The Millennium Park Summer Film Series will offer a lineup of popular classic and recent movie selections on Tuesdays, June 4 through August 20, at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. To celebrate 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre, this year's series will co-present each film with a select Chicago theatre company, providing a season-long sampling of themes, ethnicities and genres to reflect the city's rich passion for cinema in all its variety.
DCASE has partnered with 13 local theatre companies to co-produce this summer's film series. Companies include About Face Theatre, AguijÃ"n Theater, Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Children's Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, eta Creative Arts Foundation, Free Street Theater, Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Teatro Vista and Victory Gardens Theater.
Film lovers can take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or spread out a blanket on the Great Lawn to watch their favorite movies on a state-of-the-art, 40-foot LED screen.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series 2019 Schedule
All films start at 6:30 p.m., except the family film on July 9 at 11 a.m.
June 4: Black Panther
Programmed in collaboration with eta Creative Arts Foundation
( 2018, rated PG-13, 135 minutes )
T'Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced African nation of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future while confronting a challenger from his country's past. The Oscar Award-winning action/adventure's cast includes Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Angela Bassett.
June 11: Frida
Programmed in collaboration with Teatro Vista
( 2002, rated R, 123 minutes )
This biography chronicles the bold and uncompromising life of Frida Kahlo, who channeled the pain of a crippling injury and her tempestuous marriage with artist Diego Rivera to become a political, artistic and sexual revolutionary. The Oscar Award-winning film stars Salma Hayek.
June 18: Love, Simon
Programmed in collaboration with About Face Theatre
( 2018, rated PG-13, 110 minutes )
In this coming-of-age tale, teenager Simon Spier makes a love connection with a boy by email. As he discovers who he is corresponding with, he must find himself as well and come to terms with the secret that he is gay. The cast includes Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel.
June 25: Wonder Woman
Programmed in collaboration with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
( 2017, rated PG-13, 149 minutes )
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons and trained warrior. When a pilot crashes on the shores of her sheltered island and tells of a conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and her true destiny. The cast includes Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Robin Wright.
July 2: The Wiz
Programmed in collaboration with Black Ensemble Theater
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz
( 1978, rated G, 136 minutes )
When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasyland called Oz. In search of The Wiz, she eases on down the road with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. The cast of this adaption of the "The Wizard of Oz" includes Diana Ross, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor as The Wiz.
July 9: 10 Things I Hate About You
Programmed in collaboration with Chicago Shakespeare Theater
( 1999, rated PG-13, 99 minutes )
In an update of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, pretty and popular teenager Bianca Stratford cannot date unless her unpopular, rebellious older sister Kat does as well…thanks to their father's rules. Thus starts the scheme to set Kat up with another rebel who may be able to win Kat's heart. The cast includes Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles.
July 16: DOUBLE FEATURE! Moonlight and Pan's Labyrinth
Moonlight
Programmed in collaboration with Steppenwolf Theatre Company
( 2016, rated R, 115 minutes )
A young, African-American, gay man deals with his dysfunctional home life and comes of age in Miami during the "War on Drugs" era. Starring Mahershala Ali with Naomie Harris and Janelle Monae, this Oscar Award-winning film was adapted from Steppenwolf ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.
( 15-minute intermission )
Pan's Labyrinth
Programmed in collaboration with AguijÃ"n Theater
( 2006, rated R, 119 minutes )
In 1944 post-Civil War Spain, a bookish young girl, fascinated by fairytales, escapes her harsh world by exploring an eerie but captivating fantasy world, led by an old faun in the center of the labyrinth. The Oscar Award-winning film was directed by Guillermo del Toro.
July 23: The Music Man
Programmed in collaboration with Goodman Theatre
( 1962, rated G, 155 minutes
Traveling con man Harold Hill brings trouble with a capital "T" to River City, when he convinces the locals to start a band and purchase the uniforms and instruments from him. But his plan to skip town with the money goes awry when he starts to fall for librarian Marian Paroo. This classic film adaptation of the musical includes stars Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.
Goodman Theatre will present The Music Man directed by Mary Zimmerman, June 29 through August 4, in the Albert Theatre.
July 30: Fences
Programmed in collaboration with Court Theatre
( 2016, rated PG-13, 139 minutes )
Working class father Troy Maxson must cope with the disappointment of being too old to play baseball when the major leagues began admitting black athletes. That bitterness now threatens to impact his son who has the potential to be a football star. Based on August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, the film stars Denzel Washington and Best Supporting Actress winner Viola Davis.
August 5: Inside Out - daytime showing at 10:30 a.m.
Programmed in collaboration with Chicago Children's Theatre
( 2015, rated PG, 102 minutes )
After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness — conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.. An Oscar Award-winner for Best Animated Film, the cast of emotions includes Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Khaling, Richard Kind and Phyllis Smith.
August 6: The Muppet Movie
Programmed in collaboration with Free Street Theater
Free Street Theatre is celebrating its' 50th Anniversary
( 1979, rated G, 97 minutes )
Persuaded by a Hollywood agent to audition for the chance of a lifetime, Kermit the Frog leaves his quiet life in a swamp to journey across America for his big break. Along the way, Kermit comes across several quirky new friends including comedic Fozzie Bear, beautiful but feisty Miss Piggy and the Great Gonzo. Created by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, The Muppet Movie is celebrating its 40th Anniversary.
August 13: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Programmed in collaboration with Lookingglass Theatre Company
( 2000, rated PG-13, 120 minutes )
As zen warriors float through the air, skim the water and battle in trees and across rooftops in 19th-century Qing Dynasty China, the chase is on to find the young warrior that stole an ancient and powerful sword. Directed by Ang Lee, this Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film's cast includes Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi.
August 20: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Programmed in collaboration with Victory Gardens Theater
( 2002, rated PG, 96 minutes )
Everyone in the Portokalos family worries about Toula — a single thirty-year-old living with her parents in a Chicago Greek community. When she falls in love with a tall, handsome but non-Greek man, she struggles to get her family to accept him and come to terms with her cultural heritage. The funny cast includes writer and producer Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin and Michael Constantine.
Victory Garden Theater's 45th season will feature the Chicago premier of Tiny Beautiful Things by Nia Vardalos, September 6 through October 13.
The 2019 Millennium Park Film Series is sponsored in part by Southwest Airlines. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open 6 a.m.—11 p.m. daily. For the latest news and events, download the Millennium Park app, visit millenniumpark.org, like Millennium Park on Facebook and follow @Millennium_Park on Twitter and Instagram.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Experience an award-winning restaurant—and the city's largest al fresco dining venue—at the Park Grill and The Plaza at Millennium Park, offering contemporary American cuisine with a Chicago flair inside and casual fare, live music, a family-friendly game tent, full walk-up bar & more outside. Open daily, 11 a.m.—10 p.m. the Park Grill offers food and refreshments on the go, from ice cream, to creating your own Chicago-style picnic. For complete information, visit parkgrillchicago.com .
During films, concerts and events at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, concessions at the Goose Island Beer Garden at the northeast corner of the pavilion and other locations will feature offerings from Goose Island Beer Co., Riboli Family Wines, Pepsi and Aquafina
This summer season, Millennium Park will once again implement additional security measures designed to improve the visitor experience at the park. Outside alcohol will also be prohibited at the seven Jay Pritzker Pavilion events with the highest attendance, including the Chicago House Music Conference and Festival on May 23—25; the Chicago Blues Festival from June 7—9; the Chicago Mariachi Festival on June 30; the Grant Park Music Festival Independence Day Salute on July 4; the Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert on August 12; and the Chicago Jazz Festival from August 29—September 1. Outside alcohol will be allowed at the more than 70 public concerts and programs happening in Millennium Park this summer including the film series.
Visitors will have additional food and beverage options at various price points available for purchase inside the venue at the events where outside alcohol is restricted. Subject to bag search at the security perimeter, guests will continue to be allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to all events in Millennium Park.
Visitors are encouraged to take CTA to Millennium Park. To plan your route, visit chicagotransit.com . For those parking, Millennium Park Garages are located at Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage at 5 S. Columbus Drive, Grant Park North Garage at 25 N. Michigan Ave. and Grant Park South Garage at 325 S. Michigan Ave. Pre-purchase parking at millenniumgarages.com and save up to 50% off drive-up rates.
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is dedicated to enriching Chicago's artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago's non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City's future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City's cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.
Millennium Park Foundation
The Millennium Park Foundation, a private, philanthropic not-for-profit partner, was created in 1998 to support the City of Chicago's efforts in the design, construction and management of Millennium Park. It is the steward of Millennium Park's internationally-recognized icons and public features. These include the prestigious Jay Pritzker Pavilion and dramatic BP Pedestrian Bridge, world-renowned Cloud Gate and Lurie Garden, iconic Crown Fountain, and exquisite Boeing Galleries for public art exhibitions. Through its ongoing development initiatives, the Millennium Park Foundation is dedicated to keeping Millennium Park a free and accessible venue for all Chicagoans today, and for generations to come.
2019 Year of Chicago Theatre
The City of Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres have designated 2019 as the 'Year of Chicago Theatre.' This citywide, year-long focus on theatre is the first of its kind in the U.S. The initiative includes performances and special events throughout the city — including theatre-themed events in all 77 community areas, as part of the Chicago Park District's 'Night Out in the Parks' series. The City of Chicago and its partners will also launch a marketing campaign; provide additional financial grants to theatre projects; encourage dialog around inclusion and equity; and call on civic, philanthropic, arts and business leaders to support the theatre community. To truly fall in love with Chicago, you must go to our theatres. This is where the city bares its fearless soul. From Broadway musicals to storefront plays and improv, there's a seat waiting for you at one of our 200+ theatres. Book your next show today at ChicagoPlays.com .
—From a press release
