Inspired by the 1996 revenge comedy, “Girls Trip” writer, Tracy Oliver has put her own spin on the new installment of The First Wives Club.
This time around the executive producer and creator made a purpose to bring in women of color for her television reboot, however ensures the series is for everyone to enjoy. “I tried to make sure to tailor it to women of color so we can find ourselves in it, but also it’s still relatable and universal,” said Oliver at the Tribeca TV Festival Thursday evening.
While filmed in New York City, the project captures Jill Scott (Hazel), Michelle Buteau (Bree) and Ryan Michelle Bathe (Ari) each juggling large careers and martial issues. Though when an intense scandal involving one of ladies receives public scrutiny, the trio bands together to reclaim the power enclosed in their sisterhood.
In the original movie, Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Golden Hawn reunite after a college friend’s suicide death and seek vengeance on their ex-husbands who leave them for younger women.
To celebrate Oliver’s small screen version featuring nine 30-minute episodes for BET’s new streaming platform, BET Plus, a special screening was held at the Tribeca TV Festival — where we caught up with her and a few cast members to discuss their roles, behind the scenes chemistry and female empowerment.
The Knockturnal: What do you want women to take away from this series?
Tracy Oliver: “I was adamant that all three women be over 40 for a reason. I think society likes to make women feel bad as we age and make us feel we get less beautiful, less powerful and less desirable as we get older. I wanted to make sure that we send the message that that’s not true. So, all the women in the show are beautiful and empowered, and really when you watch it I think women should feel good about themselves.”
The Knockturnal: How important was it to have a team of female directors and writers for this series?
Tracy Oliver: “It was super important. I only hired women who directed because I felt like when I would finally get into the position of being to able do it — to be able to hire people, I need to pay it forward for the people who brought me in and ushered me through. So, I hired a lot of first time people. Sam Bailey, was amazing she’s not first time but this was her second episode. The person who directed the pilot is a woman, and literally they brought all of these experiences and the uniqueness of being a woman to directing it as well. There’s a lot of personal experiences, they got to share with the cast and with me — so it just felt like a bunch of women on set and a lot of women producers as well.”
The Knockturnal: Can you tell me about your character Gary Washington?
RonReaco Lee: “My character, Gary Washington on First Wives Club, he’s a interesting dude. I don’t know how to describe him. But when we first meet Gary, he’s kind of in damage control mode. He’s trying to really save his family, made a real bad mistake and really fighting for his family. I’m one of the husbands, married to the great Michelle Buteau who plays Bree Washington. So yeah you know, he’s kind of a guy that’s lost a little bit of his cool. He’s lost his sexy if you could say that and through the season he’s kind of trying to find it again, and ultimately just trying to save his marriage.”
Michelle Buteau: “My character Bree in First Wives Club is a mom and a doctor. She’s overwhelmed, she has a couple kids and married to her college sweetheart and she finds out that he just cheated on her. Yes! Keep your (bleep) in your pants! Why he do that?!”
The Knockturnal: How does she [Bree] deal with it?
Michelle Buteau: She tries to blame him but realizes she has fault in the situation. You can’t be complacent in a relationship. They’ve been together a long time.
The Knockturnal: You’re a comedian, and funny as hell. Are you bringing that funny to this role?
Michelle Buteau: “Duh (bleep)! The beautiful thing about working with Tracy Oliver is that she understands what everybody needs. We all have our individual needs. Jill Scott is a powerhouse, she’s been acting for a long time. She’s been on stage forever. She’s amazing. Ryan Michelle Bathe is a triple threat! She can dance, she can sing, she can do the monologue! She can give you all of it. And for me, I’m a sassy (bleep) mess!”
The Knockturnal: Can you tell me about your character Ari who is going through a rough patch with her husband?
Ryan Michelle Bathe: “Yes, Ari is definitely going through a rough patch with her husband but she’s not going to let that stop her because she has the love of her friends, she’s going to soldier on and make it alright. That’s what Ari does!”
The Knockturnal: How was the chemistry behind the scenes with you, Michelle and Jill Scott?
Ryan Michelle Bathe: “It was excellent! I mean Jill and Michelle were just so wonderful to play with. I can’t even describe it. It was a gift! It was magical.”
The screening was followed by an audience Q&A and cast panel discussion. The series is set to premiere on BET Plus on September 19. Malik Yoba and Mark Tallman also star in the remake.
