'Bees,' author attract a swarm

If you squinted, ever so slightly, the combination of palm trees, balmy air, elegant ladies and clicking, flashing cameras might have you believing you were at the red carpet of Hollywood's Kodak Theatre, awaiting the Oscar promenade.

But this was the Terrace Theatre on James Island, and the elegant lady striding down the crimson runway Thursday night was Mount Pleasant's Sue Monk Kidd, guest of honor for the Charleston premiere of "The Secret Life of Bees."

The author on whose 2002 best-seller the film was based was ushered in by a phalanx of family, friends, fans and media. One hour earlier, a surprised Kidd was on hand for a proclamation by Charleston Mayor Joe Riley declaring it Sue Monk Kidd Day.

But well before her arrival, 30 minutes before showtime, anticipation was palpable among the early birds who'd waited six years for the book to come to the screen.

"I'm looking forward to seeing a

great adaptation of a book I love so much," said Leigh Murray, the Charleston-based producer of such films as "Stolen Women." "I know people in Europe who have read and loved the book just as much, in numerous languages. I also can't wait to see how the young actress Dakota Fanning plays the character of Lily."

Karin Beckert of Charleston hoped the movie would be close in event and in spirit with the book, while her friend Pamela Wylie said, "I'm looking forward to the complexity and the compassion of the book, and the story coming alive on the screen. I'm looking forward to seeing the character of May (played by Sophie Okonedo) and Our Lady (the Black Madonna). I've also heard Sue speak several times, and know all her books begin with an image, not with words, and am interested to see how it is handled in the movie."

Others were drinking in the atmosphere. "I'm anticipating being in a movie theater and having that great theatrical experience," said Jonathan Sanchez, owner of Blue Bicycle Books downtown. "People are excited about the film, which is set in South Carolina, and about being with the woman who wrote the book, laughing and clapping at the end — the whole premiere experience."

"The Secret Life of Bees" was written for the screen and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The book that inspired it has sold more than 5 million copies in 34 countries and for two years had a firm grip on The New York Times Best Seller list.

The advance screening, shown one day before the national release, was followed by a reception at the Harbour Club. Proceeds go to the Lowcountry Initiative for the Literary Arts (LILA), of which Kidd is a board member.

Reach Bill Thompson at bthompson@postandcourier.com or 937-5707.

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