Original Article at Highlight Hollywood by Tommy Lightfoot Garrett
Exciting news to report on “CPR” (Child Performers Resurrection), which stars many former child stars. Highlight Hollywood has learned the series is now seeking a home following cast and crew pilot screening at the famed Dick Clark Studios.”CPR” is a triple pun, and a smart, wacky, comedy series that pays off on all levels. “CPR” stands for Child Performers Resurrection, the name of a talent agency owned by a former child star, who understands the needs of wayward industry brats because she was one. “CPR” is also a life-saving measure, and the CPR agency is in need of a large transfusion of money.
The series stars Alison Arngrim, who played Nellie Oleson on “Little House on the Prairie.” Using her own name for CPR’s main character of Alison, while her child star alter-ego, in a less than subtle tribute to her own TV history, is referred to as Meanie McGreenie from “Little Shack By the Swamp.” Yes, it’s that silly and that much fun.
At Thursday night’s debut screening at Dick Clark Studios in Santa Monica, scores of viewers watched the video. The event drew industry managers and directors including Milt Suchin and Phil Ramuno, and actor/activist Paul Petersen, who runs a real non-profit organization for child actors, called “A Minor Consideration.” Mother Love and “Sons of Anarchy” star Sean McNabb were also there — both play characters in “CPR.”
The audience laughed, gasped, snickered at the in-jokes, and expressed sincere concerns during the Q-and-A with Arngrim after the screening. Because the satire flirts with some child star realities, Arngrim made a surprising admission. “I’m glad I became famous at 12 instead of eight. Child stars miss a lot of life experiences. You can be 30 and not know how to open a checking account.”
“CPR” pays off its premise, and the stars deliver fun with the script.A scene from the hilarious CPR can be seen here: http://youtu.be/8qsMQvfVoiA
Photographs are Courtesy: Larry Mitchell Photography