Zack Stratis introduces his film and his family opening night. The show, running consecutive Mondays through April, is a smorgasbord of local amateur talent creating entertainment for all ages. Photo by Erika Hahn.

Most people take their family to see a movie. Independent filmmaker Zack Stratis takes his family INTO the movie.

"Meheroterra", better known by its American title "It Could Be Worse" had its Boston premier with a packed crowd at the Stuart Street Playhouse February 12th. In keeping with a theatre tradition live acts entertained the audience before the movie screened. Zack emceed the stage show with short sets by The Singing Grandpops, The Marino Sisters of Everett, and Boston singer Rex Dean, even Frank Avruch made an appearance. Mrs. Potatoheads duo introduced themselves and nearly stole the show before Zack got control of the stage again. The show, running consecutive Mondays thru April, is a smorgasbord of local amateur talent creating entertainment for all ages.

The film, which screened to great acclaim at Sundance a year ago, is part musical, part comedy, part drama, part documentary. It's in a class all its own. Zack wanted to create a movie to get his conservative Greek-American family to talk about his homosexuality. The hardest part was convincing them to be a part of it since the filming coincides with his parents 50th wedding anniversary party. Four years in the making, the film charts Zack's course through the land mine of family history, values, and kinship which ultimately uncover all of their struggles and triumphs in life. Zack's father, basically happy, reveals a past with anti-Greek discrimination, Zack's mother and two sisters struggle with what it means to be a woman and the changing roles of different generations, while Zack's brother works to reclaiming his Greek heritage.

IT COULD BE WORSE received a standing ovation from a packed crowd at the Stuart Street Playhouse at its Boston Premeire February 12th.
Photo by Erika Hahn.

It's got all the elements of a 1950's musical complete with blue screened backdrop and funky animation in parts, switching from film to digital video between scenes, going from fictionalized scripted acted scenes to seated interviews of the family. Zack keeps the movie from straying too far by not allowing too many non-family members screen time.

While Zack and his family will never be signed to a record deal based on their singing ability, they should win a Grammy for sheer courage/heart/love.

After the movie ended there was a standing ovation. Zack did a brief Q&A from the audience. When asked he said this was definitely better than Sundance. His family came to take a bow on stage. All the entertainers of the evening came up for the grand finale and Zack's father beamed in the spotlight as he sang "The Marine Song" with full accompaniment by The Singing Grandpops.

Co-Producer Laura Bernieri and Writer, Director, and Actor Zack Stratis take well deserved bows before the COULD BE WORSE poster.
Photo by Erika Hahn.

After the screening people went to the Radisson for a private party to mingle with the cast. Zack said he's happy with the turnout. "Wow! It was beyond my wildest hopes. Already new talent is coming forward to do new acts for the shows here in the future. I think I've convinced my mom to do a tapdance in it."

Laura Bernieri, Co-Executive Producer said "We're overwhelmed with all the people who turned out and the reaction. They laughed. They cried. And that's just what we wanted."

Boston TV personality Frank Avruch said "It's a very funny, poignant movie. You get to know the Stratis family like never before - sort of a love-in." He called Zack the next Busby Berkley.

Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the Stuart Street Theater Box Office, 200 Stuart Street, Boston or by phone at Telecharge. Shows for "It Could be Worse" are every Monday thru April at 7 pm.

Erika Hahn is a freelance journalist and photographer. She loves filmfestivals and in her spare time helps with The Woods Hole Film Festival and The Boston Underground Film Festival. Contact Erika at ehahn@capecod.net