RICHMOND, VA – May 4, 2016 – Saturday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m., Richmond families and movie lovers of all ages will follow the yellow brick road to the Byrd Theatre’s series launch of Family Classics, featuring the 1939 Wizard of Oz. Every Saturday at 10:00 a.m., Richmonders will be treated to their favorite family films on the silver screen in Virginia’s Grand Motion Picture Palace, preluded by a classic Warner Brothers cartoon and opening concert by Bob Gulledge at the helm of the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ.
The Theatre excitedly offers this new Saturday series as part of a strategic expansion of programming intended to provide the broadest possible public access to exceptional cinematic experiences.
The initial seven-week series lineup, kindly sponsored by Hollyport Ventures LLC, will kick off with four most popular films selected from fan vote. The box office will open at 9:30 a.m. with the event starting at 10:00 a.m. All films will be offered at the regular $1.99 ticket price.
Seven week schedule:
May 21: Wizard of Oz
May 28: E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
June 4: The Goonies
June 11: Babe
June 18: The Sandlot
June 25: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
July 2: Yankee Doodle Dandy
Starting in early April, movie fans were encouraged to vote online to help determine the film lineup. Fans can continue to suggest additional Saturday titles and themes by visiting http://byrdtheatrefoundation.org/family-classics/.
A special feature for Family Classics, the Byrd will reserve use of the balcony and upper mezzanine lobby specifically for families with infants and young first-time moviegoers still learning theater behavior and prone to lots of questions. There are restrooms on this level and tables will be provided for infant changing. We hope this opportunity opens a new generation of moviegoers to film, while providing a positive experience for all.
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In 2007, the Byrd Theatre Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed to purchase, preserve, and maintain the historic Byrd Theatre, which opened in 1928. The Foundation is executing a revitalization plan to achieve the vision of establishing the Theater as a center for film while ensuring it continues to provide the broadest possible public access to exceptional cinematic experiences.
