Downtown’s Ellen Theatre, a cornerstone of Bozeman culture, is your source for some of the area’s best big screen entertainment and stage performances. The space also houses some great musical acts, both local and those coming through town. Here’s a look at what’s happening on Main.
The 2019 Tracy Awards will take place Friday, May 3rd at 7pm. The show is a celebration of the senior film students in Montana State University’s School of Film and Photography. The awards ceremony will highlight films made during the 2018-2019 school year. Tickets to this event are $13 for adults and $10 for students.
On Sunday, May 5th, enjoy an evening of incredible entertainment with The Ellen Birthday Bash at 7pm. Kick off the 100th Anniversary with the entire family at this hilarious extravaganza, jam-packed with music, magic, comedy and more. Joining in the fun are Comedy Magician of the Year Dana Daniels and swingin’ piano man Ray Templin!
Daniels is a razor-sharp Las Vegas regular and world-class headliner at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle. Templin mastered the ivories at Disneyland’s Main Street Coke Corner and has been seen in several television shows and movies, including the role of the resident piano player at “Ray’s Place” on NBC’s Matlock. Tickets for the evening celebration are $19.19 and $9 for youth 17 and under.
The Second String Orchestra will present “Spring Thaw” with special guest cellist extraordinaire Julia Slovarp on Saturday, May 11th at 7pm. The performance will include The Queen of Sheba by Handel, selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 and Grieg’s Holberg Suite, as well as works by Lauridsen, Parry, and a premiere by local composer Royce Wilkinson written for the orchestra. Slovarp will perform Monn’s Concerto for Cello in G minor. This event is FREE and open to the public. Doors at 6pm.
Following on Sunday, May 12th, Shrek 2 screens at 2pm. In the family favorite, newlyweds Shrek and Fiona return from their honeymoon to an invitation from Fiona’s parents – they want to meet her new husband, assuming she has married Prince Charming. Reluctantly, the young couple make the journey and, as the truth is uncovered, chaos ensues amongst the cast of our familiar, beloved characters and new favorites met along the way from Fiona’s Fairy Godmother to the swashbuckling cat Puss in Boots. The movie received two Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song and stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, and John Cleese. Admission is only $3 at the door!
Looking ahead, TATE Academy presents their Spring production, the musical Willy Wonka Jr. on Saturday, May 18th at 7pm and Sunday, May 19th at 3pm. Based on the beloved Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the show features many delightful characters such as Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Charlie Bucket, the Oompa Loompas, and the charismatic Candy Man himself, Willy Wonka. The cast is comprised of 31 young actors and the production runs just over one hour. Tickets are $9.50 for adults and $6.50 for youth 17 and under.
Wine, beer, and other refreshments will be sold in the lobby one hour before all events. Ticketing and further information about these and other upcoming happenings is available at www.theellentheatre.org. For additional inquiries, call (406) 585-5885 or stop into The Ellen box office. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 1–3pm, as well as two hours prior to any event.
