Free 'Movie Mondays' return

COSTA MESA - The Orange County Performing Arts Center will continue their series of free "Movie Mondays" in its community plaza beginning July 13.This summer's movies include the original version of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" with Gene Wilder; the beloved tale of "Annie" starring Albert Finney, Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters; the 80s smash hit "Footloose" featuring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer and John Lithgow; and the international sensation "Mamma Mia!" with Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth. The alfresco "Movie Mondays" series is held in the Center's 46,000 square-foot community plaza with the films projected on the side of Segerstrom Hall. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.). The movie schedule: July 13 - "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" - Released in 1971, the film faithfully follows the classic children's book by Roald Dahl. Charlie Bucket, a boy with no money and a good heart, enters into a magical world when he wins the chance to visit the mysterious chocolate factory owned by the eccentric recluse Willy Wonka and run by his crew of Oompa Loompas. Once behind the gates, a cast of colorful characters join Charlie and his Grandpa Joe on an amazing adventure. Rated G. July 20 - "Annie" - Based on the Tony Award-winning musical, this family-friendly movie follows the story of Annie, a fiery young orphan with a heart of gold. The film boasts a cast with legendary performers such as Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Tim Curry and Ann Reinking, and was directed by John Huston, his only movie musical. With a memorable score including "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow," you can bet "Annie" will bring a smile to your face. Rated G. July 27 - "Footloose" - When a big city boy from Chicago moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned, he's in for a real case of culture shock. This story of teen rebellion and repression features a best-selling soundtrack with songs such as the title track by Kenny Loggins, "Let's Hear It for the Boy," "Holding Out for a Hero," "Dancing in the Sheets," and "Almost Paradise." In addition to Bacon, Singer and Lithgow, the cast also includes famous names Dianne Weist, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Penn. Rated PG. Aug. 3 - "Mamma Mia!" - "Mamma Mia!" is a stage-to-film adaptation of the blockbuster musical of the same name. The story of the bride-to-be trying to find her real father is told using 22 hit songs by the successful 70s pop group from Sweden, ABBA. The multi-talented cast uses their own voices to sing familiar songs such as "Dancing Queen," "Take a Chance on Me," and "The Winner Takes It All." The highest-grossing musical of all time, the title originates from ABBA's 1975 chart-topper "Mamma Mia." Rated PG-13.

********** Published: June 12, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 8