A Stage of Twilight’s Theatrical Release Includes Dates in New York

A Stage of Twilight, starring Karen Allen and William Sadler, has a theatrical release starting over the next several months throughout the country with the first showings happening in New York. Each screening will be followed with a talk-back with Allen and the film’s director and writer, Sarah Schwab. (See the dates at the end of the article.) This is an opportunity for audiences to see a compelling film featuring a talented cast that has won numerous awards at film festivals. 

This is Schwab’s second feature film, following Life After You, and comes from a very personal place. Despite dealing with a difficult topic, A Stage of Twilight is at its core a love story. We wanted to learn more and Sarah took time to answer our questions.

Sarah Schwab (Photo by Peter Baiamonte)

Talk about the relationship between your father and mother. How did their marriage inspire you to write A Stage of Twilight? 

My father and mother were high school sweethearts. They married soon after they graduated. My mom dreamed of living in an old country house surrounded by gardens. When she won $50,000 from a sales catalogue (akin to “Publisher’s Clearinghouse”) at 23, they found a weathered house in Eden, New York (outside of Buffalo). Together, they refurbished it, created a home, and eventually had me. The sound of a chainsaw in the encircling forest where my dad was compiling firewood and the smell of baking from the kitchen where my mom made pies for our local church were influential to my memories of growing up – I felt safe. Every night the three of us would eat dinner together and talk about the present, past, and future. 

I was 16 when my mother – a Registered Nurse at the time – felt a marble-size lump in my father’s neck. Her face went white. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma soon thereafter, my father spent five years going through treatments before he passed. During that time I had conversations with him about the possibility of him dying. “Are you afraid?” is one of the questions I asked. He paused, thought, then replied, “No. I have everything I ever wanted: a home, your mom, and you.” This comment has stayed with me for 17 years. He was a person who loved, and was loved. This is what inspired me to make the film. As a pillar of our family and community, I don’t think he wanted to be seen as sick or weak. It was uncomfortable for him. If it hadn’t been for my mom and me, I don’t think he would have wanted to be remembered that way. But he made the decision to stay with us, until fighting was no longer an option. 

Conversations about end-of-life is a personal one. Communication is key. I think a lot of people are afraid to have those conversations because they’re sad. And it is sad, but there is also a lot of levity when recalling happy memories. Suffice it to say, posing the question of who gets to decide when, where and with whom someone dies is a very important topic for me. 

Karen Allen as Cora (Photo Credit: Richard Sands)

Why was Karen Allen the perfect choice to play the wife, Cora? 

A Stage of Twilight was originally a play, which I gave to Karen to consider directing. We had met through Off-Broadway theater in New York City. After she read the script, she asked to be considered for the role of “Cora” instead. Her catalogue of work speaks volumes for itself (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Animal House). I was beyond excited and totally game to have her play the role. 

We had readings of the play with then co-star Jeffre DeMunn (Billions, The Walking Dead) at Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City, Berkshires Theatre Group in Massachusetts, and Dorset Theatre in Vermont. Then COVID hit. It was then that I made the choice to turn the play into a screenplay because artists were still able to make films in a bubble. After many conversations with Karen about the script, we agreed on a path forward in terms of shoot dates, location, and bringing on co-star William Sadler (The Shawshank Redemption, Die Hard II). Karen was perfect for the role because she believed in the story, and gave my words beautiful, authentic life on stage, as well as on film. She’s a friend and a collaborator. I learned so much from working with her over the years. 

Marlon Quijije as Joey (Photo Credit: Richard Sands)

Cora and her husband, Barry, are on different life journeys in the film. How will audience members relate to what these characters are going through? 

The film is about end-of-life, yes. However, it is ultimately a love story. This is the main thread I wanted to weave through as audience members engage with a difficult subject. 

For many, the thought of death is not something many people consider day-to-day. As years pass and we get older, we begin to lose people we love. Cora and Barry are going through this scenario first-hand. A third character in the story, “Joey” (played by Marlon Quijije), is a 19- year-old neighbor boy who grew up with the couple – they’re tantamount to grandparents for him. Barry is the first person he’s known who is terminally ill. As he grapples with his own journey forward, he must also consider how his actions will impact those around him. 

If I were to boil down how audience members might relate to what these characters are going through it would be, “Life.” 

Joey, the couple’s surrogate son, is on his own journey. The film seems to be saying that no matter our age, life is made up of journeys. How are the choices we make along the way influenced by those around us? 

I think the people we keep in our inner circle have a significant impact on our decisions. I’ve always felt that my best decisions have been inspired after receiving commentary from those closest to me. It provides a sounding board to help me feel confident when I’m making big choices that will impact my, and others’, life. Joey is faced with a fork in the road when the news hits about Barry. As he deliberates on a life-altering decision whether to stay on his family’s farm or go off to college, he seeks advice from his father, his girlfriend, and from Cora and Barry. Everyone has opinions about what he should do. He must filter through and decide what is right for him. 

Karen Allen as Cora (Photo Credit: Richard Sands)

The film has won many awards at film festivals. What feedback have you received when you screen the film in different places? 

The feedback has been profound and appreciative – people have shared their own stories and discussed what they might have done differently if they’d had more conversations with people whom they’ve lost. 

Death is a natural part of life. The more people communicate about what their desires are at that time, the more that connection dilutes fear. These kinds of conversations with audience member makes me feel overwhelmingly happy. That was my goal from the start: get people talking to one another with love and respect. 

Knowing the film deals with “end of life issues,” may give some viewers pause. But A Stage of Twilight is also a love story with lighter moments. What should people be prepared to see? 

The film is not a rom-com, for sure. It’s also not a total downer. I tried to show a story as authentically as I could based on my personal experiences, which are crossroads. What I mean by that is: there are points in every person’s life where they’re going to be faced with major decisions that will significantly impact their direction. These critical pivot points come in many forms. How people interact with others around them is important to me. Love, communication, reflection, courage, choice – these are the things people should be prepared to see. 

For more information, go to the website.

Schedule:

• March 7 – at 4 p.m. – Village East Cinemas
• March 8 – at 6 p.m. – New Plaza Cinema @Macaulay Honors College, 35 W 67th St, New York, NY 10023  – Tickets available at the box office prior to the performance
• March 9 – 4:45 p.m. – New Plaza Cinema @Macaulay Honors College, 35 W 67th St, New York, NY 10023  – Tickets available at the box office prior to the performance