May 13, 2009

The Michigan Theater is pleased to once again recognize the contributions to our country by members of the U.S. military. Throughout Memorial Day Weekend - Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25 - both military veterans and active personnel will be admitted FREE to all film screenings at the Michigan Theater.

The films showing Memorial Day Weekend include "VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR," a dramatic story about the fashion designer Valentino Garavani confronting the final act of his celebrated career. The film opens May 22 and runs through May 28 with multiple show times each day. In Italian and French with English subtitles. Not Rated.

Sunday, May 24 & Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day) the Michigan Theater features a special interactive movie event. "SING-A-LONG MARY POPPINS" combines a newly restored 35mm print of the Disney classic with onscreen lyrics for a family event that will have the audience singing along, from the front row to the top of the balcony. The afternoon will also include a costume parade and a complimentary swag bag containing kazoos, miniature umbrellas and other props. Rated G. Show time is 3:00 pm each day. Special pricing applies (for non-military personnel).

Veterans and servicemen and servicewomen are also eligible for a discounted ticket price of $7.00 for regular Michigan Theater-sponsored movies all year round. This program is made possible by a generous grant from the Merton & Regina Allen Memorial Fund. The primary purpose of the fund, established through the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, is "to support programming, events and special initiatives for United Sates Armed Forces veterans, with preference to disabled veterans and those who served in action, at the Michigan Theater (a Code Section 501(c)(3) organization)."

Sponsors of Sing-a-Long Mary Poppins include Gretchen's House Child Development Centers and Michigan Radio. The Sing-a-Long Series Sponsor is Potbelly Sandwich Works.