CAPA to premiere series of classic films at Ohio Theatre

Movie goers searching for a classic summer movie experience – outside of the traditional theater – need to look no further. Columbus Association for the Performing Arts kicks off the 38th season of its Summer Movie Series Friday night at the Ohio Theatre.

The 1959 Alfred Hitchcock thriller, “North by Northwest,” is the first of 22 movies of the series this summer. The film starring Cary Grant is showing Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“These movies bring so many memories for so many people,” said Rich Corsi, director of programming for CAPA. “People who went years ago are taking their kids and grandkids. It is getting passed down from generation to generation.”

Corsi said that CAPA has kept the long-running series interesting after 38 years by diversifying the selections and spacing out the movies, leaving a seven-year gap between most movie showings. In addition, more than half of this season’s movies are series premieres including “12 Angry Men,” “Tootsie” and “The Princess Bride.”

Last year, CAPA added showings of classic cartoons and children’s programming on Saturday mornings. This summer, CAPA presents Warner Brother’s “Cartoon Capers” July 28, and “The Muppet Movie” on Aug. 18, both at 10 a.m.

“We wanted to try something new and something fresh,” Corsi said. “It was so successful.”

This year, CAPA will also show comedic late night movies at 11 p.m. with “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” on July 20, and “Caddyshack” on Aug. 3.

The Summer Movie Series also features organist Clark Wilson who plays on stage 30 minutes prior to each movie and during intermission.

“There is something about being in the Ohio Theatre watching the live organ,” Corsi said. “People love it.”

According to a statement by CAPA spokesperson Kelly Boggs, 10 general-admission tickets can be purchased for $21.50 or a single ticket on the day of show for $3.50. The series continues Wednesdays through Sundays during the summer with matinee and evening screenings until Aug. 26.

The minimal cost and overall experience of watching a classic movie in the historic Ohio Theatre creates fun for the whole family, Corsi said.

“It’s amazing because you’ll see an 8-year-old kid, a 35-year-old parent and a grandparent,” Corsi said. “It’s fun to see so many different generations coming to these movies.”

Even though some students might be skeptical of classic movies, Ian Bostick, a junior in film studies, advises giving them a chance.

“A lot of people see that a movie is in black and white and think that it won’t be exciting,” Bostick said. “Just give it a chance and then give your opinion on it.”

For the full schedule of movie times, check the CAPA Web site at capa.com.

Kate Christobek can be reached at [email protected].