VTA Hosts A Mel Brooks Weekend

Victoria Theatre Association and Heidelberg Distributing Company present a showcase of three famous films by zany director Mel Brooks. Movies include: Young Frankenstein (Friday, July 29 7:30 p.m.), Blazing Saddles (July 30 7:30 p.m.), and The Producers (July 31 3 p.m.) at the historic Victoria Theatre in downtown Dayton. Admission to each film is $5.

Young Frankenstein (1974) July 29 7:30 p.m.

Mel Brooks' dark comedy starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Peter Boyle and Marty Feldman, follows the story of Dr. Frankenstein's grandson as he attempts to live down the Frankenstein family's haunting reputation. The young neurosurgeon inherits his grandfather's castle and begins work to duplicate his grandfather's experiments.

Did you know this classic was made into a hit Broadway musical? With hilarious musical adaptations, including a side-splitting "Puttin' on the Ritz" number, Tony®- nominated parody Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein comes to Dayton October 4-9 at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center as part of the 2011-2012 Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series.

Tickets for the general public go on sale at 6:30 p.m. - one hour prior to the showing of the film Young Frankenstein. Tickets for Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein the musical are also available (after July 29) at Ticket Center Stage and be purchased at the Schuster Center box office in downtown Dayton, by phone at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630, or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Blazing Saddles (1974) July 30 7:30 p.m.

Mel Brooks leads an unforgettable cast (Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder and Slim Pickens) through this comedic western. Blazing Saddles storyline is settled around the plot of a corrupt political leader who appoints a black sheriff in an attempt to ruin a town. Little does he know that this new sheriff will become one of his biggest competitors in the Wild West.

The Producers (1968) July 31 3 p.m.

No Mel Brooks weekend would be complete without a showing of one of his most famous films, The Producers. Written and directed by Brooks, The Producers tells the story of how a down-on-his-luck producer and a timid accountant hatch a plan to create the ultimate flop of a Broadway show. Their choice? "Springtime for Hitler."

PLEASE NOTE: The Producers will be shown on DVD as there is not a 35mm print available.

Films are shown at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays in the air-conditioned comfort of the Victoria Theatre. Recreating the feel of the old-time movie palaces, guests may enjoy FREE popcorn and soda in the lobby beginning one hour prior to show time. You can see Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, The Producers and the rest of the films in the series for just $5 each, or $28 for a 10-ticket passbook - a great entertainment bargain!

Individual tickets for the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series are available in advanced at Ticket Center Stage or the day-of-show at the Victoria Theatre box office, beginning one hour prior to showtime.

For the full scoop on this summer's series, including video clips and much more, go to www.victoriatheatre.com/11-films-series. Be sure to also visit our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for exclusive Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series updates and offers.

Upcoming Films

The Wizard of Oz (1939) - August 5-7
Color
101 minutes
Directed by Victor Fleming
Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan and Ray Bolger
Luckily there's no need to worry about lions, tigers or bears when this beloved film comes to the Victoria Theatre. Sing along as you watch Judy Garland's unforgettable performance and travel through the Land of Oz.

The African Queen (1951) - August 12-14
Color
101 minutes
Directed by John Huston
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn and Robert Morley
What could possibly happen to two people travelling down a river in Africa in a run-down boat? A whole lot of adventure! Humphrey Bogart won an Oscar® for his portrayal of Charlie Allnut, and with the strong and independent Katharine Hepburn by his side the duo can take on anything the jungle throws at them--even the Germans!

Rear Window (1954) - August 19-21
Color
101 minutes
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: James Stewart, Grace Kelly and Wendell Corey
Hitchcock knows how to keep an audience in suspense--and this film is no exception. When L.B. Jeffries (James Stewart) breaks his leg, he is left to entertain himself by spying on his neighbors. His interest is piqued when one neighbor's nagging wife suddenly disappears. Grace Kelly stars as Stewart's love interest in this classic thriller.

Grease (1978) - August 26-28
Color
110 minutes
Directed by Randal Kleiser
Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Stockard Channing
Are you born to hand jive? Spend the last of your summer nights dancing and singing along with the cast of Grease! Still one of the most adored movies of all time, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in this catchy musical about the ups and downs of young love. You'll feel like you're back in high school all over again!!

For more information about the series and Victoria Theatre Association's entire season, visit www.victoriatheatre.com.

Don't Miss a Dayton News Story Sign up for all the news on the Winter season, discounts & more...