Orange is the New Black Premiere Party

Jun 30

Jun 30 Orange is the New Black Premiere Party

Orange is the New Black Premiere Party

The cast members of Orange is the New Black took a break from their Netflix prison show to better the lives of women who face the reality of prison. Last Friday, the Women's Prison Association (WPA) held a premiere party for Season four of Orange is the New Black at The Ainsworth in New York. The star-studded event included a screening of Season 4 Episode 1 followed by a live musical performance by actress Jackie Cruz. All proceeds from the event benefited WPA, serving women and families involved in the criminal justice system.

Jackie Cruz, Piper Kerman, Alysia Reiner - Photo by Mangue Banzima

The WPA was founded in 1845 and is the nation's first organization that is solely dedicated to working with women who have history with the criminal justice system. The WPA is a not-for-profit organization that works with women at all stages of criminal justice involvement. The organization promotes alternatives to incarceration by making positive changes in their lives. Inside prison and jail, WPA is a great source of support for the women and a resource to them as they plan for life after prison. After the women are released, the WPA also helps them establish the lives they want for themselves and their families in the community.

For all the OITNB fans, this event was a dream come true. Everyone got to mingle with some of their favorite characters from the show and it was a wonderful time.

The Ainsworth even had a special Absolut drink called "The Flaca Shocka" which was a big hit with the crowd.

After all the stars and guests arrived, everyone settled down and the first episode of season 4 was shown. It was an amazing experience to see the reactions of the cast members as they saw themselves on the screen. Every time a cast member was on the screen, the crowd cheered.

After the showing of the first episode, actress Jackie Cruz (who plays Flaca) took to the stage and wowed the crowd with her amazing voice. A few other cast members also joined her on stage, the biggest surprise being Annie Golden who plays the mute character Norma on the show.

Madeline Brewer, Jackie Cruz, Annie Golden - Photo by Mangue Banzima

My favorite part of the night was when I had a chance to chat with Piper Kerman - whose real life experience is the inspiration for character Piper Chapman in the show. Kerman also serves on the board of the WPA. Kerman told me that she is still in contact with a lot of the women she met in prison and is doing everything she can to help them better themselves.