The movie ‘Opening Night’ aired in 1977, marking another addition to the slew of dramas Hollywood is known for. It tracks the life of a famous actress, played by Gena Rowlands, John Cassavetes, and Ben Gazzara. This specially curated piece dives deep into the filming locations, movie fun facts, and additional trivia, presenting an assortment of interesting backstage snippets about the movie that you couldn’t find elsewhere.
Where it Filmed?
The filming of ‘Opening Night’ primarily took place in Los Angeles, California, USA, including the well-known Pasadena Civic Auditorium located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, California, USA. The shooting of the movie began on December 15, 1976, contributing to the birth of a drama revered by audience members worldwide. 
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Gena Rowlands | Myrtle Gordon |
| John Cassavetes | Maurice Aarons |
| Ben Gazzara | Manny Victor |
| Joan Blondell | Sarah Goode |
| Paul Stewart | David Samuels |
| Zohra Lampert | Dorothy Victor |
| Laura Johnson | Nancy Stein |
| John Tuell | Gus Simmons |
| Ray Powers | Jimmy |
| John Finnegan | Bobby |
| Fred Draper | Leo |
| Katherine Cassavetes | Vivian |
| Lady Rowlands | Melva Drake |
| Carol Warren | Carla |
| Briana Carver | Lena |
| Angelo Grisanti | Charlie Spikes |
| Meade Roberts | Eddie Stein |
| Eleanor Zee | Sylvia Stein |
| David Rowlands | Doorman |
| Sharon Van Ivan | Shirley |
| Jimmy Christie | News Stand Operator |
| James Karen | Bellboy |
| Jimmy Joyce | Bartender |
| Sherry Bain | Barmaid |
| Sylvia Davis Shaw | Hotel Maid |
| Peter Lampert | Maitre d’ |
| Josh Becker | Audience Member (uncredited) |
| Peter Bogdanovich | Peter Bogdanovich (uncredited) |
| Seymour Cassel | Seymour Cassel (uncredited) |
| Robert Dassanowsky | Audience Member (uncredited) |
| Peter Falk | Peter Falk (uncredited) |
| Jana Howard | Young Girl (uncredited) |
| Ronisue Kiser | Autograph Seeker (uncredited) |
| William Kramer | Rabbi (uncredited) |
| Patrick Labyorteaux | Child Actor Playing Vito (uncredited) |
| Robert Leader | Larry Stein (uncredited) |
| Naomi Stevens | Crying Mourner (uncredited) |
Trivia and Facts
- Famous director John Cassavetes referred to ‘Opening Night’ as the best film he was ever a part of during a television interview in 1978.
- In a continuity error, a bus in the movie sports an advertisment for KBIG FM 104, a radio station based out of Los Angeles, despite the scene taking place in New Haven.
- ‘Opening Night’ was featured in the 1991 movie ‘Other People’s Money/Ernest Scared Stupid/City of Hope/Life Is Sweet’.
- The movie is further enriched with the dialogue: “I thought that small talk was too small, I thought big talk was too pretentious, I thought music was noise, and I thought art was bullshit” delivered flawlessly by character Maurice Aarons.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.0549076
- Longitude: -118.242643
- Place ID: ChIJE9on3F3HwoAR9AhGJW_fL-I
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: Pasadena Civic Auditorium – 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.1441207
- Longitude: -118.1442395
- Place ID: ChIJg6_9fm_DwoARUOrR-Tdjm9c
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
