Denver movie producers are making big and small screen splashes these dayswith flicks that are complex and challenging.
Sarah Siegel-Magness and her cable-heir husband Gary Magness are the producers of “Push: Based on a Novel by Sapphire,” probably the most controversial movie screened at Sundance this month. Industry sites have been handing out raves, especially for the breakout performance of newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, who plays an obese high-schooler pregnant with her father’s child — for the second time. She is also illiterate, abused at home, teased at school, about as miserable as a kid can get.
Critics are also applauding the understated performance of Mariah Carey as a social worker in “Push” — and Carey isn’t exactly known for understated anything.
In an interview, director and co-producer Lee Daniels (“Monster’s Ball”) credited the Magnesses for getting the movie made.
“Why would anyone care about a poor, 300-pound, uneducated black girl as dark as night? The answer to this question is what this film is ultimately about. Two of the first people who did care are my incredible producers, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness, who have contributed immeasurably to bringing this film to light.”
And Denver native Daniel Sladek is the producer of the Lifetime movie “Prayers for Bobby,” which debuts on the cable network 7 p.m. Saturday. Starring Sigourney Weaver, it is the story of a Christian mother whose objection to her son’s homosexuality drives him to suicide — which in turn drives her to become an activist for gay rights.
Sladek comes from a well-known Denver family and started the first theater group at the Jewish Community Center when he was a teen.
“We spent the last 12 years getting this film made,” he says. “This is an Emmy-caliber film. This movie will undoubtedly save lives.”
Millions.
DIA’s United Airline ramp serviceman Jim McSweeney wants to be a millionaire — and he’s on the show to prove it at 3 p.m. today and again Monday on Channel 7.
McSweeney chose his son Danny and two other ramp servicemen to be his lifelines. He swears he handles all bags at Denver International Airport with “tender love and care.”
Under the sea.
Disney Theatrical Productions swims into Denver today and Saturday to hold open auditions for the starring role of Ariel in the Broadway production of “The Little Mermaid.”
Don’t laugh. The show started here at the Buell Theatre and went on to Broadway starring Denver’s Sierra Boggess. Bring your soprano chops, sheet music, picture and resume to 1101 13th St., 9 to 10 a.m.; auditions take place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
City spirit.
The Junior Symphony Guild takes its orchestra to the Tiny Tots starting Monday. Fun stuff, check out the schedule at . . . The Jammy Jam comes down at 9 p.m. Saturday at Wish — pajamas mandatory for entrance in two of the three rooms . . . Sez who: “God looks after fools, drunks and the United States.” Jim Fitzgerald
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or at bhusted@ . Take a peek at Husted’s next column at blogs.denverpost. com/husted.
