Public invited to enjoy theatre improvements at free movie event featuring ‘South Pacific’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2014) – Following just over two months of renovation, the Kentucky Theatre will host a Re-Opening Celebration on Wednesday, May 21, featuring a free movie screening and popcorn. Special guests Nick and Nina Clooney will serve as host and hostess for the evening.
The Clooneys’ first date was at the Kentucky Theatre to see the classic movie, “South Pacific.” In celebration of the re-opening, The Friends of the Kentucky invited the Clooneys to attend and asked them to select the film for the evening. For sentimental reasons, “South Pacific” was their choice.
“South Pacific” is a 1958 film adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “South Pacific” which was based on James A. Michener’s “Tales of the South Pacific.” The film, directed by Joshua Logan, starred Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi Gaynor, John Kerr and Ray Walston in the leading roles, with Juanita Hall as Bloody Mary, the part that she had played in the original stage production. The Clooneys will welcome guests and address the audience prior to the start of the movie.
In partnership with the City of Lexington, the Friends launched a fundraising campaign in October 2012 to raise funds for much-needed improvements to the historic theatre. Thanks to generous support from the city, along with private citizens and local businesses, the Kentucky Theatre now offers movie-goers an enhanced experience with updated projection and sound technology, including a state-of-the-art hearing loop for the hearing impaired, new carpet, new seating, fresh paint, lighting and electrical upgrades.
In addition, the iconic Kentucky Theatre marquee is undergoing a major renovation. The concession stand in the main lobby will also be renovated in the coming months. As part of the fundraising campaign, 445 of the theatre’s 798 seats have been sponsored by supporters of the Kentucky with a tax-deductible donation of $500. Sponsored seats bear brass plaques acknowledging the donation. The remaining 353 seats are available for sponsorship and members of the Friends will be on hand the evening of the event to accommodate anyone wanting to sponsor a seat.
The free event will begin at 7 p.m. with welcoming remarks from Nick Clooney. Seating will be available on a first come, first served basis. Patrons may “visit” their sponsored seat(s), but there is no guarantee that they can sit in their sponsored seat for this event. Free popcorn will also be served to all attending. Doors open at 6 p.m. Advance tickets can be picked up after 2 p.m., Sunday, May 18, and after 5 p.m. Monday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 20. The day of the event, tickets can be picked up after 3 p.m. Patrons will be allowed to pick up two tickets.
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