The Ohio Theatre
39 E. State St. between Third and High streets
July 17-August 30
Adventure, laughter, love and blood-chilling creepiness – all this and more are yours at the CAPA Summer Movie Series at the Ohio Theatre.
This year, “the longest-running classic film series in America” features 20 films, including musicals, a Western, suspense, comedy, a silent film, mornings of classic cartoons, “Late Nite Fridays" and “Chick Flick Fridays.” (Please note: “Late Nite Fridays” are R-rated.)
A Night Out in Grand Style
Summer movies at the Ohio are a 39-year old tradition. But movies were always meant to be played at the Ohio. Though the Columbus Symphony and touring Broadway shows now play regularly at the theater, the Ohio Theatre opened in 1928 as a Loew's movie house.And not just any movie house. Architect Thomas W. Lamb wanted to build “a palace for the average man.” The result? A 2,779-seat Spanish-Baroque wedding cake, complete with a 21-foot-high chandelier.
This season, the theater has a brand new screen, one large enough to show the raw power and fury of the chariot race in Ben Hur. The Series sponsor, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), also added a digital projector. So now the Series can show films that are hard to find in 35mm format, like Slap Shot and South Pacific.
The Mighty Morton
Some people come to the Series just to watch Clark Wilson play the “Mighty Morton,” the theater’s original organ. 30 minutes before each film, and again at intermission, the gleaming white organ rises slowly from the orchestra pit. Wilson, a cheerful showman in tails, is the only person to ever win both the Technician of the Year and Organist of the Year awards from the American Theatre Organ Society.In keeping with Series tradition, Wilson will accompany the Series’ silent feature, Wings. This is your chance to experience a silent film as it was originally shown in theaters. And what a great film to experience it with; Wings won the very first Oscar for Best Picture.
Tickets
The cheapest way to see the movies is to buy CAPA Summer Movie Series Ticket Strips before August 9. Strips of 10 tickets cost $25. They are good for any film. There are three ways to purchase Ticket Strips:- At the Ohio Theatre ticket office, 39 E. State St.;
- By phone at (614) 469-0939;
- Online at www.ticketmaster.com.
If you want to purchase day-of-show tickets, the kiosk opens one hour before the movie begins. Individual tickets are $4; senior citizen tickets are $3.50. All tickets are general admission, and seating is on a first come, first served basis. Check the 2009 Summer Movie Series Schedule for dates and films.