The Irvington Town Hall has brought back the Best of Film Series this season which produces features films as they have done for over 7 seasons. On Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm, we will present the film BEYOND GLORY where actor Stephen Lang tells the stories of eight Medal of Honor recipients in their own words, as he tours across the Heartland, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, New York and Los Angeles.
Based on the New York Times best-selling book by former Irvington resident Larry Smith, the story was first told as a one-man play with over 100 performances at The Roundabout Theater in New York City starring Stephen Lang. Filmmaker Larry Brand took notice and worked with Lang to create this startling synthesis of cinema and theater which takes audiences on a journey through the desperate conflicts of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Changing character with quicksilver virtuosity, Lang reaches deep into his reservoirs of emotion and pain, FORTITUDE and courage, humility and joy, embodying the personae of eight warriors with remarkable stories to tell. With equal skill, director Brand employs a wide cinematic arsenal to frame, enhance, and illuminate these stories. The result is a unique melding of two art forms.
Best of Film Series chair Beth Ryan says, "We think this is an incredible film to remind Americans the amazing sacrifice made by those that serve and protect. Something to unite us during this season of thanksgiving, remembrance, and celebration."
Actor Stephen Lang is known for film, television, and stage. His latest film is the Song/ScreenGems thriller DON'T BREATHE, in which Lang is "The Blind Man", a performance already garnering critical accolades. For television he will continue his role as Waldo, the crippled assassin, in AMC's genre-bending martial arts series, INTO THE BADLANDS, and his ghostly presence will also continue to be felt as Increase Mather in WGN's hit series SALEM. On the big-screen, Lang is currently preparing to reprise and expand on his iconic role as Colonel Miles Quaritch in 4 sequels to James Cameron's AVATAR.
Lang recently received the "Special Jury Prize for Acting" awards at the Phoenix Film Festival for his performance documentary BEYOND GLORY, which tracks the ten year odyssey behind his acclaimed solo performance piece about eight Medal of Honor recipients. Theater awards and nominations include The Tony, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Joseph Jefferson, Helen Hayes, and Outer Critics Awards.
"As a building that produces both theater and film, this event is a great combination of both," says Theater Manager Greg Allen. "We are excited to offer this to not only the veterans in our area, but to everyone to see what honor truly is."
This special event will include a Q&A with director Larry Brand and author Larry Smith who wrote the 2004 New York Times bestseller, Beyond Glory, Medal of Honor Heroes In Their Own Words.
Seating is general admission and all tickets are $10 (tickets subject to processing fees and are always lower when purchased in advance online). Irvington Town Hall Theater is located at 85 Main Street in Irvington, NY. The entrance is on the side on N. Ferris Street. www.irvingtontheater.com
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