Victoria Theatre Association Cool Film Series adds actor Q&As

There’s one way to beat the summer heat, and that’s to head indoors.

Cool off this summer with the Cool Film Series featuring movie classics on screen inside the charming historic Victoria Theatre.

It’s a great ticket deal, and this year’s programming includes a few bonus features.

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WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR

This year, events will be held at both the Victoria Theatre and the Schuster Center including some celebrity guests.

The series began in July with a Q&A with cast members from “Napoleon Dynamite” after the film screening. The series also will conclude at the Schuster on Sept. 8 with a screening of “The Princess Bride” featuring a conversation with Cary Elwes, who portrayed handsome farmhand Westley in the Rob Reiner comedy classic.

“There is a new phenomenon within performing arts centers across the country in which there are screenings of popular films with the stars of those films present with a moderated Q&A afterward,” said Sue Stevens, VTA vice president of marketing and communications. “We’re happy about kicking things off in a big way. We’re hoping the audience who comes to ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ at the Schuster may not have ever been to a movie at the Victoria. So, we’re hoping we can get them to see the other films we’ll show. We’re also excited to host Cary Elwes, who has written a book about his experience working on ‘Princess Bride.’”

In addition to the return of live organ concerts performed by Justin Stahl and Justin Nimmo on the Victoria’s Mighty Wurlizter.

In addition, filmmaker/storyboard artist/Dayton native J. Todd Anderson and film archivist/writer/producer George Willeman, who hosts a radio show and podcast “Filmically Perfect,” will give their perspective on two films they feel are notably great. Their “Rules for The Perfect Movie” will spotlight Elia Kazan’s “A Face in the Crowd” and “The Hudsucker Proxy” on Aug. 16.

“We’re always trying to find a balance between traditional classic movies and modern classics which are more contemporary titles from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s,” Stevens said. “The struggle we’ve had with the films series for the past several years (stems from) the fact that it’s become easy for people to see any title they want on any device they want at any time they want. At one time, all we had to worry about was (competition) from Turner Classic Movies, but now people can stream anything they want. Access is a fabulous thing, but it makes us (work harder) to make our experience unique and more of an event.”

“We’ve found a way to kind of merge the new with the old,” echoed Mechele Pritchard, VTA contracts and licensing director, who says all films shown at the Victoria will be 35 mm print. “We’re not losing our great audience who enjoys classic films. We’re just adding elements in the hope of building a new audience and giving them more of an experience.”

Whether audiences view the series as full of risks or a refreshing change of pace, organizers are eager to see how the lineup is received. Due to the wealth of options throughout the summer, particularly from concerts downtown at Levitt Pavilion, they are confident in providing a condensed, more concentrated slate.

“It’s important for the films series to be re-envisioned,” added Diane Schoeffler-Warren, VTA media and public relations manager. “The series is evolving because audiences are evolving.”

PHOTOS: Which films are part of the Victoria Theatre Association's Cool Film Series?

TICKETS

Series passbooks are $39. Each book includes 10 film passes and 10 popcorn and soda passes for use in any combination across the series. Single tickets are $7. Tickets for "Napoleon Dynamite" are $40. Tickets for "The Princess Bride" are $150 (VIP price includes meet and greet plus copy of Cary Elwes' book "As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride") and $40. Purchase tickets by calling (937) 228-3630 or visiting online at ticketcenterstage.com.

VTA 2019 COOL FILMS SERIES SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 16 – Victoria Theatre

“Hudsucker Proxy “(1994) 7:30 p.m.