Sembrich Film Series Begins With 2021 Hit Film In The Heights
The Sembrich Film series, part of The Sembrich’s 2022 Summer Festival Reimagining the Classics, begins on Monday, June 27, at 7:30 PM with In the Heights (2021). Based on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, this recent blockbuster is an exuberant celebration of heritage and community on New York City’s upper west side.
“2021 proved to be a banner year for film adaptations of Broadway musicals. Three of the year’s prime releases serve as the pillars for this summer’s film series,” says Artistic Director Richard Wargo.” In between those musical blockbusters are two early Hollywood classics, totally reimagined with new scores.”
“We’re so excited to host movie nights here on the lakeshore and The Sembrich Studio,” says Director of Outreach Caleb Eick. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to The Sembrich!”
In the Heights centers on a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights. Usnavi, a bodega owner who looks after the aging Cuban lady next door, pines for the gorgeous girl working in the neighboring beauty salon, and dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Nina, a childhood friend of Usnavi's, has returned to the neighborhood from college with surprising news for her parents, who have spent their life savings on building a better life for their daughter. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighborhood get a dose of what it means to be home.
The Sembrich Film Series continues throughout the summer months with additional screenings:
Monday, June 27 - 7:30 PM - In The Heights (2021)
An exuberant celebration of heritage and community on New York’s upper west side. Based on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical - a perfect start to summer! Outdoors - Free Admission.
Monday, July 11 - 7:30 PM - Dracula (1931)
A screening of the horror classic starring Bela Lugosi, featuring an evocative new score by Philip Glass performed on the soundtrack by the acclaimed Kronos Quartet. Outdoors - Free Admission.
Monday, July 25 - 7:30 PM - Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
The highly acclaimed musical comes to the big screen with Ben Platt reprising his Tony Award-winning performance as a troubled teen maneuvering the challenges and perils of social media. Outdoors - Free Admission.
Monday, August 8 - 7:30 PM - Sunrise, A Song Of Two Humans (1927)
The Sembrich, together with the Summerland Music Society, reimagines the classic silent film Sunrise, A Song of Two Humans with a live musical score performed by the progressive Brooklyn-based duo Tenth Intervention. Indoors - Tickets: $20.
Monday, August 22 - 7:30 Pm - West Side Story (2021)
Bernstein’s musical masterpiece, reimagined for the screen by director Steven Spielberg, is “an ecstatic… vividly dreamed, cunningly modified and visually staggering revival. No one but Spielberg could have brought it off.” - The Guardian. This showing is generously sponsored by Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation. Outdoors - Free Admission.
Reservations and tickets are available at TheSembrich.org/festival.