Tacoma Merylthon Recap: Revisiting the Movies, the Memories, the Meryls
A Cinematic Celebration for a Cause
Tacoma, WA — From Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16, Tacoma was buzzing with excitement as The Grand Cinema, in collaboration with Cinema for Good, hosted the highly anticipated "Merylthon." This film festival, celebrating the illustrious career of actress Meryl Streep, was a pivotal part of The Grand Cinema's broader “Save the Grand” fundraising campaign, aimed at securing ownership of its historic building, the Merlino Arts Center. The Merylthon was designed not only to entertain film enthusiasts but also to spark discussion about the impact of Meryl Streep’s long and varied career, while simultaneously supporting the economic revitalization of downtown Tacoma.
Cinema for Good, known for creating fun and immersive turn-key film festivals, produced this event in keeping with its mission to help repertory cinemas like The Grand. “The Merylthon is really a third-space event aimed at celebrating cinema while also supporting the economic revitalization of theaters and nearby businesses,” said Cinema for Good co-founder and Merylthon creator Evan Roberts. “The Netflix-streaming, post-pandemic world we inhabit has led to a drastic reduction in foot traffic in downtown areas. But festivals like this can help reverse that trend.”
Tacoma City Council member Jamika Scott, who serves on the Board of The Grand, highlighted the importance of the “Save the Grand” campaign: “By supporting The Grand Cinema in acquiring its building, we are investing in a local cultural landmark and ensuring that downtown Tacoma continues to be a hub of activity and growth for years to come.”
The atmosphere throughout the weekend was vibrant and engaging. People were laughing, taking pictures with the Meryl cutout, enjoying the props in the "Merylseum," and chatting with one another. Unlike typical film screenings where attendees keep to themselves, this crowd was much more social, creating a festive and communal vibe. The Merylseum exhibit was a huge hit, especially the "Merylthong," a unique piece created by the Bearded Seamstress from the Productivity Parlour for Artful Living. The Game Center, featuring the game "Meryl Who?"—a spin on the famous "Guess Who?"—was also a crowd favorite.
One of the standout moments from the opening night was during the screening of Death Becomes Her, where cue cards were used for famous one-liners in the film. The audience eagerly participated, reciting lines like "Now, a warning?" in unison, leading to bursts of laughter and a unique sense of audience involvement. One attendee mentioned that Death Becomes Her is one of their favorite films and never loses its repeat viewing power, highlighting the lasting impact of Meryl Streep films.
Friday evening was particularly memorable, hosted by beloved local performer Sally Cannoli, who dressed up as a nun to commemorate the film Doubt. Her presence and engaging personality set the tone for a weekend filled with fun and camaraderie. The "Doubt Becomes Her" double-feature was a packed house, with notable sponsors of the weekend film festival including The Marriott Tacoma Downtown, the Hob Nob Restaurant, Infinite Soups, and BeHive Massage Therapy.
Friday Night: Doubt Becomes Her
The festivities kicked off on Friday night with the eagerly awaited double-feature, "Doubt Becomes Her," featuring Doubt and Death Becomes Her. The evening started on a dramatic note with Doubt, where the audience was captivated by Meryl Streep's powerful portrayal of Sister Aloysius Beauvier. The film's intense atmosphere set the stage for a night of emotional highs and lows, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
Adding a unique twist to the evening, local performer Sally Cannoli hosted the event, dressed impeccably as Sister Aloysius. Sally looked absolutely incredible in her nun costume, mirroring the stern yet commanding presence of the character. Her portrayal added a layer of fun to the night, breaking the ice and leading to an engaging and immersive experience for everyone.
The night took a lighter turn with the second feature, Death Becomes Her. The dark comedy brought plenty of laughs and gasps as the audience enjoyed the over-the-top antics of Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp, played by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, respectively. A special highlight of the screening was the use of cue cards for famous one-liners from the film. The audience eagerly participated, reciting iconic lines like "Now, a warning?" in unison, leading to bursts of laughter and a vibrant sense of community.
The interactive nature of the screening created a unique and memorable experience, reminiscent of the communal joy found in classic midnight movie showings. One attendee shared that Death Becomes Her remains one of their all-time favorite classic films, noting its enduring appeal and the joy it brings with each viewing.
The energy in the theater was palpable, with people laughing, chatting, and taking pictures with the Meryl cutout and props from the "Merylseum." The exhibit, especially the "Merylthong" created by the Bearded Seamstress, was a standout attraction, drawing crowds throughout the evening.
Saturday: She-Devil Wears Prada
Saturday's festivities continued with the "She-Devil Wears Prada" double-feature, offering a rollercoaster of emotions that delighted a new crowd of film enthusiasts as well as returning weekend pass holders. The day began with the wickedly funny She-Devil, where Meryl's portrayal of the glamorous yet cunning character Mary Fisher, played against a vengeful Roseanne Barr, had the audience in stitches.
The fun didn't stop with the film; attendees were also treated to interactive elements that added to the festive atmosphere. The "Merylseum" exhibit remained a popular attraction, with fans eagerly exploring props and memorabilia. The Game Center's "Meryl Who?"—a spin on the classic "Guess Who?" game—provided endless entertainment and sparked friendly competition among attendees. The creativity and effort put into these interactive experiences elevated the festival, making it much more than just a series of film screenings.
As the sun set, the excitement continued with The Devil Wears Prada. The theater was packed with fans eagerly anticipating Meryl’s iconic performance as Miranda Priestly. The film did not disappoint, with Meryl's portrayal of the formidable fashion editor captivating the audience. Laughter and nods of recognition filled the room as attendees related to the film's depiction of the high-stakes fashion world.
One particularly memorable moment was the costume contest before the screening of The Devil Wears Prada. Several attendees dressed in costume, but the standout was the winner who portrayed Mia from Mamma Mia. She captivated the audience with a spot-on line reading of the "Cerulean" monologue from The Devil Wears Prada, earning her enthusiastic applause and the top prize. The creativity and enthusiasm displayed by the participants were truly inspiring, showcasing the deep admiration fans have for Meryl Streep's diverse roles.
Throughout the day, the sense of community and shared love for Meryl Streep's work was palpable. People chatted, shared their favorite movie moments, and took countless photos with the Meryl cutout and other props. There was also lively discussion among attendees about whether Meryl Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly could be considered one of the best of her career. Opinions varied, with some passionately defending the role while others felt that the character had not held up to time.
Sunday: A Cry in the Dark and "Unstreamable" Film Merylogues
Sunday morning brought a shift in tone with a rare public screening of A Cry in the Dark, a film that is often challenging to find for public viewing. The anticipation for this screening was high, as many attendees were eager to see Meryl Streep's intense portrayal of Lindy Chamberlain. The film's gripping narrative and Meryl's powerful performance had the audience spellbound, showcasing her extraordinary range and depth as an actress.
The atmosphere in the theater was markedly different from the previous days, with a sense of solemnity and contemplation taking hold. The screening of A Cry in the Dark provided a stark contrast to the lighter fare of the earlier films, highlighting Meryl's versatility and ability to tackle complex, emotionally charged roles.
Following the screening, a panel discussion delved into the film's themes, examining A Cry in the Dark through the lens of modern-day cancel culture and media sensationalism. The panel featured Jas Keimig and Chase Burns, creators of the column Unstreamable, which recommends films and TV shows not available or difficult to find on major streaming services. Since its launch in 2019, Unstreamable has covered more than 400 titles and has been featured on KUOW and NPR. Originally published by The Stranger, the column now resides on Scarecrow Video’s blog.
Jas and Chase provided insightful commentary on the film’s relevance today, focusing on the famous "a dingo ate my baby" line before examining other memorable "merylogues" from Meryl's career, including lines from Silkwood and Doubt. Their discussion highlighted how these iconic moments have become ingrained in pop culture and continue to resonate with audiences.
Community, Creativity, and Gratitude
Throughout the Tacoma Merylthon, the sense of community and shared admiration for Meryl Streep's work was palpable. The festival was more than just a series of film screenings—it was a celebration of cinema and a gathering of passionate film enthusiasts who created lasting memories together.
The support from our sponsors was crucial to the festival's success. The Marriott Tacoma Downtown played a particularly significant role by providing greatly discounted accommodations, making it possible for Cinema for Good's organizers to attend in person.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to The Grand Cinema for their partnership in hosting this memorable event. Wade Neal of The Grand Cinema aptly noted, “The Merylthon is just the type of exciting community-powered event that elevates cinema and creates a bonding experience for audiences that lasts long after the mini-fest is over.” The Grand Cinema’s goal of enriching lives through the art of cinema was beautifully realized during the festival.
As we look back on the Tacoma Merylthon, we are filled with nostalgia and joy. It was a weekend of brilliant performances, cherished memories, and new friendships.
Here’s to many more Meryl-filled moments in the future! Thank you to everyone who joined us for this incredible celebration.
