WAMG Coverage: Tommy Wiseau in St. Louis for THE ROOM

Why were there thousands of plastic spoons flying through the air in the Tivoli’s main screen over the weekend? Why were grown men in tuxedoes throwing a football from three feet away in the Tivoli’s lobby? Who was that strange man with the sunglasses, odd accent and black stringy hair that everyone was crowded around? Why that was none other than Tommy Wiseau of course, the amazing triple-threat talent writer/director/star of THE ROOM  and he was in St. Louis over the weekend for midnight screenings Friday and Saturday nights. He brought his friend and co-star Greg Sestero with him as well and Greg seemed a bit bewildered by all the attention. Both shows were sell-outs at $15 a seat and the line to meet and greet Tommy extended far down Delmar. Tommy and Greg were selling THE ROOM T-shirts, DVD’s, Johnny Bobble-head dolls, posters, and plush Dogeee toys. They were most reasonably priced and came with autographs so it’s not surprising that everyone wanted something. The stars didn’t want anyone missing out so they accommodated the entire line, which pushed the event back far past midnight, but everyone was having such fun and no one seemed to mind that the film didn’t start until 1:30am. Before the screening, there was a Q&A moderated by Tom Stockman featuring questions from audience members who lined up at the microphone. Nobody kept their stupid comments in their pocket! Most of Tommy’s answers to their questions were ridiculous but then, this is Tommy Wiseau we’re talking about. I talked with Tommy on the phone last week for an hour and to talk to Tommy is exactly like meeting Johnny, the character he plays in THE ROOM. He’s a clueless genius! As he was leaving last night, I suggested he try and return to St. Louis, perhaps next spring when THE ROOM is released on Blu-ray. He said that his new movie may be done by then. Lord help us all!

Here are some pics from this weekend’s festivities:

There was a run on plastic spoons at St. Louis-area grocery stores this weekend – and here’s why!

We Are Movie Geek’s own Tom Stockman was on hand to warm up the crowd, introduce the stars, and moderate the Q&A

These posters were only 12 bucks! And that included a signature! Who wouldn’t want that!?!

“Let’s wear tuxedos and toss a football from three feet apart!”  – recreating a scene from THE ROOM

Contestants in a goofy ‘catch the plastic water bottle’ game – the winner got a plush Dogeee

The Tivoli was sold out both nights! The large screen there seats over 400, so that’s pretty impressive!

Some made homemade signs for Tommy (though I think these ladies were more into Greg!)

Tommy Wiseau was sweeping the women off their feet

The Tivoli’s ticket-tearer extraordinaire Janet McBride with Tommy and Greg