
Proceeds of the night's raffle benefited local foundations and the Red Cross, in support of Hurricane Sandy victims.
Kate Benz is the social columnist for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at kbenz@tribweb.com or 412-320-8515.
