14850 Magazine is the proud media sponsor of the State Theatre of Ithaca’s free holiday classic movie series, which starts this weekend with “Planes, Trains & Automobiles.” Three weeks later there’s a matinee of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Planes, Trains & Automobiles” features a Chicago advertising man (Steve Martin) struggling to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower curtain ring salesman (John Candy) as his only companion. Get your free tickets via Eventbrite on the Facebook event page or State Theatre website for the show, which starts at 7pm on Saturday, November 20.
The Christmas family classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a 2pm matinee on Sunday, December 12 in partnership with Cinemapolis. An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Get free tickets via Eventbrite on the Facebook event page or State Theatre website. Doors open at 1:30.
The State Theatre says the free screenings are made possible by a Community Celebrations grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program and are presented by M&T Bank.
The theatre is still requiring proof of fully vaccinated patrons, staff, artists and crew for admittance to all shows. Everyone 12 and older must have their vaccination card (or a photo of it) or their NYS Excelsior Pass, along with a matching federal or state ID. Children under the age of 12 may provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours prior to when doors open. Masks must be worn at all times in the venue, and may be pulled down only while actively eating or drinking.
Related: Ithaca’s State Theatre will require vaccines, masks, for audiences this fall
“The State Theatre of Ithaca is grateful for Tompkins County Tourism’s Community Celebrations grant, which supports local events that convey the unique culture and history of Tompkins County and enhances the quality of life for residents,” says State Theatre executive director Doug Levine. “Community Celebrations grants helps us expand contemporary culture in ways that are informative, educational, and just plain fun.”
Also coming up at the State are concerts like Mt. Joy and Shakey Graves Was Here, speakers Al Franken and Tig Notaro, and an Ithaca Ballet presentation of “The Nutcracker.” More info is at stateofithaca.org.
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