Lots of controversy swirled around the opening of the latest Rocky picture—centered mostly on whether or not Rocky Balboa has any bona fide raison d’etre, and whether its release taints the existing series. But whatever the opinions of the guests at the world premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, they were treated to an after-party at the grand ballroom at Hollywood & Highland that pulled the themes from the Rocky legacy into one glittering, grand experience.Working with the studio’s vice president of national publicity, Mike Costello, event producer Chris Benarroch and designer Keith Greco transformed the cavernous grand ballroom into a spacious gilded lounge. Plush sofa seating in rich chocolate brown and gold decked the space, and oversize gold lamé boxing gloves dotted the lounge areas (and tempted at least one guest, we witnessed, to tuck one under her coat as a souvenir). Rocky
scenes played on screens throughout the space. In the center of the room, an elevated V.I.P. area resembled a boxing ring.
Wolfgang Puck’s catering menu evoked the Italian American tastes of Philadelphia, with chaffing dishes filled with cheesesteak sandwiches, ravioli, and cannoli. Comfort foods like mashed potatoes in abundant supply rounded out the buffet offerings. Patron poured its spirit in mixed drinks through ice funnels at its branded bars.
But the party wasn’t just all gold lamé and cheesesteaks: Levy, Pazanti & Associates coordinated a benefit component, too. Organizers made a donation to Israeli nonprofit organization Jordan River Village, which provides recreation for seriously ill kids.
—Alesandra Dubin
Posted 01.04.07
Photos: Michael McGarry
Related Stories
Holiday Lights Cover Chinese for Fox Premiere
Sponsors Put Working-Class Stamp on Premiere Party
scenes played on screens throughout the space. In the center of the room, an elevated V.I.P. area resembled a boxing ring.
Wolfgang Puck’s catering menu evoked the Italian American tastes of Philadelphia, with chaffing dishes filled with cheesesteak sandwiches, ravioli, and cannoli. Comfort foods like mashed potatoes in abundant supply rounded out the buffet offerings. Patron poured its spirit in mixed drinks through ice funnels at its branded bars.
But the party wasn’t just all gold lamé and cheesesteaks: Levy, Pazanti & Associates coordinated a benefit component, too. Organizers made a donation to Israeli nonprofit organization Jordan River Village, which provides recreation for seriously ill kids.
—Alesandra Dubin
Posted 01.04.07
Photos: Michael McGarry
Related Stories
Holiday Lights Cover Chinese for Fox Premiere
Sponsors Put Working-Class Stamp on Premiere Party
The premiere for Rocky Balboa took over multiple theaters at the Grauman’s Chinese complex; afterwards guests headed to the grand ballroom at Hollywood & Highland.
Rocky images played on screens throughout the grand ballroom space.
Plush sofa seating in gold and brown kept guests comfy.
Wolfgang Puck’s buffets included Philly favorites like cheesesteak sandwiches.
An elevated V.I.P. area in the center of the party space resembled a boxing ring.
Patron poured its spirits at branded ice bars.
