11/8/03

Well Friends,

I couldn't wait to tell you how much I enjoyed the premiere of Chump Change last night. First, I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to Steve Burrows for giving me the huge opportunity to be a part of the Chump Change cast. Secondly, I'd like to thank Bill Micale, Dale Stelzer, & Gary Henderickson for offering their talents to do the project with me.

I was able to view the film numerous times on VHS but this was my first viewing on the big silver screen. This also was the 3rd cut & mix of the film that I've seen which was by far the best. Hat's off to Matt Cartsonis for his added music in this cut.

Many fans and family member's were in attendance and the beautiful old Oriental Theatre was filled to capacity. SOLD OUT! I must explain that this is no "Marcus" theatre. The Oriental seats 1,200 people and it was SOLD OUT! In his introduction, the director of the first annual Milwaukee Film Festival noted that this theatre had not been filled to capacity since 1987.

During the film I was impressed with how the audience enjoyed this film and expressing it very vocally. By the end of the film, normally folks are antsy and don't stay for the credits, there was a rousing round of applause and everyone stayed seated for the credits which were divided into three sections. At the end of every credit section a rousing round of applause was heard.

Then director Steve Burrows appeared for a Q & A session which lasted about 1/2 hour. He thanked and mentioned the cast and crew members who were in attendance including yours truly and introduced Traci Lords who joined him on stage. The second to last question asked of him was "Are you planning on making another motion picture?". Steve's answer was "I have two more scripts for movies that I have been working on and Miramax is interested in them both. One of them would be filmed entirely in Wisconsin". Then, the crowd was informed that this would be the last question and a lady from the other side of theatre asked, "Are you planning on having Steve Meisner perform in your next film?" Steve immediately answered, "Your damn right! No film made in Wisconsin would be complete without Steve Meisner." I was blushing 10 colors before regaining my composure.

After we filtered out of the theatre my Mom, Sue, Barb & I were invited to the cast party down the block. The people were crammed in like sardines. So, the Burrows gang moved the party to another bar large enough to hold the group yet with in walking distance. There, I was able to catch up with many of the cast and crew and spend some chatty time. As always, Steve Burrows is a gentleman that I never tire of conversing with. Traci Lords was very gracious with her time and discussion. I spent the most time with John Bludget who is very interested in music as well and a very well rounded personality. We spoke of family as well as business. Matt Cartsonis, music director for Chump Change, is a hoot. I had a ball with him at the original shoot and again last night. We never tire of music chat and found just how small this world really is.

Barb & I left the party and I felt very much on top of the world. Honored by the flattery of people who work in the entertainment business, but a completely different world from what I am used to. I enjoyed the evening immensely and look forward to the return engagement!

Miramax will be releasing Chump Change on DVD next January with something like 2 hours of extra footage and directors notes. Watch for it in your local video houses, but check your local papers as Chump Change just may be appearing in more theatre's yet this year.

Enjoy,
Steve Meisner

Below are comments and photos from the Chump Change Premiere
in Milwaukee, WI on 11/7/03

Burrows no chump as far as bowling, being a big shot

Nov. 10, 2003

Photo/Elizabeth Flores

Writer, actor and director Steve Burrows is on hand for a showing of his film "Chump Change" at the Oriental Theatre Friday. Burrows was celebrating the showing of the movie at the first annual Milwaukee International Film Festival.

In case you, personally, did not receive a press kit from Mr. Hollywood Big Shot Steve Burrows:

A) Burrows went to Greendale High School, where he was bounced from his sophomore biology class for mounting his fetal pig's head on a bubbler.

B) Has seen Buddy Ebsen naked.

C) Once watched Bob Denver watching "Gilligan's Island." 

D) Played that guy with psoriasis in that commercial for Selsun Blue.

E) Bowls 189 (or so he claims).

That's a mighty fancy average for a guy whose shocking new film, "Chump Change," hikes up its shirt like a drunken Green Bay Packers fan cheering on Brett Favre, and exposes the grotesquely bloated underbelly of Tinsel Town.

Burrows, in the tradition of Woody Allen and Mel Brooks, wrote, directed and stars in this harrowing story of sex (the film also stars "Tailhouse Rock's" Traci Lords), violence ("The Godfather's" Abe Vigoda) and comedy ("Animal House's" Tim Matheson).

Burrows is the son of musical saw virtuoso Harry Burrows, who wowed Televisionland during a July 1976 appearance on "The Gong Show."

The legendary senior Burrows was among the stars on hand for a recent screening of "Chump Change" during the International Film Festival at The Oriental Theatre.

Other luminaries included Tripoli Shriners Myron Smith and Orville Swain, as well as accordion player William Krajnak, whose cheerful stylings on the Baldoni kept the capacity crowd tapping its toes while it awaited admission to the sold-out theater.

Smith, dressed in full Shriner regalia, told the following joke to a small group of admirers:

"How many Masons does it take to change a light bulb?"

"No one knows," he said. "It's a secret."

In an exclusive interview shortly before the start of the movie, Lords confided to me that she wore three layers of long underwear during those portions of the film that were shot on location (Milwaukee) during a bitter winter's cold snap.

"That's probably too much information," she said, thus precluding any further underwear inquiries.

Singing sensation Liza Minnelli, who was almost in the movie but who bailed at the last minute, was conspicuously absent from the swell of celebrities.

Note: A DVD version of "Chump Change" is expected to be released by Miramax this January.

From the Nov. 11, 2003 editions of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Great enjoyable performance, Hollywood awaits.
The Baldoni's

I heard it was awesome!! My family had a great time!! I'm not missing the next one I'll tell you that much!! You rock!!
Stacey Miller

I bought Chump Change off the internet about 2 wks ago and my kids and I all enjoyed it. Wish they would have shown more of your band, and a song other then Chicken Dance. It was fun to see some local friends at Russ and Darlene's. Good work Stevie.
Pam