When Lee Daniels, the creator of the highly-popular FOX show “EMPIRE,” first released the pilot for the show, reviews were mixed about whether it would become a hit.
Now Daniels hopes to extend his “Midas Touch” to a gritty new girl-group series, “STAR,” which tells the tale of three young women who have faced tough times, refused to give up and will do anything to succeed. It premiers on January 4th and Daniels describes it as the antithesis of “EMPIRE.”
On Sunday, Nov. 13, FOX invited about 100 people, mostly millennials from the DMV, to a special screening of the new show at the “HavPlenty Brunch” held at Acre 121 in Northwest where the lunchtime party continued well into the evening with DJ Fanci spinning the tunes.
The brunch, created by New York event producer Lauren Grant, rotates between three cities, New York, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., and according to Grant, serves as a way for millennials to share ideas, meet new people and discuss the hot topics of the day.
“I started the brunch two years ago in New York and it’s really grown,” said Grant, 33. “It brings millennials together in a space where they can be themselves and are respected. Our demographics show that 70 percent have bachelor’s degrees, 60 percent have master’s degrees – many of them are graduates of HBCUs.”
“We try to hold our events at Black-owned restaurants so we can support those who support us. And while Acre 121 isn’t Black-owned, they actually reached to me. As for ‘STAR,’ I think it’s a sure winner that will compliment ‘EMPIRE’ quite well,” said Grant, who noted that she’s always looking for feedback and can be reached via email: lauren@thegrantaccess.com.
Daniels says the show reflects the influence that “Dreamgirls” and “Paris is Burning” has had on his life and work and features Queen Latifah for whom he wrote one of the lead roles, Carlotta. Once again he’ll showcase talented actors who can equally sing with power, adding that while he likens “EMPIRE” to “Dynasty,” “STAR” will resemble an edgier form of “Good Times.”
Here are comments from those who attended the screening.
Jessica Grange, 32, Alexandria: “It’s a great story and I loved it from start to finish. It’s very different from ‘EMPIRE’ but I’d like to see the two shows connect sometimes and share characters.”
Sheena Ballard, 33, Alexandria: “’STAR’ is sure to be a definite hit – as big as ‘EMPIRE.’ I was surprised to see the mix of the cast. Some we’ve seen before – others are new faces. I like the combination.”
Reggie Rich, 28, NE: “It’s really good. And I like the inclusion of the LGBT community as part of the cast. Queen Latifah was outstanding and the musical production is amazing. Seeing so much Black star power at a time when Blacks are fighting for equal rights was very encouraging.”
Baker, 28, Los Angeles: “The story line is well done, the music is superb and the three girls cast as the members of the singing group are beautiful and talented. Watch out ‘EMPIRE.’
A special preview of “STAR” will air on Wednesday, Dec. 14 after the fall finale of “EMPIRE” at 8 p.m. ET.
