The John Travolta disco movie “Saturday Night Fever” is a celebrated Brooklyn classic, but its lesser-seen follow-up “Stayin’ Alive” was called the worst sequel ever by Entertainment Weekly.
That doesn’t bother comedian Leslie Goshko, who is hosting a party at Union Hall in honor of “Stayin’ Alive” ’s 30-year anniversary.
“This is solely based on my nerddom for this movie,” she said. “I’ve been obsessed with this movie for years.”
In case you’re wondering, that love is not ironic — though she doesn’t blame people who like the movie for the pure kitsch factor of seeing an in-his-prime Travolta all oiled up.
The party will feature a live band — the StalloneTones — playing songs from the movie, a dance troupe, trivia, prizes, and lots of film clips. It won’t, however, actually feature a screening of the full movie.
“I wanted it to be a big entertaining night from all mediums,” she said.
But never fear — those who haven’t seen the movie will be given a fun recap in the first ten to fifteen minutes. Basically, Goshko said, the plot is that John Travolta’s character from Saturday Night Fever has finally moved to Manhattan, but he’s frustrated that his dance career hasn’t gone anywhere.
To find out whether or not he finally gets to Broadway, readers will have to see the movie. But for Goshko, the message is clear — and from the source.
After she organized this party, she got a letter in the mail from John Travolta himself. It was a signed headshot of him with one message:
“Dreams do come true.”
“Stayin’ Alive 30 Year Tribute Party” at Union Hall [702 Union St. at Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, (718) 638–4400, www.unionhallny.com]. July 10, doors 7:30 pm, show 8 pm, $8.
Reach reporter Jaime Lutz at jlutz@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-8310. Follow her on Twitter @jaime_lutz.
