Colonial Theatre

A Community Treasure
Winter 2014
Dear Friends,
The staff, board and volunteers are very excited here at ACT to see the façade restoration of 225 Bridge Street completed. The restored lighting is
a great complement to the Colonial and the timing could not be better as the streetscapes we waited so long for are also complete. The 200 block of
Bridge Street looks spectacular!
This portion of our expansion has been funded in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital
Program (RACP). We owe many thanks to Senator Andy Dinniman and Representative Warren Kampf for bringing this money into our
community!
If you are curious about our expansion plans, then come on down to the Colonial and join us for one of our weekly behind the scenes tours on Sundays
at 12:30PM. After seeing the absolutely sensational floor plans for our new
theatre spaces, our “tourists” can’t help but jump on board with our dreams
for the future. Over and over again we hear people say “when we have that
space finished then just imagine what we can do!”
In order to get the job done right, we have mobilized a top-notch team of
community leaders to work on our campaign team. They are as excited as
we are about the project and they are out there right now enthusiastically
gathering the needed major gifts to make it all happen!
I will be updating you on our progress, and sometime soon we will show
you how you, too, can participate. There will be giving opportunities at
every level because every gift is important, no matter what the amount! In
the meantime, I would be happy to talk with you about the specific plans and
the various ways you might become involved. This project (15 years in the
making) has always relied on a supportive and invested community and the
Colonial is lucky to have you in our court.
And finally, in response to the suggestions from our ever helpful and
supportive friends and fans, we will implement a nominal charge to our
Annual Members’ Party to our BASIC level members to defray some of
the expense. The party will remain a free benefit for the Producer member
level and above (we will continue to ask everyone for a bottle donation for
the bar), so if you have been considering increasing your membership level,
now is a great time to do so! Thank you for your understanding and ongoing
support and patronage, and if you are a member, I hope to see you at the
Members’ Party on Sunday, March 2.
All the best this New Year!!
Mary Foote, Executive Director
Ground Floor Master Plan Study (2012) by Carnevale Eustis Architects and
Cosler Theatre Design. This is a concept plan only.
CLASSICS ON SUNDAYS
CLASSICS ON SUNDAYS
HAROLD AND MAUDE
robert evans saves paramount
Hal Ashby. US. 1971. PG. 91 min.
Paramount. 35mm.
Sun, Jan 26, 2:00 PM
LOVE STORY
Arthur Hiller. US. 1970. PG. 99 min.
Paramount. Digital.
Sun, Jan 5, 2:00 PM
Here we have the makings of one of Hollywood’s most unlikely hits; a black comedy
about the love affair between a young man
(Bud Cort) who is obsessed with death, and an
eighty-year-old woman (the wonderful Ruth
Gordon) who is “high on life.” Although when
it was first released it couldn’t find an audience,
“Harold and Maude” has since become a true
cult phenomenon, and has even been named
by the American Film Institute as being among
filmdom’s Top Ten Romantic Comedies! With
a wonderful soundtrack of hits by Cat Stevens
(who composed “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out” for this film), this is
a unique movie experience; joy and existentialism inter-mixed, and a terrific affirmation of life. If you haven’t seen it, do - it will make you laugh,
and it will make you think.
To start off the new year, we are celebrating
the early producing career of Robert Evans,
one of Hollywood’s “wunderkinds” who is
often given credit for resurrecting the status of
Paramount, the mega-studio whose fortunes
had been in decline until Evans took over as
Head of Production in the late 1960s. “Love
Story,” one of his earliest hits, is just what the title promises, the story
of an attractive young couple (Ryan O’Neal and Allie MacGraw) from
opposite sides of the tracks who fall in love, with one of them developing
a terminal illness. Although largely dismissed by critics at the time, “Love
Story” went on to become an immense popular success, was nominated
for seven Oscars, and won for best Original Music Score. With its engaging story, lovely Boston and Cambridge settings, and three-hanky ending,
you’ll find that seeing “Love Story” at the Colonial means never having
to say you’re sorry. (Sorry ‘bout that folks. Couldn’t resist it.)
digital restorations
JOURNEY TO ITALY
SERPICO
Roberto Rossellini. Italy. 1954. NR. 97
min. Janus. Digital Restoration.
Sun, Feb 2, 2:00 PM
Sidney Lumet. US. 1973. R. 130 min. Paramount. 35mm.
Sun, Jan 12, 2:00 PM
After making a name for himself in “The Godfather” (which was another
of Evans’s 70s super-hits for Paramount), Al Pacino took on the title role
in this gripping true story of a New York police officer who refuses to be
corrupted in an almost totally corrupt organization. As the tension mounts
and Pacino decides to speak out about the graft and corruption he sees,
he becomes increasingly alienated from those he works with, co-workers
who carry guns and whom he must count upon to watch his back.
Among the most influential films of the
postwar era, Rossellini’s “Journey to Italy”
charts the declining marriage of a British
couple (Ingrid Bergman and George Sanders) on a trip in the countryside near Naples.
More than just an anatomy of a relationship,
Rossellini’s masterpiece is a heartrending
work of emotional transcendence and profound spirituality. Considered an
ancestor of the existential works of Michelangelo Antonioni; hailed as a
groundbreaking work of modernism by the critics of Cahiers du cinéma;
and named by Martin Scorsese as one of his favorite films, “Journey to
Italy” is a breathtaking cinematic landmark.
ROSEMARY’S BABY
Roman Polanski. US. 1968. R. 136 min.
Paramount. Digital.
Sun, Jan 19, 2:00 PM
“Rosemary’s Baby” directed by Roman
Polanski features Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Evans, and Sidney Blackmer.
The making of “Rosemary’s Baby” is almost
as fascinating as the film itself - from Mia
Farrow receiving divorce papers from Frank
Sinatra to the bizarre cameo of Tony Curtis.
What stands the test of time, though, is not
the backstory behind the film, though intriguing. It is the horror that takes
place on screen. Farrow’s Rosemary is young, pregnant, and full of love.
When her husband’s acting career starts to take off, Rosemary develops
a severe case of paranoia. Did her husband make a deal with the devil? Is
the little old couple next door really the leading force behind a coven of
witches? “Rosemary’s Baby” is a film about fear, trust, and the devil.
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
David Lean. UK. 1962. PG. 216 min. Sony. Digital Restoration.
Sun, Feb 9, 2:00 PM
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of David Lean’s masterpiece last year,
Sony Pictures provided a masterful restoration of the Director’s Cut of
this stunning visual experience. With an international cast that includes
Peter O’Toole (who received an Academy Award in the title role), Omar
Sharif (Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn,
Jack Hawkins and Claude Rains, and award winning cinematography of
the vast Moroccan deserts by Freddie Young, this is a visual and dramatic
delight, especially in this brilliantly restored version. The story tells of
Lawrence’s efforts to rally divided Arab forces against the oppressive
Turks during the early years of the twentieth century, with O’Toole’s
charismatic and daring performance forming the centerpiece of the action.
This is a film that demands to be seen on the big screen, and the Colonial
is most proud to bring it to you.
Classic films are on Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for
seniors & students and $5 for members & children.
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THE GREAT ESCAPE
SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER
John Sturges. US. 1963. NR. 168 min.
MGM. Digital Restoration.
Sun, Feb 16, 2:00 PM
Joseph L. Mankiewicz. US. 1959. NR. 114 min. Sony. 35mm.
Sun, Mar 9, 2:00 PM
Elizabeth Taylor stars in this intense adaptation of Tennessee Williams’
play. It seems that Ms. Taylor has been driven mad by the events that took
place the previous summer. Katherine Hepburn co-stars as a manipulative and malicious family matriarch, and Montgomery Clift plays a gifted
neurosurgeon whom Hepburn hopes will “cure” the traumatized Liz by
with a lobotomy. As Clift uncovers the events of that summer, a story of
degeneracy, violence and horror unfolds. It’s not hard to see why the powerful performances by Taylor and Hepburn earned them both nominations
as Best Actress that year. This is a film that, though greatly sanitized from
the original play, was considered to be incredibly outrageous and appalling for its time. Even today it retains the ability to shock.
John Sturges, director of many great action
films of the mid-20th century (“The Magnificent Seven,” “Bad Day at Black Rock,”)
produced what many believe is his masterpiece
in this classic tale of one of the largest Allied
escapes from a German POW camp during
WWII. Featuring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, and future action
stars Charles Bronson, James Coburn and David McCallum, this is the ultimate prison escape movie. A lesson in bravery, planning and teamwork,
made all the more enthralling by its basis in fact, “The Great Escape” is a
film that will grip you from beginning to end. (People still talk about the
exciting climactic motorcycle chase, with McQueen tailed by what seems
to be a thousand Nazi cyclists through a barbed wire course.) And it’s new
digital restoration brings it to new and vibrant life.
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST
Milos Forman. US. 1975. R. 133 min. Zaentz Co. Digital.
Sun, Mar 16, 2:00 PM
Jack Nicholson deservedly won his first Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal
Randall Patrick McMurphy, a rebellious, profane, free spirit who has
evaded prison by pretending to be crazy (some might call him “crazy
like a fox”) and being placed in a mental institution. There he ends up
matching wits with the quietly sadistic head nurse, Nurse Ratched (Louise
Fletcher), and creating havoc (and joy) in a place that had previously
been sadly lacking in humanity. If you haven’t seen this truly affecting
comedy/drama, or if you haven’t seen it in a long time, do yourself a favor
and come join us for an afternoon of fun, madness and, at times, jarring
emotion. Besides winning awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best
Actor, and Best Actress (Fletcher), this wonderful film also featured such
soon-to-be-famous character actors as Christopher Lloyd, Danny DeVito,
Brad Dourif and Will Sampson.
CHINATOWN
Roman Polanski. US. 1974. PG-13. 130 min. Paramount.
Digital Restoration.
Sun, Feb 23, 2:00 PM
An unquestioned modern classic, Polanski’s film noir rendering of the
detective story is the basis for one of Jack Nicholson’s most memorable
roles. Nicholson plays Jake Gittes, a private eye with an attitude who
works the steamy underside of 1940s Los Angeles, and whose dedication to his plunges him into an incestuous web of corruption, murder and
politics. Filled with striking images and an authentic feel for the times,
“Chinatown” keeps you guessing until the end, and then blows you away
with its gut-wrenching conclusion. The screenplay, by Robert Towne,
received an Oscar, and Nicholson was deservedly nominated as Best Actor. (That mean little guy who wields the knife when Jake is up against the
fence is director Roman Polanski. Just thought you might like to know.)
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
Jonathan Demme. US. 1991. R. 118 min.
MGM. 35mm.
Sun, Mar 23, 2:00 PM
“…Hiring Demme, surely among the warmest and most humane American directors, to
BEDLAM
handle such a violent story turned out to be
Mark Robson. US. 1946. NR. 79
a masterstroke of casting against type: He
min. Warner Bros. 35mm.
knew from his early years working for Roger
Sun, Mar 2, 2:00 PM
Corman how to deliver the genre goods,
What better way to start off our
but his empathy, particularly with regard to
month of classic films about madwomen, is what makes the film so enduring. Though Anthony Hopkins’
ness than to take you back to the
performance as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, the brilliant sociopath who sees (and
place that has become synonymous chews) through the rest of humanity, has always been the film’s calling
with madness itself, eighteenth century London’s St. Mary’s of Bethlehem card, he may be its weakest link. (Brian Cox’s less-celebrated Lecter
Hospital, otherwise known as “Bedlam?” Boris Karloff stars as the sadis- from “Manhunter” (showing on Fri, Mar 21) projects a bored contempt
tic head of the institution who holds captive an innocent woman (Anna
for the species that’s truer and more frightening.) A few scenes aside,
Lee) when she tries to expose the horrific conditions at the asylum. This
the real focus is on Jodie Foster as an FBI trainee who uses Hopkins’
unique combination of horror and history was produced by Val Lewton,
psychological-profiling skills to help track down a serial killer named
premier creator of subtle horror in the 1940s, and provides images that
Buffalo Bill. As she paws her way closer to the suspect, who has claimed
are truly unsettling and memorable. (Director Mark Robson and produca politician’s daughter as his latest hostage, Foster bravely asserts herself
tion designer Albert D’Augustino wisely modeled their sets on Hogarth’s in a man’s world, with Hopkins serving as merely the most ghoulish of
engravings of the madhouse, which only enhances the film’s creepiness.) many obstacles.” (Scott Tobias, The A.V. Club)
march madness
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YOUNG AUDIENCES
YOUNG AUDIENCES
when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and
powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome
his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted
forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy
Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But
with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan’s determination and artistic
vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best
fortification against evil?
ELEANOR’S SECRET
Dominique Monféry. France. 2009. 3+.
80 min. GKids. blu ray.
Sat, Jan 4, 2:00 PM
Nat has fond memories of his eccentric Aunt
Eleanor reading to him from her enormous
collection of storybooks but is frustrated by
his inability to read the books himself. So he
is less than thrilled when he learns that his
aunt has left him the keys to her attic library as
a gift. However, just as Nat’s parents are selling the collection to a shady
antiques dealer, Nat discovers that the library is magical – the books are
all original first editions of history’s most popular fairy tales, and the famous characters come to life! Now with the help of Alice in Wonderland,
the Ogre, Peter Pan and others, he must find a way to get back the books
and learn to read an ancient spell to keep the characters alive for future
generations of children. Eleanor’s Secret is a beautifully designed, rollicking adventure in which a boy’s new found ability to read not only sets his
imagination free, but saves the day!
GROUNDHOG DAY
Harold Ramis. US. 1993. 11+. 101 min.
Sony. Digital.
Sat, Feb 1, 2:00 PM
“No film has understood Bill Murray better
than Harold Ramis’ brilliant “Groundhog
Day,” a hilarious and unexpectedly profound
comedy that breaks him down and reveals
every conceivable facet of his personality. …
Murray stars as an embittered local TV weatherman who is sent to Punxsutawney to cover
the annual Groundhog Day festivities—or,
as he puts it, “the excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.”
After a surprise blizzard pens him in town with relentlessly optimistic
producer Andie MacDowell and cameraman Chris Elliott, Murray wakes
up the next morning to find that he’s caught in a time warp, doomed to relive Feb. 2 over and over again. “Groundhog Day” comes up with wildly
imaginative variations on the same encounters, mining new laughs out of
Murray’s mood swings and creative impulses and making the most of his
talent for improvisation.” (Scott Tobias, The A.V. Club)
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO
Hayao Miyazaki. Japan. 2001. 8+. 125
min. GKids. Digital.
Sat, Jan 11, 2:00 PM
“Here is a children’s film made for the world
we should live in, rather than the one we occupy. A film with no villains. No fight scenes.
No evil adults. No fighting between the two
kids. No scary monsters. No darkness before
the dawn. A world that is benign. A world
where if you meet a strange towering creature
in the forest, you curl up on its tummy and have a nap.” (Roger Ebert)
REAR WINDOW
Alfred Hitchcock. US. 1954. NR. 112 min.
Universal. Digital.
Sat, Feb 8, 2:00 PM
ELSKA
4+. 60 min. Live.
Sat, Jan 18, 2:00 PM
“This is a murder mystery with a sprightly
attitude, tongue-in-cheek to be sure, but sassy
in a way that promises some fun. Hitchcock
figuratively rolls an eye at the foibles of the
world, but there’s no reason to be grim about
it. The film’s title sequence is accompanied
by a frisky, jazzy theme more suggestive of
a Disney family epic than a movie that asks the question, Did Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr) dispose of his wife’s body in a steamer trunk?...
At first, Jeff’s (Jimmy Stewart) alarm at the disappearance of Thorwald’s
wife from the window across the courtyard is regarded as paranoid. For
kids the film takes off when his suspicion that Thorwald has disposed of
her is finally shared by Lisa (Grace Kelly) and Stella (Thelma Ritter).
From that point the film takes on thrillerish form, with much excited
conjecture and leads both promising and disproved. Lisa submits to physical peril as Jeff’s stand-in, and at last ther is an assault by the suspect,
which proves that if you can look into other lives through the window
they can also look into yours. At the conclusion, kids will appreciate a
marvel of complicated highly detailed filmmaking fitted together with
the utmost precision. And they’ll have some fun and chills in the bargain.
Years from now they can ruminate about Hitchcock. They can dive into
pile of Hitchcock books and studies. The director himself wondered at all
Hiddi hiddi! That’s how to say hello
on the Island of Elska, the imaginary
island off the coast of Iceland that is
home to the singer Elska and a cast
of quirky characters, including her
two-foot-tall best friend the Goobler, an Arctic Fox and a vast colony of
Lost Socks. Her award-winning debut album “Middle of Nowhere” is
packed with kid-friendly modern pop songs rendered in a spell-binding
blend of vibraphones, chimes, bells, twinkling analog synthesizers and
one of the most endearing and lovely voices in family entertainment.
Elska combines theatre, storytelling, and musical performance in order to
whisk away children and families on a musical tour of her Arctic home.
THE SECRET OF KELLS
Tomm Moore. France. 2009.
G. 75 min. GKids. blu ray.
Sat, Jan 25, 2:00 PM
Young Brendan lives in a
remote medieval outpost under
siege from barbarian raids. But
a new life of adventure beckons
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4
the theorizing. On the DVD of “To Catch a Thief,” Hitchcock’s granddaughter, Mary Stone, recalls asking him to help her analyze his “Shadow
of a Doubt” (1945) for a school paper. They got a C.” (Peter M. Nichols,
The New York Times Essential Library: Children’s Movies)
illegal car parts!), they finally send her to a school where the principal
loves to torment the students. Luckily, Matilda has discovered she has
telekinetic powers that allow her to exact a very satisfying revenge on the
adults who mistreated her. The story, by Roald Dahl, is told with style and
humor.” (“TLA Film & Video Guide”)
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
DARBY O’GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE
Ken Hughes . UK. 1968. 6+. 144 min. MGM. blu ray.
Sat, Feb 15, 2:00 PM
Robert Stevenson. US. 1959. 6+. 93 min. Disney.
Sat, Mar 15, 2:00 PM
“This celebrated and ever-faithful kids movie works so well because
it possesses a good deal of everything: light, catchy musical numbers;
madcap technology; fairy-tale kingdoms; cheeky, adult-mocking comedy;
and genuine scariness. It’s an object lesson for purveyors of young cinema
— be silly, be clever, but always, no matter how much nonsense is on
show, be real. A vivid, splendid ride, director Ken Hughes washes the tale
in primary colors, delicious scenery and an easy eccentricity. The names
alone — Caractacus Potts, Truly Scrumptious, Baron Bomburst — carry
the kind of rich, onomatopoeic tickle of Roald Dahl, who not coincidentally lent a hand with the screenplay.” (Neil Jeffries, empireonline.com)
“Albert Sharpe is an Irish caretaker whose tendency to spin the blarney
causes no one to believe him when he becomes the guest of the Leprechauns in their underground home. Great special effects create a timeless
atmosphere of charm and fantasy. Also starring Sean Connery!” (“TLA
Film & Video Guide”)
GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD
4+. 60 min. Live.
Sat, Mar 22, 2:00 PM
New York Magazine named Morgan Taylor
“Best Kids’ Performer” in a recent “Best of
New York” issue. Gustafer Yellowgold’s show
is a multi-media performance of live music,
animated illustrations and storytelling. With
its unique crossover appeal, the show has
been the wild-card opening act for Wilco and
The Polyphonic Spree. Gustafer made his
off-broadway debut at the dr2 theatre in 2008 with Gustafer Yellowgold’s
Mellow Sensation, and has toured nationally to arts centers, children’s
museums, schools, libraries, cinemas, theaters and music venues, with
additional performances in the UK and even Korea!
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
Steven Spielberg. US. 1981. 8+. 115 min.
Paramount. Digital Restoration.
Sat, Feb 22, 2:00 PM
If adventure has a name, it must be Indiana
Jones. Though the film itself is an obvious
homage to the great serials that inspired
George Lucas (“Star Wars”) and Steven
Spielberg (“Jaws”), Raiders set a precedent
for the great action movie for a whole new
generation. The film moves at a lighting pace
only allowing the audience enough time to catch one breath before the
next thrill. The best way to see Indy dodge a boulder, climb under a truck,
and survive a snake pit is on the BIG screen.
LITTLE MAN TATE
Jodie Foster. US. 1991. PG. 99 min. MGM.
blu ray.
Sat, Mar 29, 2:00 PM
SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER
“Jodie Foster says there is an element of
autobiography in “Little Man Tate,” the first
film she chose to direct. It’s the story of a
6-year-old who happens to be a genius, and
also happens to be a little boy. Math problems
solve themselves in his mind, and he plays
piano at a concert level, and when he reads the
paper he gets depressed by the news. But he
also needs his mom, feels tongue-tied when a lot of adults are looking at
him, and gets homesick when he stays away from home overnight. …The
movie has enough plot, but not too much; it’s loosely centered on a brainy
Olympics for smart kids. …It’s the kind of movie you enjoy watching;
it’s about interesting people finding out about themselves. And as Jodie
Foster creates this little man who sees a lot and knows a lot but is only
gradually beginning to understand a lot, we can hear echoes, perhaps, of
a young girl who once found it more interesting to study French than get
her picture in the fan magazines.” (Roger Ebert)
Steve Zaillian. US. 1993. PG. 109 min.
Paramount. DVD.
Sat, Mar 1, 2:00 PM
“Every competitive endeavor, whether baseball, figure skating or chess, contains at its core
artistry and purity. It’s remarkable for a film
to capture the passionate involvement of an
activity’s participants, even more so when the
activity is as internal as chess. “Searching for
Bobby Fischer” is profoundly successful in this. The story of a young
boy’s initiation into a glorious obsession with chess is intercut with an
almost mythologized recounting of the career of Bobby Fischer. Max
Pomeranc is mesmerizing as Josh, the 10 year-old whose intuitive grasp
of the game thrusts him into world of rivalry, clashing egos and immense
satisfactions.” (“TLA Film & Video Guide”)
MATILDA
Danny Devito. US. 1996. 8+. 93 min. Sony. Digital.
Sat, Mar 8, 2:00 PM
Continued on page 6.
“Matilda is a little girl with serious problems: Her parents never wanted
her in the first place and treat her with great disdain. After refusing to
let her go to school (someone has to stay home and accept the boxes of
Young Audiences programs are on Saturdays at 2pm. Tickets to films
are $5 for everyone. Tickets to live shows ar $6.50 for everyone.
5
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YOUNG AUDIENCES
SPECIAL EVENTS
they are told they don’t have to anymore, they end up in clothes made
out of some tatty old curtains. No wonder they need constant reminding
of their favorite things. This timeless film, full of catchy tunes and scenic
vistas, and genuine pluck, has earned its reputation as a classic.” (Jen
Koogler, The Scarecrow Video Movie Guide)
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Victor Fleming. US. 1939. 6+. 101 min.
Warner Bros. Digital Restoration.
Sponsored by Diving Cat Studio
Sat, Apr 5, 2:00 PM
“The Wizard of Oz” is an American classic
starring Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger
and Jack Haley. A perfect score by Harold
Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, highly imaginative
sets and brilliant characterizations make this
adaptation of the Frank Baum story a musical
fantasy of the highest caliber. Audiences of all ages have been enchanted
with Oz since it’s first release and, undoubtedly, always will be!
Carol Reed. UK. 1968. G. 153 min. Sony.
Digital Restoration.
Sat, Apr 26, 2:00 PM
“This elaborate musical rendition of the
Charles Dickens tale about a young boy swept
into a gang of thieves is as close to flawless
as a film can get. Its frolicking score, splendid
recreation of 1830s London and an unforgettable performance by Ron Moody as the
scurrilous Fagan helped win it five Oscars,
including Best Picture and Best Director. A trifle long, the film nonetheless holds the attention of even young viewers throughout.” (TLA Film &
Video Guide)
Charles Walters. US. 1948. NR. 107 min.
Warner Bros. 35mm.
Sat, Apr 12, 2:00 PM
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Loaded with great Irving Berlin songs, this
1948 spectacular will grab children with
its wholesome, uncomplicated story and
mesmerize adults with its pairing of superstar talents in their sole screen appearance
together. “The Happiest Musical Ever Made”
the promotional trailer declares, and director Charles Walters appears to have put in
plenty of overtime trying to live up to that grand promise. He gives us
Oscar-winning musical scoring, inventive choreography, and plenty of
Irving Berlin songs. But what really makes this movie sing and dance is
the once-in-a-lifetime pairing of Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. Whether
cane-twirling to “Steppin’ Out with My Baby” or reeling through a toy
store pounding on every drum in sight, Astaire is mesmerizing. Beside
him, Judy Garland is absolutely radiant -- and that’s not just the Technicolor. For family entertainment, this is a hard one to beat. It’s spirited,
easily digestible, and fun. Don’t worry about that sticky love situation;
it resolves without much fuss, and all in time for the big Easter Parade.
(Scott Mignola, Common Sense Media)
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Robert Wise. US. 1965. G. 174 min. Fox.
Digital Restoration.
Sat, Apr 19, 2:00 PM
“How do you solve a problem like Maria?
She’s bursting with naivete, so much so that
she’s outside running around on Austrian
mountaintops when she should be inside
praying and studying to be a good a nun.
She’s got to settle down a little before she can
marry God, so the head nun sends her off to watch seven kids, children
of navy captain Von Trapp, who is Maria’s opposite, very stern and stiff.
But Maria’s innocent charm melts his tough exterior, and after some
misunderstandings with a pinecone, they kiss in a gazebo, get married,
and flee the Nazis. And let’s not forget the kids! Liesl is sixteen and she’s
just fallen in love with a boy. He kisses her and immediately after she
yells “Whee!” Then she finds out a few weeks later that he’s dumped her
for Hitler. What a jerk! All the kids are forced to wear uniforms and when
10th Annual Members’ Party
OLIVER!
EASTER PARADE
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7th Annual WHISKY TASTING
6
Fri, Jan 24, 6:00PM
Sun, Mar 2, 7:00PM
RSVP by Mon, Feb 24, 5pm
Join us at The 7th Annual Robert Burns Memorial Whisky Tasting to benefit The Classic Film Series at the Colonial! Your purchase of tickets will
enter you and your companions into an incomparably unique evening of
fine whiskys, artisinal cheeses and outrageous chocolates. Riannon Walsh,
renowned single malt whisky expert returns to bring us exceptional single
malts from around the world! Riannon will engagingly and informatively
speak to their qualities, taste and cultural influences.
Come watch the Academy Awards with your fellow members and Colonial staff at our annual Members’ Party!
The Members’ Party is for current members as a thank you for their support over the year. Due to the small size of our lobby, we have found that
we cannot comfortably accommodate more than 150 people during the
cocktail hour portion of the party. Since the popularity of the party has
Each attendee will receive as a keepsake the fine whisky tasting glass they grown over the years, we find ourselves in the position of having to divide
use during the evening’s tastings. The Glencairn style glasses are designed our guest arrivals into two groups. The first 150 members and guests to
to accentuate the subtle nuances of fine spirits.
RSVP are invited to join us at 7pm and all subsequent members who
RSVP are invited to join us at 8:15pm - in time for the Academy Awards
The event will take place at The Colonial, in our third floor screening
broadcast. Our bar will be open all night and we’ll be sure to have plenty
room from 6-8PM. There are only 70 seats available, so don’t delay in
of desserts on hand for all of our guests. All guests who intend to drink
purchasing your ticket to this unique event.
wine or beer are asked to bring a bottle or six-pack to donate to our bar.
This can be a great holiday gift for family, friends or business associates!
Not a member yet? Join now and help us reach our goal of signing up 100
new members by Oscar Night. You can learn about membership benefits
and join online, or simply pick up a membership brochure in our lobby.
Sponsorship
Master Distiller: $1,000 (includes 4 tickets)
Head Stillman: $500 (includes 2 tickets)
As Mary wrote in her letter on page one, this year members at the individual level will be charged a small fee to attend the party.
Tickets
Benefit Ticket: $125
Bottle Sponsorship Ticket: $175 (includes one ticket and recognition)
Individual: $20 ticket per member
Producer: Member attends at no charge
Producer Couple: Both members attend at no charge
Mogul: Both members plus two guests attend at no charge
Angel: Both members plus four guests attend at no charge
Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the box office, or by calling
[610] 917-1228.
Thank you for your support! Thanks to our RBWT Committee, Centre
Grafik Design/Print, Bridge Street Chocolates, and special thanks to Riannon Walsh for making this event possible!
More details coming soon on our website, Facebook page and in our
weekly emails.
All RSVPs are due by Mon, Feb 24 at 5pm. Please email Paula Gaughan
at [email protected] to RSVP.
Email [email protected] for more information.
This event is not sponsored by or affiliated with the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences.
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www.thecolonialtheatre.com | 610-917-1228
FIRST FRIDAY FRIGHT NIGHT AND CULT CINEMA
First Friday Fright Night
Cult CINEMA
THE THING
GAELIC STORM
DARKMAN
John Carpenter. US. 1982. R. 109 min.
Universal. 35mm.
Fri, Jan 3, 9:45 PM
Sam Raimi. US. 1990. R. 96 min. Universal. 35mm.
Fri, Jan 24, 9:45 PM
“The Thing” takes place in Antarctica where
the U.S. government has set up a facility to do
research, experiments, and, well, they never
really do say what they are doing down there,
but that isn’t important. What is important is
that this research team gets a visit from the
Norwegian research team that is only a few
miles away. Turns out the Norwegians found
something in the snow, something from another world that can imitate
anything to perfection. Guess what? Now it is imitating the US research
team. This is a great “who goes there?” movie. As the body count goes
up, the temperature in Antarctica goes down and the researchers run out
of ideas on who is the Thing and who isn’t. This film has a great cast,
great story, truly remarkable special effects, and brilliant make-up. Kurt
Russell is excellent as the man who takes charge of the situation. Carpenter shapes Russell into the leader and the hero so that the audience has
someone to trust. But, by the end, you know, as they know, you can’t trust
anyone but yourself.
“Darkman” directed by Sam Raimi (“Evil
Dead,” “Oz the Great and Powerful”) is
the tragic tale of Doctor Peyton Westlake
(Liam Neeson). Westlake was developing
a revolutionary new skin when he was horrifically disfigured by criminals. Westlake
enacts his revenge by imitating those that
destroyed his life. In 1990, superhero movies were all the rage after Tim
Burton’s “Batman” had exploded. Initially, director Sam Raimi wanted to
make a version of “The Shadow,” but couldn’t obtain the rights. Instead,
he combined the mythos of superheroes and Universal Studio’s classic
movie monsters and created his own hero. “Evil Dead” fans will quickly
recognize Raimi’s camera techniques and fans of “Batman” will appreciate Danny Elfman’s score. Before Raimi directed “Spider-Man,” he
created his own tragic hero that lived in darkness.
MST3K: SECRET AGENT SUPER DRAGON
PG. 90 min. MST. DVD.
Fri, Feb 21, 9:45 PM
THE PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE “Secret Agent Super Dragon” is the tale of the world’s least discretely
named spy, who comes out of retirement to battle an international crime
syndicate with world domination machinations. The first in a number of
Euro-spy movies featured on MST3K, “Secret Agent Super Dragon” is a
low rent James Bond knock off that provides prime riffing material for the
crew of the Satellite of Love. Join Joel and the Bots for an evening poking
fun at dangerous dames, sophisticated spies, and all things James Bondian. Don’t miss Tom Servo’s bassy rendition of the theme song!
Brian DePalma. US. 1974. PG. 92 min. Fox.
Digital Restoration.
Fri, Feb 14, 9:45 PM
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Colonial with
an unconventional love story - “The Phantom of
the Paradise!” We’re screening a widely-praised
digital restoration of Brian DePalma’s campy
horror/musical/comedy/love story. Released on
Halloween 1974, “The Phantom of the Paradise” masterfully blends a sly sense of humor,
eye-catching art direction, the unique vision of a talented director, and a
soundtrack full of original songs written by the legendary Paul Williams!
According to the experts who run The Swan Archives, a website dedicated to all things associated with TPOTP, after years of neglect “the movie
has never looked or sounded better.” Join us for a late evening of stunning
visuals and fantastic music courtesy of Messrs. DePalma and Williams.
MANHUNTER
Michael Mann. US. 1986. R. 119 min. Rialto. 35mm.
Fri, Mar 7, 9:45 PM
“With “Manhunter,” Michael Mann takes all the instincts he learned as a
“Miami Vice” producer and trims them of their excesses, and the result is
an unsettling thriller whose detached style perfectly complements its psychological intensity. When a serial killer begins targeting happy families
across a broad geographical area, the FBI summons a specialist (William
L. Petersen) whose last case sent him, shaken, into premature retirement.
Abandoning his own family, Petersen sets about putting himself into
the mind of the killer, whose methods of subterfuge, surveillance, and
deduction parallel Petersen’s own. …Gripping from its first shot through
a finale that should forever taint viewers’ pleasant memories of Iron Butterfly, “Manhunter” lacks only one of the strong male leads from Mann’s
later work. Petersen fills the role effectively enough, particularly in a brilliantly staged (if continuity-error-prone) supermarket conference with his
son. But he makes it hard not to wish for a Pacino or a Crowe, even if the
film around him makes their absence easy to forget, and makes it hard to
wish for the story to be done any better.” (Keith Phipps, The A.V. Club)
SHOCKER
Wes Craven. US. 1989. R. 109 min. Universal. 35mm.
Fri, Mar 21, 9:45 PM
“Shocker” tells the story of Jonathan Parker (Peter Berg), a young man
whose family is murdered by television repair man and serial killer Horace Pinker (Mitch Pileggi). When Pinker is finally caught and executed
via electric chair, he manages to elude death by transforming himself into
pure electricity, with the power to travel within electronic devices and to
possess people. Jonathan Parker is the only person who is able to stop
him. “Shocker” is a very fun movie that has aged well. Mitch Pileggi’s
larger than life performance and the film’s visual effects and dynamic set
pieces warrant a re-visit. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see an under
appreciated gem!
www.thecolonialtheatre.com | 610-917-1228
POINT ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
Fright Night and Cult films are generally at 9:45pm but please confirm
show times on our website or by calling 610-917-1228. Tickets are $9
for adults, $7 for seniors & students, and $6 for members & children.
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An Evening with Roger McGuinn
Tickets: $20 - $32.50
Thu, Feb 27, 8:00 PM
With catalog sales of
more than 1 million,
Gaelic Storm has now
had four consecutive
albums debut at #1 on
the Billboard World
Albums Chart. Their
most recent, “The Boathouse” showcases the incomparable songwriting
and accomplished musicianship of a band that brings fans to their feet two
hundred days per year. The group’s ability to deftly incorporate a rock
sensibility into their sound affords them rare crossover appeal. In recent
years, they’ve performed on the same bill with acts ranging from Zac
Brown Band and the Goo Goo Dolls to Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett,
at events as varied as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Milwaukee’s
Summerfest. Gaelic Storm blends indie-folk and world grooves with
Celtic tradition to bring you twelve tales of plight and plunder, whiskeydrenched pirates, flying cannon balls and the ladies of ill repute. Ready
your sea legs; you’ll need them for The Boathouse!
JAKE SHIMABUKURO
Tickets: $29.50 - $42.50
Fri, Mar 28, 8:00 PM
Jake Shimabukuro’s performances
defy label or category, his adeptness at playing all genre’s of music,
jazz, blues, classical, bluegrass, folk,
flamenco, rock and even funk, takes
the ukulele well beyond the traditional
Hawaiian music it’s associated with…but he’ll throw some of that in as
well! Called the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele, Jake’s YouTube video of
his incredible version of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently
Weeps” has been viewed over 12 million times. Needless to say, we’re
thrilled to have Jake back at The Colonial.
Comedy at the Colonial
JIM FLORENTINE
Tickets: $19.50 - $25
Sat, Mar 1, 8:00 PM
Jim Florentine is the co-host of “That Metal
Show” on VH1 Classic and just filmed the
movie “A Little Help” with Jenna Fischer and
Chris O’Donnell. He is best known as the
voices of “Special Ed” and “Bobby Fletcher”
from Comedy Central’s “Crank Yankers” and
as the guy who spends his days turning the tables on “Telemarketers.” He
just released a new CD called “Terrorizing Telemarketers Volume 5 Wanted Dead or Alive.” Florentine has been seen on “Red Eye” on Fox News
Channel, “The Apprentice,” “Chelsea Lately,” “Down and Dirty with Jim
Norton” on HBO, “Meet The Creeps,” Comedy Central’s “Mother Load,”
“Inside the NFL,” “Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” Spike TV’s
“Video Game Awards,” “MTV Music Video Awards,” “Jimmy Kimmel
Live,” “Last Call with Carson Daly,” “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn”
on Comedy Central, VH1’s “The List,” and “Louie Anderson’s Comedy
Showcase.”
Tickets: $25 - $30
Sat, Mar 29, 8:00 PM
Comedian Joe Conklin has been a constant
in Philadelphia radio for more than 20 years,
with his spot-on impressions of Barack
Obama, Bill Clinton, Cole Hamels, Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley, Harry Kalas,
Bobby Clarke and so many others. Fearless and hilarious, he skewers some of the
country’s top politicians, pro athletes, sports executives and film stars
which he’s been known to do sometimes to their faces. Big Daddy has
performed more than 4,000 comedy shows over the past 20 years, along
with hosting his popular overnight radio show on WIP. Originally starting
out as a musical comedian, opening for rock shows like the Hooters in the
80s, Big Daddy now focuses “observational comedy” with stories about
his life and living in Philadelphia. We’re thrilled to welcome this pair of
Philadelphia comedy icons back to the Colonial.
Tickets: $25 - $42.50
Sat, Apr 12, 8:00 PM
By the time he was 22 Al Stewart had met
the Beatles and played John Lennon’s guitar,
opened for the Rolling Stones, shared an
apartment with Simon & Garfunkel, recorded
with Jimmy Page, spent a year playing guitar
for Yoko Ono and co-producing her film
“No. 4”, and put a young Cat Stevens on stage at Les Cousins where he
was master of ceremonies. Stewart came to stardom as part of the folk
revival of the late 60s and 70s, and developed his own distinctive style
of combining folk-rock music with delicately woven tales of the great
characters and events of history. He is best known for his #1 hit “Year of
the Cat” from the platinum album of the same name, and his follow-up
album “Time Passages,” which also went platinum. Al continues to tour
extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, providing his fans with the
music and personality that they have come to love so well.
We’re excited to have founding member and front man for the iconic
60s band The Byrds, Roger McGuinn, returning to the Colonial Theatre.
While his solo career includes a diverse collection of collaborations with
the likes of: Gram Parsons, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello and Michael Penn,
Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Odetta Jean Ritchie and Josh White
Jr. His “Treasures From The Folk Den” album was nominated for a
Grammy in 2002 for “Best Traditional Folk Album.”
TWO FUNNY PHILLY GUYS
AL STEWART
www.thecolonialtheatre.com | 610-917-1228
Tickets: $20 - $38.50
Thu, Jun 12, 8:00 pm
Ticket prices for Point Entertainment concerts do not include the
$2 per ticket restoration fee or the $1.50 per ticket service fee. Tickets
are non-refundable. All shows have reserved seating.
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Association for the Colonial Theatre
Association for the Colonial Theatre Board of Directors
227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
610/917-0223 Movie Info Line
610/917-1228 Theatre Offices
www.TheColonialTheatre.com
[email protected]
Kenneth B. Mumma, President
Trish Hartline, First Vice President
William M. Andersen, Second Vice President
Stephen H. Kalis, Secretary
Anthony J. Folino III, CPA, Treasurer
Rebecca H. Bradbeer
Jocelyn S. Harris
Richard A. Kunsch
Sean Maher
Pauline Monson
Marian D. Moskowitz
Suzanne V. Norris
MaryLouise Sterge
Programming
Art and independent films seven nights a week
Classic Films on Sundays at 2:00pm
Baby Night on Mondays at 6:30pm
Matinees on Wednesdays at 2:00pm
First Friday Fright Night at 9:45pm
Cult Cinema on Third Fridays at 9:45pm
Young Audiences Series on Saturdays at 2:00pm
Live concerts presented by Point Entertainment
Staff
Mary Foote, Executive Director
Kirsten Van Vlandren, Assistant Director
Scott Bauman, House Manager
Ryan Wilson, Assistant House Manager
LuAnn Roth, Patron Services Manager
Paula Gaughan, Development Associate
Mission
The mission of the Association for the Colonial Theatre is to enhance the collective
wellbeing of our region by restoring the landmark Colonial Theatre and promoting cultural, economic and civic life. To that end, ACT presents film, live theatre, music, dance
and other community events in the heart of Phoenixville’s historic business district.
Support the Colonial
Film Notes Volunteers
Become a member
Frequent the theatre
Buy a seat
Advertise on-screen
Sponsor a programs
Volunteer your time and talents
Make an unrestricted tax-deductible gift
Remember the Colonial Theatre in your will
Bill Roth, Chuck Francisco, Bob Trate and Brendan Carr
Classic Film Committee
Bill Roth, Lee Berger, Stephen Dabrowski, John Piljer, Joel Rickenbach, Brendan Carr,
Bob Trate, Chuck Francisco, Jim Sakal, Mike Lemon and Kim McCall
Fright Night and Cult Film Committee
Bob Trate, Chuck Francisco, Joel Rickenbach, Nick Lombardo and Brendan Carr
Plus countless volunteers who generously give their time and talents!
Off the Beaten Path
227 Bridge Street
P.O. Box 712
Phoenixville, PA 19460
www.thecolonialtheatre.com | 610-917-1228
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