Films of all variety hit Ellen silver screen before deviously immersive Maids
Downtown Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre is set to present a special screening of James Corden in One Man, Two Guvnors on Friday, February 21st. The host of CBS’ Late Late Show and “Carpool Karaoke” stars in this production straight from London’s National Theatre. The Sunday Times proclaimed, “James Corden is a hit!” The Daily Mail dubbed the show “the funniest on the planet.” The Guardian added, “One of the funniest productions in the National’s history.” This nonstop laugh-out-loud comedy went on to New York for a sold-out run on Broadway, topped by a Tony Award-winning performance by Corden. The screening begins at 7:30pm. All seats $17.50.
In advance of its spring staging of Cyrano de Bergerac, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks sponsors a FREE showing of Roxanne on Saturday, February 22nd. The modern take on the classic tale stars Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah. The film will serve as a hilarious appetizer for the local production opening March 20th featuring Tony-nominated Jeffrey McCarthy in the title role.
A family film closes out the weekend on Sunday, February 23rd when animated feature Abominable screens at 2pm. DreamWorks and Pearl Studios’ box office hit centers around a group of teenagers who embark on an epic quest to reunite Everest the magical Yeti with his family. The friends must stay one step ahead of Burnish (Eddie Izzard), a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) to help Everest get home. Tickets are only $4 at the door.
Wolf Haven International will present award-winning documentary The Trouble with Wolves on Wednesday, February 26th. Experience a close-up look at one of the most heated and controversial wildlife conservation debates of our time. This film explores whether coexistence is truly possible by hearing from people directly involved, including Doug Smith, project leader of the Wolf Restoration Project in Yellowstone. Directed by Collin Monda, the FREE screening begins at 7pm.
Once exterminated from the lower 48 states, wolves have made a triumphant return to Yellowstone and the surrounding states. Hailed as, ‘the greatest animal conservation success in human history,’ to many others living in the areas affected, the story is dramatically different. There is after all, a reason wolves have been, and continue to be, the world’s most controversial predator. But the question remains: Do they deserve a place on this landscape? The film runs 50 minutes.
And late this month, The Ellen invites audiences to “get up close and personal” with Jean Genet’s classic play The Maids. Presented by Nervous Theatre and based on an actual 1933 murder case, this particular production has quite the twist – patrons will be sitting on stage, with the hair-raising action happening all around them. Shows are set for Friday and Saturday, February 28th and 29th at 7:30pm, with a closing Sunday matinee on March 1st at 3pm.
This nail-biting psychodrama centers on two domestic servants who deeply resent their social position. Each night, when their socialite employer is away, sisters Claire and Solange, wanting to solve the inequity, perform a dangerous ceremony plotting how best to murder their mistress. As the line blurs between fantasy and reality, each audience member will have an intimate view of the proceedings.
The Maids features Annabella Joy (Company, Woman on Stage, Man from Audience), Los Angeles-based actor Connor Berkompas (Joe Hardy, Damn Yankees) and Brooklyn-based writer and performer Sympathie the Clown. Please note: this show contains some adult language and mature themes. All seats are $20.
Wine, beer and other refreshments will be sold in the lobby one hour before each event. 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. •