Orpheum Setting For New Independent Film

CHATHAM – The cinematic history of Chatham is littered with forgotten films, from the Chatham A’s-based “Summer Catch” to the romantic comedy “The Golden Boys.” Very few movies shot locally have endured in pop culture. 

Soon, production on a new independent film will begin — and this time, it will be inextricably tied to the Chatham community.

 “Play The Edge,” a crime thriller written and directed by Yarmouth native Peter Horgan, will be shot almost entirely at the Chatham Orpheum Theater beginning this month. The film is Horgan’s second feature film after 2023’s “How to Rob,” which was also partially filmed on Cape Cod.

 This will be the first time a production of this scale has utilized the theater, with unprecedented access to the entire space. In addition to the theater being the primary setting, a goal of the film is to make the Orpheum feel like a character. 

 “That’s really what separates it from the rest,” said Kevin McLain, current executive director of the Orpheum. “It helps create a unique kind of ambience that works with the emotional connection people already have to the space.”

 McLain will exit his role at the Orpheum on Feb. 13 but will advise on set as one of the film’s executive producers.

 “Play The Edge” is also a partnership with Pizza Shark, a local restaurant whose secondary location is housed both within the Orpheum lobby and in its lower level. Barnstable native Joshua Koopman, who also starred in “How to Rob,” is producing and starring in Horgan’s second feature.

 Executive producer and Pizza Shark co-owner Sarah Koopman said that the film was designed around the Orpheum space. 

 “Pete [Horgan] had been there a lot and thought it could be a great location, both upstairs and downstairs, as a metaphor for how the plot unfolds. It was all devised together,” she said.

 The Pizza Shark staff will be involved in the film as well. 

 “They always hear about what we’re doing on the outside when it comes to films and documentaries,” said Koopman, “but they don’t really get to see it. We’re all a big family, and they’re excited to finally get to work on something like this with us.”

 McLain is thrilled that the movie will not only shoot in the theater but will eventually be shown there upon completion. 

 “The Orpheum has always been a place for creative artists,” he said. “We’ve always made films here, but this is such a unique opportunity to do something story-driven. It’s a natural progression.” Shooting is slated to take place mostly in the overnight hours so as not to interfere with daily film times.

 The production will also utilize local extras. Anyone interested in working on the film can reach the producers at playtheedgefilm@gmail.com.

 “We really want to work with the community on this,” said McLain. “Involving our friends and neighbors will make it feel all the more special to the people of Chatham, and it’ll make it even more fun to watch when it’s all finished.”

 Watch this space throughout the production for weekly behind-the-scenes diaries taking readers on set with the cast and crew.