Carisa Stark-Click Bait Brat
- Thomas Smugala
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 51 minutes ago
In modern pop culture, being a brat refers to someone who is confidently rebellious, unapologetically bold, and playfully defiant. This new definition celebrates individuality and a carefree attitude, often with a hint of sass and a love for fun.
Well, we at 573 have been busy again showcasing all the incredible talent up in these hills. Recently, we got the opportunity to create some video content and a marketing program for Mary Jane Burgers and Brew in Perryville. Working with our good friend and serial entrepreneur, Carisa Stark, is always a wild ride—this is gonna be good!
So buckle up because content creation for Mary Jane Burgers and Brew was like wrangling a greased pig at a craft beer festival. We're not talking about slapping some meat on a bun and hittin' it with a celly—that's not how 573 rolls. Here's the way it all went down...


In the film, Carisa stars as the evil, big-time movie producer, Carisa Lee Stark on set at the Warehouse.
First, concept and writing: Craft a script that's snappier than a fresh pickle, dripping burger puns with cheeky brew vibes—think "Young Mary Jane, Carisa's Grandmother invents the first burger" Next, storyboarding: Sketch scenes like a caffeinated cartoonist, mapping out a shot list and any special movements. Think: a shot list with more flair than a flambé, plotting burger flips, and a slow-mo ketchup squirt. Casting? Find local actors who can channel burger charisma—maybe a local dancer with Oscar dreams who moonwalks with a tray. And an old guy with a twinkle in his eye to play the grumpy old man Jenkins, food aficionado.Â

Mabel Hasty plays the evil Producer's assistant, and a server at Mary Jane Burgers and Brew.
Location scouting led us to a retro kitchen so perfect it screamed 1940s grease and glory. Props and wardrobe? Think poodle skirts, slick fedoras, and secret props so wild that spilling them would ruin the premiere like a soggy bun. The Shooting was chaos—cameras rolled, burgers sizzled, lines flopped, and batteries died like our intern's dreams of becoming a famous director. Editing was a post-production salad toss, blending trippy transitions and a groovy surf-rock soundtrack.. Release plans? We'll unleash it on social media with a hashtag blizzard: #TheRealMaryJane, #MaryJanesKillsBird, #GrumpyMrJenkinsChugs.


Ear Horn wielding grumpy Mr. Jenkins played by Mickey Hertwick—his first acting gig.

Young Mary Jane played by actor Skyler Gollaher.

For the faux red carpet finale, we're going full Hollywood at the brewpub—velvet ropes, a "paparazzi" intern wielding a selfie stick, and a burger-shaped piñata stuffed with hot sauce packets. We'll invite influencers, some local media, and many bigwigs for the big event and screen the film like it's Cannes, not a joint where fries are the VIPs. This wild ride was worth every spilled beer, and we're inviting you to share in the fun! Â

Written and Directed by Supreme Leader T. Smugala
As a loyal 573Lander, you have an opportunity to attend the premiere of the short film The Ballad of Mary Jane. You have the golden ticket; don't mess it up.Â
CLICK HERE to get your free tickets and share our press release near and far.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Perryville, MO – May 1, 2025 – Hold on to your buns, folks! Mary Jane Burgers & Brew proudly announces the world premiere of The Ballad of Mary Jane: Inventor of the First Burger – An Almost True Story, a short film so juicy it might just sizzle off the screen. Join us for a faux red carpet extravaganza on June 28, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Warehouse in Perryville, Missouri, where the only thing hotter than the burgers is the Hollywood-style glitz we're faking for one night only!
This 8-minute cinematic masterpiece (give or take a few ketchup stains) chronicles the totally-not-made-up, almost accurate tale of Mary Jane, a plucky Perryville gal who, legend has it, slapped the first burger between two buns in 1942 after a cow and a loaf of bread got into a bar fight. Expect wild reenactments, questionable historical accuracy, and a cameo by Mary Jane herself. Directed by local visionary Supreme Leader Smugala, the film stars Skyler "No Fries" Gollaher as Young Mary Jane, with an original soundtrack and bloopers and deleted scenes, maybe.
Roll up to our faux red carpet, where flip-flops count as formalwear, and our "paparazzi" (Denny's cousins with iPhones) will make you feel like a star—music by international superstars Moonshine Express. Sip Mary Jane's signature "Burger Bonanza" brew, devour sliders inspired by the film, and pose with Mary Jane and her descendants. The standing room is unlimited (not really), so RSVP by June 27 or risk watching the YouTube bootleg later. Get tickets HERE.
Mary Jane Burgers & Brew: Where the burgers are honest, but the history's a little grilled up.


The Warehouse is available for rent, when you need a cool open space, and has weekend music venues.



The Real Young Mary Jane.

All the Mary Janes.
Get Out There! Create something. Start that new business. Volunteer for something. Do something. Do anything. Take that class. Get that new job. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you.Â
Pics & words - T. Smugala
Special thanks to Denny Ward for the loan of his pad and to Amanda Koehler for production assisting in Marquand.

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