“Would you like a Manhattan?” That was the question that greeted guests at the afterparty for the much awaited premiere of AMC’ s four-time Emmy award-winning drama “Mad Men,” whose previous season finale aired in October 2010.
“Mad Men,” you’ve been dearly missed.
Held at Hollywood’s Blvd. 3, the indoor/outdoor space was decorated to evoke the streets of New York City, complete with trees, street signs and streetlamps. Bouquets of red roses were everywhere, some in giant martini glasses flanking the bars– and those whiskey-based drinks were as stiff as those downed in the offices of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce on Madison Avenue in the 1960s.
Among those in attendance to celebrate were creator, executive producer and writer Matthew Weiner, AMC honcho Charlie Collier, Lionsgate Television’s Kevin Beggs, series stars Jon Hamm with girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt, January Jones, Jessica Pare, John Slattery, Vincent Kartheiser and Rich Sommer.
All of them had been down the street at the ArcLight for the screening of the two-hour episode slated to air on March 25 on AMC. With an introduction by Collier and Weiner, the theater was mainly filled with cast, crew, friends and family.
Weiner asked everyone in attendance not to reveal anything specific about the program itself, saying surprise was an important element of the show, and we are hereby acquiescing respectfully to his wishes. (After March 25, we will have at it.)
So back to the party. AMC pulled out all the stops with an attentive staff serving abundant and tasty Asian, Italian and American cuisine at tables set up on the dance floor and upstairs in the nightclub, as well as at indoor and outdoor buffets.
Outdoors in the reflecting pool, a graphic image of the show’s title sequence was projected as well as an animated one on the billboard-like display that lit up the patio. Private alcoves were set up for the principals. Banquettess were strewn with branded “Mad Men” pillows in different shapes which many guests tried to take home, but were stopped at the door and asked to give them back. We saw several men and women trying to stuff them into large bags.
Pillow fight, anyone? As partygoers left, they were given gift bags with the MM season four DVD and a “Men” branded old-school telephone headset with a jack that plugs into any Android or iPhone.
