OC Outdoor Film Festival: Fabulous & Free!
By Stan Jenson
Warm, summer evenings seem to provide us with several additional hours to enjoy ourselves, whether during backyard barbecues, strolls along the beach or a night at the movies. This summer, the Orange County Performing Artscenter gives us something different and fun to do: the third season of Free Movie Mondays on the community plaza. The series presents four full-length Hollywood musicals projected onto a big screen mounted on the wall of Segerstrom Hall. Although a wide cross-section of the population attends, the numerous and highly visible gay groups always have the best-looking dinners and the most stylish blankets and accessories.
This year’s series begins on July 13 with the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory — the one starring Gene Wilder. The songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley are pure dynamite and include “The Candy Man,” “Pure Imagination” and “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket.” Sure, the film is pitched toward kids, but who can resist a factory full of tuneful Oompa Loompas?
Annie is the next film, screened on July 20. The star-studded film features Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Tim Curry and Ann Reinking singing and dancing.
Speaking of dancing, the July 27 screening of Footloose is sure to have audience members on their feet and moving. Kevin Bacon, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Lithgow and Dianne Wiest deliver quality performances to a score that includes “Footloose,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Dancing in the Sheets” and “Almost Paradise.”
The season ends on Aug. 3 with a showing of Mamma Mia, the highest-grossing film musical of all time that stars Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. Audiences no doubt will enthusiastically join in on such ABBA hits as “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and gay anthem “Dancing Queen.” Here’s a free chance to find out why.
Guests are encouraged to bring low beach chairs, blankets and mats to sit on, as well as snacks and picnic suppers. Assorted candies, beverages and fresh popcorn are also available for purchase. Barbecues and similar food preparation are not allowed. Setup begins as early as 5:30 p.m., but films don’t start until dusk, usually around 8:15 p.m. The easiest parking is at the corner of Anton and Avenue of the Arts.
OCPAC is located at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. More information is available at www.ocpac.org or (714) 556-2121.