Prelude: Star 98.7 radio station had a contest giving out tickets to the EDTV premiere and the sound track to the movie. I was the 9th caller on Sunday morning and won. It was held at the Universal Amphitheater on Tuesday, March 16th. I did not win the grand prize which was to interview the stars for the radio station and go to the party afterwards. But it ended up to my benefit because I could talk to whoever I wanted when they came into the lobby of the theater and take pictures of them.

Tuesday afternoon I had to go to the radio station to pick up the tickets and the cd. They are located near the Disney studio where "Ellen" use to be taped. The Universal Amphitheater was close by, next to Universal Studios and the Universal City Walk. So we had time to check out all the shops on the City Walk. We found a coffee house next to the place the media was to check in and the body guards hung out and the gate to the back way to the amphitheater was. That just happened to be the place they were to have us all exit after the premiere, the path to take the stars to the big tent where the party was at. The coffee house manager told me how it all worked so I knew what to expect.

Of interest to a few: The manager talked to me about the stars that he has served and the busy catering service he runs (1,200 on a slow day, 8,000 on a busy day, and many gift baskets). Lots of money thrown around there without a blink of an eye. Very interesting. Then the topic of Ellen came up (I only mentioned she was in the movie). He said, "I'm so over her." It appears that the LA Times interview has left a negative impression on some people regarding Ellen. Her comments about leaving Hollywood has made people think she has gone off the deep end. But you'll be proud of me, I converted him back on Ellen's side.

The lay out: Unlike most theaters, the area where the limos arrive is not near any public areas. So the only way you can see them arrive is by having a ticket to be there. But you are able to see the stars when they exit out the back gate after the movie (by the coffee house) on their way to the party (along universal city walk). So my advice is to hang out at the Universal City Walk after the show and you can see all the stars there.

Inside the amphitheater we got to look out the window of the lobby and watch the stars being interviewed along the red carpet. When they entered the lobby, there were no barracades. They were among us. Of course the theater personnel didn't want us hanging out in the lobby and tried to make us feel that we would get a better view of the stars being interviewed televised on the big screen inside the theater. Us brave souls that stayed were treated politely and were allowed to stay. It would be a mess if everyone was there, but I'm so glad I stayed at the door where they entered. I was getting a big kick out of the ladies next to me going crazy over the stars as they entered. It was really fun!

The first person I interacted with was Betty. She appeared to be alone at that point. Just as she entered the door I asked if I could take a picture of her. She said, "Sure." and stood still for the shot. Then I asked her if Ellen had read the newsletter that was given to her a week ago. She apologetically replied that she really didn't know. The next person I talked to was Joely Fischer. Got a picture of her, then mentioned to her that I saw her sister (Tricia) in the play "Starr Struck" (she played Monica Lewinsky). This caught her attention and she stopped to talk to me about it. She even let go of her husband. Her star shrouded face she wore when she entered had faded and Paige appeared before me. Her voice and body language was just like the character Paige talking to Ellen. She thought the play was hilarious and she even saw it twice. She was adorable.

I overheard the ladies next to me say they saw Anne Heche outside and Anne waved to them, but then these ladies were asked to go inside. I was trying to hold out as long as I could to see them enter, but they were taking too long with the interviews. The movie was about to begin and I was asked to go inside the theater and find my seat. I got my free popcorn and soda and went to my seat (upper level, very back row). It was fun knowing that Ellen was down there watching the movie along with me. Laughing at the funny parts together. At the end I waited for her name in the credits where I proudly cheered for her. At that point we exited and entered the red carpet area where the USC band was performing while we headed for the party. As soon as I got to the coffee house, I sat at the outside table and waited for Ellen and Anne to pass. Finally they came by, arms around each other. I took a picture, then headed out to talk to them and get a better picture. Close to them now I took a picture, but the flash didn't go off. Had to take another one. They were looking right at me, because I was almost in front of them. I then looked at Ellen and asked her about the newsletter and if she had a message I could give the lady responsible for the newsletter. Ellen said, "Tell the lady in London thank you." She seemed so appreciative. I wish you could have seen her sincere face. She was so nice to me. I said alright and headed out of the crowd. I couldn't wait to get home to email the message to Hels. Stay tuned for the pictures. Need to finish the roll first.
Roberta....March, 99.

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