Ian McKellan stars in “King Lear.” (Photo courtesy Johan Persson)
Happenings
This is such an exciting week at Lincoln Theater — from the chance to see the great Sir Ian McKellen as he performs live on the London stage to being provoked by the master filmmaker Spike Lee, and from pondering the complexity of bookshop relationships to enjoying live Dixieland jazz on the Lincoln Theater stage. And then there’s “The Lorax.” The theater’s fall programming is blasting off.
National Theatre Live: ‘King Lear’
Broadcast live as it is happening from London’s West End, see Sir Ian McKellen’s “extraordinarily moving portrayal” (Independent) of King Lear on the big screen at Lincoln Theater. Chichester Festival Theatre’s production received five-star reviews for its sellout run and it transferred to the West End for a limited run. Jonathan Munby directs this “nuanced and powerful” (The Times) contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s tender, violent, moving, and shocking play. Tickets: $15/$13/$5. Screens Thursday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m.
‘The Bookshop’ (PG; 1 hour, 53 minutes)
England, 1959: Free-spirited widow Florence Green (played by Emily Mortimer) risks everything to open a bookshop in a conservative East Anglian coastal town. While bringing about a surprising cultural awakening through works by Ray Bradbury and Vladimir Nabokov, she earns the polite but ruthless opposition of a local grand dame (Patricia Clarkson) and the support and affection of a reclusive book loving widower (Bill Nighy). As Florence’s obstacles amass and bear suspicious signs of a local power struggle, she is forced to ask: is there a place for a bookshop in a town that may not want one? Based on Penelope Fitzgerald’s acclaimed novel and directed by Isabel Coixet (“Learning to Drive”), “The Bookshop” is an elegant-yet-incisive rendering of personal resolve, tested in the battle for the soul of a community. Final screening: Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
‘BlacKkKlansman’ (R; 2 hours, 15 minutes)
From visionary filmmaker Spike Lee comes the incredible true story of an American hero. It’s the early 1970s, and Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. The young detective soon recruits a more seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), into the undercover investigation of a lifetime. Together, they team up to take down the extremist hate group as the organization aims to sanitize its violent rhetoric to appeal to the mainstream. Plays Friday, Sept. 28 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. (note the late start time); Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Thursday, Oct. 4 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Stories to Screen: Dr. Seuss’ ‘The Lorax’ (PG; 1 hour, 26 minutes)
A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it, he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy-yet-charming creature who fights to protect his world. Plays Saturday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. Copies of the book will be available starting at 9:30 a.m. This is a free event.
Free Dixieland jazz celebration (2 hours)
Eat, drink, and be merry at a free community performance of the State Street Traditional Jazz Band to celebrate the life of Mary Ann Betke and in appreciation of the Lincoln Theater. Doors open at 4 p.m.; food and beverage will be available and provided by Stone Cove Catering. Music fans, young and old, are invited to join in the fun. No formal clothes, please, just casual attire. All are welcome to enjoy this free event. Sunday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. (doors) and 4:30 p.m. (concert).
Upcoming films
“Dawnland,” with special guest Dawn Neptune, plays Wednesday, Oct. 10
“Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf” plays Thursday, Oct. 11, matinee only
Classic Film Club: “Doctor Zhivago” (PG-13) opens Thursday, Oct. 11
“The Wife” (R) opens Friday, Oct. 12
“Fahrenheit 11/9” (R) opens Friday, Oct. 19
Judi Dench and Maggie Smith in “Tea with the Dames (There is Nothing Like a Dame)” opens Friday, Oct. 26
Upcoming special events
Pumpkinfest – stay tuned for a complete listing of Lincoln Theater Pumpkinfest activities.
A new season from The Met: Live in HD kicks off Saturday, Oct. 6 with Verdi’s “Aida.”
Finally
Movie tickets prices are $8 and $6. Event ticket prices vary. For more information, go to lcct.org, call the box office at 563-3424, drop by at 2 Theater St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, or email info@lcct.org. Like Lincoln Theater on Facebook. Go to lcct.org to sign up for Lincoln Theater’s weekly e-blast.
