Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Going to the Ritz in Brunswick

by

Sometimes when the weather is really hot and humid, it does seem like a wonderful idea to go inside and cool off. The Ritz in downtown Brunswick is one of those old movie theatres that have been restored and brought back to life. Here you can experience movie watching the way it used to be in the good old days. In the Summer, the Ritz brings back some of the most beloved classic movies to the silverscreen with the Summer Movie Classic Series.

Poodle Skirts, Brylcreem and Sing-Alongs

First on the agenda is the clasic movie musical Grease from 1978. Come early, and feel free to break out the poodle skirts and Brylcreem for a fun night downtown when the movie series kicks off for its sixth season on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Cartoons and other shorts begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a costume contest for all ages. The feature begins at 7:00 with the lyrics to all the songs projected right on the screen.

“This is the third year we’ve started the Summer Classics with a sing-along show, and our
audiences always love it,” says Rob Nixon, who coordinates film programming at the Ritz for
Golden Isles Arts and Humanities. “Kids and adults come in costume and really become part of
the musical cast. We think this year is going to be the best sing-along yet since Grease is one of
our most requested movies ever.”

Prizes for the Grease costume contest, which will be awarded in age levels, have been donated
by Glynn Crisis Center (a “Taste of Glynn” cookbook), artist Ian Kaszans, and Color Me Happy.
In addition, door prizes will be given out at the remaining four movies in the series, provided by
such local merchants as Clover Skin Studio, Fox’s Pizza Den Downtown, Glynn Chiropractic,
Hattie’s Books, Stitch in Time monogram shop, and Ned Cash Jewelers.

Dinner and a Movie

Following the Grease Sing-Along on July 12, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will screen the
terrifying blockbuster Jaws on Thursday, July 19, at 7:00 p.m.; the Spencer Tracy-Katharine
Hepburn comedy Adam’s Rib on Thursday, July 26, at 7:00; the perfect election-year movie, Mr.
Smith Goes to Washington on Thursday, August 2, at 7:00; and a matinee of the much-requested
classic The Music Man on Sunday, August 5, at 3:00 p.m.

Every Thursday evening of the series, the public is invited to make a night of it downtown with
food and drink specials in the neighborhood:

Fox’s Pizza Den at 1429 Newcastle St., one block from the Ritz, is offering a great “Dinner and a Movie” special with its new expanded menu. Buy your ticket at the Ritz box office beginning at 5:00 p.m. on show night and take it to Fox’s for 10% offyour bill and priority dining to get you back in time for the movie. On the way back to the theater, stop in at Achin’ 4 Bakin’ across the street from the Ritz and pick up special theme cupcakes for movie snacks. As usual, Angie Aimar and James Laurens ofColdwell Banker Platinum Partners will be serving up piping hot popcorn in the theater lobby (first come, first served).Ticket holders can also show their tickets at Tipsy McSway’s, 1414 Newcastle, for a free draft beer after the show.

“We’re excited to partner with these great local businesses to make Downtown Brunswick the
place to be for a complete, entertaining night out,” Nixon says. “We’re very lucky to have a
historic neighborhood that’s still so vibrant and full of fun places the whole community can
enjoy. And with the terrific line-up we have for this year’s Summer Classics, we look forward
to bringing a lot of people Downtown, not only on Thursday evenings but for the special Music
Man matinee.”

Admission to each show in the Summer Classic Movies series is still only $5 for all ages. The
box office opens at 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 5. Cartoons,
previews, and short subjects begin about 30 minutes before show time. For more information,
please visit goldenislesarts.org or call 912-262-6934.

 

SUMMER CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE RITZ SERIES FOR 2012

Thursday, July 12, 7:00 p.m. – Grease Sing-Along (1978)
It’s the one that you want! The most successful movie musical of all time and one of the most
requested by Ritz film patrons will put a spring in your step and bring a song to your lips. John
Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, and Stockard Channing bring back the 1950s—and so can our
audiences with lyrics printed right on the big screen for you to sing along. Come in costume and
compete for prizes!

Thursday, July 19, 7:00 p.m. – Jaws (1975)
We’re gonna need a bigger boat! The terrifying blockbuster that redefined summer movies and
put a chill into the ocean comes to the big screen just in time for beach season. Richard Dreyfus,
Roy Scheider, and a shark named Bruce star in this Oscar winner for editing, sound, and that
unforgettably frightening music score.

Thursday, July 26, 7:00 p.m. – Adam’s Rib (1949)
Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn were one of the most popular screen teams of all time,
and in this, the sixth of their nine films together, they’re at the top of their form as a married
pair of lawyers squaring off on opposite sides in the trial of a woman accused of shooting her
husband. The delightfully witty Oscar-nominated screenplay gives them plenty of chances to
spar in this hilarious battle-of-the-sexes comedy classic.

Thursday, August 2, 7:00 p.m. – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
No matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on, you’ll love this Oscar winner (Best
Writing) all about an idealistic young man who finds himself in Congress and up to his ears in
political corruption. James Stewart gives a powerful and likable performance as a naïve but
passionate Everyman who takes on the system and wins the heart of cynical reporter Jean Arthur.

Sunday, August 5, 3:00 p.m. – The Music Man (1962)
We got trouble right here in River City! The Tony Award-winning play that became a hit movie
musical is here at the Ritz to entertain and enchant you with such memorable songs as “Good
Night, My Someone,” “Til There Was You,” and, of course, “76 Trombones.” Robert Preston
is all smooth-talking charm as the traveling con man who reforms under the spell of librarian
Shirley Jones and small-town life in early 20th century America.

La Boh̬me at the Historic Ritz Theatre РBrunswick, GA

by

It is one of the most romantic stories of all time, a beautiful work of art that has captivated audiences and influenced literature, film, and the Broadway theater for more than 100 years, and now the Golden Isles community will be able to experience the immortal music of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème on the stage of the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Brunswick – a fitting program for the newly refurbished building that was built as the Grand Opera House in 1899.

Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA) presents the Atlanta Opera production in a special matinee on Sunday, January 23, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. The company has created an 80-minute English-language version for this performance that condenses the many-layered story without sacrificing any of the romantic main plot or the beloved arias so familiar to opera lovers and general audiences alike. The plot of La Bohème follows the love story between seamstress Mimi and poet Rodolfo, two young people struggling to survive in the bohemian world of the Paris art scene in the late 19th century.

La Bohème is the second most frequently produced opera in the U.S., right behind another Puccini work, Madama Butterfly. The story has been adapted into novels and films, and the music was featured prominently in the Academy Award-winning 1987 movie Moonstruck, starring Cher and Nicholas Cage. Composer Jonathan Larsen modernized the story, setting it in the lower Manhattan music and art milieu of the late 20th century in the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Rent.

“This is a rare opportunity for local audiences to experience one of the great works of the world operatic stage right here at home,” notes GIAHA Executive Director Heather Heath. “Opera buffs, of course, have always delighted in this romantic tale, but those who are less familiar with opera also love this piece and instantly recognize many of its great arias. And people, particularly younger audiences, who know the musical Rent will want to see where that hit production found its timeless themes and characters.”

Because his type of opera (known as verismo) focused on everyday characters in familiar settings, Puccini has long been a favorite of general audiences and acknowledged as one of the main catalysts of American musical theater. Puccini meant for his operas to relate to the common people, and future musical theater writers took this idea a step further by inserting dialogue into their works.

The Atlanta Opera’s production, directed by Tamara Watson Harper, features four outstanding soloists from the company in the roles of Rodolfo, Mimi, Musetta, and Marcello, with a fifth performer serving as narrator of the story. There will be a free post-show meet-and-greet reception with the cast.

Founded in 1979, The Atlanta Opera is one of the finest regional companies in the nation, drawing audiences from the entire metropolitan Atlanta area as well as from throughout the Southeast. The company strives to expand the experience of its patrons with memorable and exciting performances reflecting the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs. The company also attracts the finest international, national, and regional singers, conductors, stage directors and designers.

Advance tickets to La Bohème for general audiences are $20 for adults and $15 seniors 65+. GIAHA members are offered additional discounts: $15 adults and $10 seniors in advance, with reserved seating privileges. On the day of the show, ticket prices are $25 for non-member adults, $20 for non-member seniors, $20 adult members and $15 senior members. In keeping with GIAHA’s policy of making the arts more accessible to the youth of our area, ticket prices for ages 18 and under are always $5, regardless of member status or time of purchase. Tickets may be purchased by phone with credit card or in person at the Ritz Theatre on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or www.goldenislesarts.org. For more information, please call 912-262-6934

Going to the Ritz in Downtown Brunswick, GA

by

The Ritz Theater in downtown Brunswick used to be the place to go for movies. The Ritz remained on top for more than 50 years, from the earliest days of silent film up to the 70’s. This is one of those wonderful old theaters reminding you of Hollywood hay days with deep red velvet, gold and a huge silver screen.

With the arrival of the multiplex theater, cable television and home theaters, times changed for the Ritz. But now, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association has made it possible for us to again experience an old-fashioned movie experience at the Ritz.

When GIAHA brought films back to the Ritz in 2007, the response was overwhelming. Now movies are a regular part of the programming and the Ritz is once again the Grand Old Cinema in downtown Brunswick.

Beginning in July 2009, GIAHA will again present the popular Summer Classic Movies. Escape the summer heat and experience some of the classic films the way they were meant to be seen. If you have young kids or teenagers, this event is definitely something the whole family can enjoy.

The Summer Classic Movies are shown on Thursdays at 7 pm. Tickets are only $5.00 at the door. You can also win door prizes and there’s free popcorn (first come, first served), so make sure to mark your calendar.

Dinner and a Movie
You can even make it a night on the town for the whole family without breaking the bank. Buy your ticket after 5 pm for that night’s show. Go next door to ARTE PIZZA, show them your ticket for any slice of wood-fired pizza, a salad, and a drink for only $5.95. You’ll be back at the Ritz in time for the 6:30 pm short subjects and 7 pm feature.

Here’s the list of the Summer Classics:

July 2 – The Sound of Music (1965)
Do-re-mi…  This is the event for all wanna-be singers and musical lovers. You can be a star too.  Julie Andrews will lead the audience in one  of the most popular musicals ever. The Sing-Along Sound of Music that has packed audiences for years in London, and now Brunswick is next. This film has all the familiar song we love and this time you can watch it on the big screen.  Come in costume (for extra prizes). Dress up as a nun, a lonely goatherd, a drop of golden sun (no Nazis please).

July 9 – All About Eve (1950)
This movie is the winner of six Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and nominated for eight others (including two Best Actress nods). This is one of Bette Davis’s most unforgettable roles (as mercurial, imperious Broadway star Margo Channing). It is also one of the wittiest, most entertaining inside looks at the crazy world of show business.

July 16 – Patton (1970)
Americans love a winner! Those are the words of General George S. Patton (at least according to Francis Ford Coppola’s award-winning screenplay), and audiences loved George C. Scott in his Oscar-winning role as the stubborn, controversial, larger-than-life World War II commander in this powerful screen portrait. It’s all here: the battles, the bravado, the behavior bad and good for which “Old Blood and Guts” was known, brought to amazing life by Scott’s truly remarkable performance.

July 23 – Laura (1944)
Laura is the face in the misty light, the laugh that floats on a summer night, but she’s only a dream…or is she? That’s the question at the heart of this classic 1944 film noir with a twist: the cop investigating a murder falls for the victim! Oozing with atmosphere, Otto Preminger’s “tribute to style over sanity” (according to critic Roger Ebert) takes place in the rarified, decadent world of New York high society, where just about any oily cad could be a killer. And, of course, there’s that unforgettable theme song.

July 30 – Conrack (1974)
The true story of “one beautiful man.” Based on the memoir by author Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides, The Great Santini), this inspiring drama filmed right here in the Golden Isles (worth a look just to spot familiar places) centers on Conroy’s struggles and triumphs as a teacher assigned to an isolated island off the coast of South Carolina. Martin Ritt directs with his characteristically sensitive handling of social issues, and an acclaimed cast contributes brilliant performances to this beloved 1974 film.

For more information, visit www.goldenislesarts.org

Ritz, Brunswick, GA
Ritz, Brunswick, GA

Spoken Word – Jacksonville, Florida

by

Spoken Word is a monthly gathering of artists, writers, and others who enjoy poetry, storytelling and music. On the first Thursday of each month, the lobby of the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum becomes a casual cafe style setting for live open-mic performances by local poets, playwrights, orators, musical vocalists and anyone who has words to share. for more information visit www.ritzlavilla.org