Patchogue’s all-out effort to celebrate America’s 250th birthday will feature a film series at the Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center kicking off on Thursday, June 25, with 1776 The Musical.
“They’re part of the celebration of our 250th anniversary. They’re all excellent movies,” said Tom Ferb, a village trustee and Greater Patchogue Foundation board member.
He added that while “a lot of people may not have seen the 1776 The Musical, it’s pretty spectacular.” This three-time Tony Award winner offers a bold yet lighthearted spin on America’s battle for freedom, featuring film actors William Daniels and Howard DeSilva right off the Broadway stage.
The three-part America on Screen series continues Thursday, July 9, with The Patriot, an Academy Award-nominee that finds a father (Mel Gibson) and son (Heath Ledger) at odds over enlisting in the Continental Army.
Next up on Thursday, Aug. 6, is the critically acclaimed Lone Survivor, which takes viewers into the tragedy of the 2005 Navy SEAL mission in Afghanistan with historical accuracy.
Each of the films starts at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Cinema, located downtown at 20 Terry St.
These events are being sponsored by the Plaza Cinema and America’s 250 Anniversary Committee. They represent just a sampling of the celebratory activity planned for this year, according to Ferb. From schools to library to historical society, all have been encouraged to plan and promote A250 happenings. Toward that end, school children created A250 posters, which will be displayed in downtown windows, Ferb said.
Getting the word out about the many events has “been quite successful,” he said, with over 21,000 views last month on Facebook and Instagram.
Movie-goers have various price options, including tickets to all three shows for a total of $40. This comes with popcorn or soda, as well as a commemorative America 250 pin, according to the website.