By Ricky Thompson
For moviegoers constantly finding themselves dependent on the kindness of strangers to pay for their ticket, look no further than the Wang Theatre’s recently revitalized “Motion Picture Mondays” series.
The program, which was previously known as the “Classic Film Series,” has been in effect at the theatre since its renovation in 1990.
Since then, it has offered patrons a free opportunity each month to enjoy one of Hollywood’s timeless productions in a setting typical of the splendor moviegoers would have experienced when it was constructed in 1925.
Beginning Jan. 31 with a screening of the 1951 theatrical rendition of the Tennessee Williams’ play, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the Wang is taking the series in a new direction by selecting films that are “reflective of the diverse programming seen on its performance stage as well as that of the Shubert Theatre,” said Jordan Lub-owitz, a middler journalism major.
Lubowitz, who recently began her co-op in the Wang Center’s Marketing and Communications department, said their intention is now to present a variety of the American and Shakespearean plays that are portrayed free each year in the Boston Common, as well as a variety of their own Broadway musicals and dance productions.
“This season, our film lineup includes a nod to each [category],” Lubowitz said.
“A Streetcar Named Desire,” which is listed by the American Film Institute as one of the “100 Greatest American Movies of All Time,” stars Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and later went on to receive four of them, including Best Actress (Leigh) and Best Screenplay (Williams).
On Feb. 14, the theatre is scheduled to screen 1998’s “Shakespeare in Love,” starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck.
In addition, the Valentine’s Day performance will also launch a new post-show concept by the Wang Theatre, which has been billed as a “Martini Wrap” party, Lubowitz said.
“For $15, you get to see the film and have a cocktail in our private lounge,” she said. In addition, patrons will be granted a Wang Center membership after attending three of these.
Membership to the center includes invitations to special events held at the Wang throughout the year. Members are also entitled to enter the theatre before the general public during “Motion Picture Mondays.”
The 1987 movie “Dirty Dancing,” for which Patrick Swayze was nominated for a Golden Globe, will be featured April 4.
Freshman undecided major Jean Brodian, a “Dirty Dancing” fan who has never been to the Wang Theatre, was enticed by the prospect of checking out the historic venue on the house.
“I’d be interested in something like that,” she said of the March screening.
Like Brodian, many realize that the evening’s cost of admission simply can’t be beat.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to see a free movie,” Lubowitz said.
All screenings will begin at 7 p.m., with the doors opening to the general public 45 minutes prior.
Judging by the program’s track record, arriving at the theatre early is something to keep in mind.
“As far as our audience size, we generally have a large crowd,” Lubowitz said. “We’ve had as many as 2,500 people attend in the past, which is great since we’re considerably larger than a regular movie theatre.”
