Free Movie Mondays At OCPAC Offers Theme Contests 7/20, 7/27, And 8/3

Keeping with a tradition begun during last year's Free For All Movie Mondays, the Orange County Performing Arts Center will again hold fun and entertaining pre-performance theme contests for this summer's free film screenings of Annie (July 20), Footloose (July 27) and Mamma Mia! (August 3). The contests include: best look-a-like of the title character for Annie, coolest ‘80s dance moves for Footloose and a trivia contest for Mamma Mia! with questions about the show and the pop group ABBA.

The theme contests are open to all moviegoers and will start at approximately 7:30 p.m. The winners will be awarded prizes such as tickets to the Orange County Fair and the musical Annie when it visits the Center during its 30th anniversary tour January 29 - 31 and other fun-filled prizes. Last year's contests had dozens of contestants, and more are anticipated as word of the popular series grows.

Movie Mondays is part of the Center's Free for All Series and is a great way for families to spend time together at no cost. This summer's series will kick off with the original version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory which is being presented in partnership with public radio station KCRW-Santa Monica (89.9. FM and KCRW.com) on July 13.

The alfresco series is held on the Center's community plaza with the films projected on the side of Segerstrom Hall. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or other easily portable seating items. Setup begins at 5:30 p.m. with the movie starting at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.). In a continuing partnership with the Newport Beach Film Festival, a selection of the best short animated films from this year's festival will be shown prior to the main feature. Guests may bring their own snacks and picnic suppers. Patina Catering will have assorted snacks and beverages available for purchase. Barbecues and similar food preparation will not be permitted. 

July 13 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Orange County listeners make up a significant part of the audience for public radio station KCRW-Santa Monica (KCRW.com). KCRW helps kick off this year's Movie Mondays with a film that has captivated audiences for nearly 40 years, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Matt Holzman, host of KCRW's Matt's Movies, will be at the Center to get the night going. Released in 1971, the film faithfully follows the classic children's book by Roald Dahl. Charlie Bucket, a boy with no money and a good heart enters into a magical world when he wins the chance to visit the mysterious chocolate factory owned by the eccentric recluse Willy Wonka and run by his crew of Oompa-Loompas. Once behind the gates, a cast of colorful characters join Charlie and his Grandpa Joe on an amazing adventure. Rated G, 1971, 1 hour and 40 minutes.

July 20 - Annie (Contest: best Annie look-a-like)
Based on the Tony® Award-winning musical, this family-friendly movie follows the story of Annie, a fiery young orphan with a heart of gold. The film boasts a cast with legendary performers such as Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Tim Curry and Ann Reinking, and was directed by John Huston, his only movie musical. With a memorable score including "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street" and the everoptimistic "Tomorrow," you can bet your bottom dollar that Annie will bring a smile to your face. Fans of Annie can also see the musical when the 30th anniversary tour visits the Center January 29 - 31, 2010. Rated G, 1982, 2 hours, 7 minutes. 

July 27 - Footloose (Contest: coolest ‘80s dance moves)
When a big city boy from Chicago moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned, he's in for a real case of culture shock. This story of teen rebellion and repression features a best-selling soundtrack with songs such as the title track by Kenny Loggins, "Let's Hear It for the Boy," "Holding Out for a Hero," "Dancing in the Sheets" and "Almost Paradise." In addition to Bacon, Singer and Lithgow, the cast also includes famous names Dianne Weist, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Penn. The movie went on to become the basis for a popular Broadway musical. Rated PG, 1984, 1 hour, 47 minutes.

August 3 - Mamma Mia! (Contest: trivia contest for Mamma Mia!/ABBA)
Mamma Mia! is a stage-to-film adaptation of the blockbuster musical of the same name. The story of the bride-to-be trying to find her real father is told using 22 hitsongs by the successful 70s pop group from Sweden, ABBA. The multi-talented cast uses their own voices to sing familiar songs such as "Dancing Queen," "Take a Chance on Me" and "The Winner Takes It All." The highest-grossing film musical of all time, the title originates from ABBA's 1975 chart-topper "Mamma Mia." Rated PG-13, 2008, 1 hour and 48 minutes.

For more information visit www.ocpac.org.

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