When the Movies at the Miller series started in June 2022 with The Goonies, the idea was to pay homage to the Miller Theater’s history by bringing people to see a film in the restored downtown venue.
The theater had been the site of the premiere of the film The Three Faces of Eve in 1957 and was a popular destination for movie goers for several decades until it closed in the 1980s. The series brings a new generation of movie lovers to the theater.
But according to Katie Brooks, the Miller’s sales and marketing manager, the Movies at the Miller has developed a life of its own with people participating in the movie fun rather than just spectating.
Brooks recalls a sea of Sandys in pleather when Grease was shown in June. Another fun film was Shrek when Brooks joined in by dressing up as Fiona.
Her favorite when it came to audience participation, though, was The Wizard of Oz in July 2022.
“There were so many Dorothys, and they were so cute,” said Brooks.
The movies are free thanks to Queensborough National Bank, and Brooks said they never know how many people will show up. It can depend on what’s playing or what the weather is like.
The most well-attended are the animated ones, she said. Often, families with children will attend the films, and with inflation as it is, Brooks said she knows that this is one way for families to enjoy an afternoon out without breaking the bank.
Jumanji with Robin Williams is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sept. 10. Other films to round out 2023 include Monsters Inc. at 4 p.m., Oct. 15; Honey, I Shrunk the Kids at 4 p.m., Nov. 19, and The Muppet Christmas Carol at 4 p.m., Dec. 17.
Monsters Inc. is a change in the original line-up, Brooks said. Beetlejuice had been scheduled for October, but because the sequel is due out in 2024, the rights to the film were changed.
Tickets to the movie are available here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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