Captivating magic, film favorites & much more at storied Ellen Theatre
The Ellen Theatre, a Downtown Bozeman institution, is your source for some of the area’s best big screen entertainment and stage performances. It also houses some great musical acts, both local and those coming through town. Here’s a look at what’s happening downtown.
Western Bear Foundation will present public forum “Can We Bear the Bias – An Expert’s Take on Grizzly Bears” at 4pm on Saturday, March 2nd. Mediated by Right to Roam’s Chris Sheets, panel members will include Hilary Cooley (USFWS Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator), Frank Van Manen (Team Leader of the Inter-agency Grizzly Bear Study), and several state Carnivore Directors from Montana and Wyoming. Guest speaker for the evening will be Shane Mahoney. He is of the most recognized voices in North American conservation, as a leading authority on both the North American Model and the continent’s conservation history. The event will educate the public on grizzly bear conservation and create transparency between managing agencies and the general public. This will be an unbiased campfire-like conversation complete with an audience Q&A. Tickets are $21.50 for adults and $13.50 for youth 17 and under.
On Thursday, March 7th, it’s innovation and artistry – An Evening of Wonders with Vitaly at 7:30pm. This master illusionist has mystified fans from all over the world, including Las Vegas superstars Penn & Teller. He has the distinction of having invented and designed all of his illusions, treating spectators to theatrical, jaw-dropping entertainment that leaves them awestruck. Reserved seats are $31.
On Sunday, March 10th, experience motion picture masterpiece The Princess Bride as it was originally intended – on the big screen! Screening at 2pm, the beloved fairytale about young farmhand Westley who must rescue his one true love, the beautiful Princess Buttercup, from the repulsive Prince Humperdinck. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film stars Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, and other favorites. All seats are only $6.
How about a Friday night flick? Larry David (of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld fame) stars in the off-beat, quirky comedy Whatever Works on March 15th at 7:30pm. A quantum physics genius gives up his posh upper-class existence to find the true meaning in life by renting an apartment in Chinatown. The film also stars Patricia Clarkson, Evan Rachel Wood, Ed Begley, Jr., and Michael McKean. All seats only $6.
Kicking off another Family Film Series on Saturday, March 17th is fantasy comedy Night at the Museum at 2pm. A divorced father takes a job as a night watchman at the American Museum of Natural History and soon discovers the exhibits come to life under the cover of darkness. The movie also features the talents of Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Dick van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Paul Rudd, and Ricky Gervais – only $3 at the door!
Looking ahead, funnyman Tom Papa brings the laughs on Saturday, March 30th at 8pm. A regular on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Conan, Papa has found success in film, TV, radio, podcasts, and on the live stage. He has guest starred on The Jim Gaffigan Show and Inside Amy Schumer, was featured in Chris Rock’s film Top Five, starred opposite Matt Damon in Steven Soderbergh’s The Informant, and appeared in Analyze That alongside Robert DeNiro. Tickets are $29.50.
Wine, beer, and other refreshments will be sold in the lobby one hour before all performances and screenings. Ticketing and further information about these and other upcoming events 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. •
