Stacey Maltin and Margarita Zhitnikova Take Their Triple Threat on the Road
Triple Threat is leaping from its world premiere at the Cinequest Film & VR Festival to a rigorous festival run. But before the film begins its prolific roadtrip, writer-director Stacey Maltin and actor-producer Margarita Zhitnikova stopped by SCREEN to chat with Joanna Kay about their ambitious and uplifting indie film musical.
Triple Threat is brimming with millennial energy and the vibrancy of live musical theater. Written by Maltin (she/her; a native of the Bay Area), and Jay DeYonker (he/him), the two star with Margarita Zhitnikova (they/them) as longtime friends whose bond is put to the test when their dreams of Broadway stardom collide with adulthood.
Let’s hear what Stacey and Margarita had to say to SCREEN’s Joanna Kay about this vibrant movie musical…
The talented ensemble cast includes Mark St. Cyr (High School Musical: The Musical – The Series), Catherine Curtin (Orange is the New Black) and Neal Lerner, with original music by Carner & Gregor (Unlock’d, Island Song). A true labor of love, Triple Threat features LGBTQ relationships, inclusive lifestyles and even a journey through non-traditional family planning/surrogacy.
Up Next for Triple Threat

Outshine Film Festival April 24-28 (Florida)
Pink Apple Film Festival May 7-9 (Zurich)
Twister Alley Film Festival April 29-May 1 (Oklahoma)
*Best Director Nomination for Stacey at Twister Alley!
Blackbird Film Festival June 17-20 (Upstate New York)