VTA Screens 'My Fair Lady' Through Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series

One of films most famous and beloved musicals, My Fair Lady, will be presented on the big screen as part of Victoria Theatre Association's 2010 Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series at the historic Victoria Theatre in Dayton for three performances, July 30 -August 1.

Directed by George Cukor, this lovely Oscar-winning film version of the Broadway musical was made in 1964 starring Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway, and Wilfrid Hyde-White. According to John Beaufort with The Christian Science Monitor, My Fair Lady is "...One of the 'loverliest' shows imaginable ... a work of theatre magic," and considered "One of the best musicals of the century," says The New York Times' Brooks Atkinson.

My Fair Lady, a musical based upon George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, is the story of Eliza Doolittle (Hepburn), a Cockney flower girl who takes speech lessons from Professor Henry Higgins (Harrison) so she can pass as a lady. With book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, My Fair Lady has memorable musical scores include "Wouldn't It Be Lovely", "The Rain in Spain", and "I Could Have Danced All Night".

The musical's 1956 Broadway production was a great success, setting what was then the record for the longest run of any major musical theater production in Broadway history. My Fair Lady won eight Academy Awards, including Best Music, Best Costume Design, and Best Cinematography.

Films are shown at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays in the Victoria Theatre. Recreating the feel of the old-time Victory movie palace, guests may enjoy free popcorn and soda in the lobby beginning one hour prior to show time, a Mighty Wurlitzer organ concert beginning 30 minutes prior to show time, and a classic cartoon just before the movie. Tickets are just $5 each, or $26 for a 10-ticket passbook.

Individual tickets are available day-of-show at the Victoria Theatre box office, beginning one hour prior to show time. Passbooks are a great way to experience each film in the series or bring friends and family to one film and save almost half the amount you would spend on individual tickets! Passbooks are on sale now through Ticket Center Stage.

Tickets may be purchased at the Center Stage Box Office, located in downtown Dayton, by phone at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630, or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com - click on Victoria Theatre Association, then Michelob Ultra Cool Films.

For the full scoop on this summer's series, including video clips and much more, go to www.victoriatheatre.com and click on "Michelob Ultra Cool Films." Be sure to also visit our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for exclusive Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series updates, trivia and special offers.

2009-2010 Michelob Ultra Cool Film Series line-up

Animal House (1978) - Aug. 6-8

Color 109 mins

Directed by John Landis

Starring Kevin Bacon, John Belushi, Tom Hulce, Stephen Furst

It's true. National Lampoon's Animal House's depiction of college life has been deemed "culturally significant" by the Library of Congress and is preserved in the National Film Registry. Consider it part of your Gen Eds. Toga! Toga! Toga! THIS FILM IS RATED R for crude sexual content, nudity, language, and some drug use. Animal House is not suitable for those under 17 unless they are accompanied by an adult.

Indiana Jones Weekend-Aug. 13, 14, and 15

It wouldn't be summer without a blockbuster or two. How about three? This summer, the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series pays tribute to Indiana Jones, with three classics from the adventure collection: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Aug. 13; Temple of Doom (1984), Aug. 14; and The Last Crusade (1989), Aug. 15. Join Indy as he escapes Nazis, ritual sacrifice, and, of course, snakes.

Casablanca (1942) - Aug. 20-22

Black & White 102 mins

Directed by Michael Curtiz

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains

Ilsa may never actually say "play it again, Sam," but Casablanca is still one of America's most beloved and romantic films. The timeless story of Rick and Ilsa and the war that kept them apart (and brought them together) stars Humphrey Bogart in his first romantic lead and Ingrid Bergman in her most famous role. Nominated for eight Academy Awards®, Casablanca won Best Director and Best Picture in 1943.

Fiddler on the Roof (1971) - Aug. 27-29

Color 181mins

Directed by Norman Jewison

Starring Chaim Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon

In this musical based on the stories of Shalom Aleichem, Tevye the milkman tries to balance tradition, religion and marrying off his daughters in pre-revolutionary Russia. Fiddler on the Roof was nominated for 1971's Academy Award® for Best Picture.

For more information about Victoria Theatre Association's entire 2010-2011 season, visit www.victoriatheatre.com.

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