Hocus Pocus

media release: Bartell Film Series Brew & View. $5 admission, concessions available.

All seating is general admission.

media release: After three decades of entertaining audiences with live local theatre, the Bartell Community Theatre is thrilled to announce its expansion into film! Beginning October 25, we will be showcasing a curated selection of classic and contemporary films, marking a significant new chapter in our commitment to the arts and community engagement.

Since 1999, The Bartell has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene. We have long wanted to offer films when the theatre was “dark” as an opportunity to celebrate the magic of storytelling in all its forms. A $40,000 fundraising process was begun 2 years ago to allow the installation of a projector, screen, and surround sound audio all needed to show movies. 

We are programming 4 types of films: cult-classics in a “Brew-n-View” environment, Family Friendly Matinee classics, Classic Films, and Independent Premieres. All tickets will be $5.00 and general admission, making this an affordable option for downtown Madison entertainment.

The film series will kick off Friday, October 25 with an 8pm “Brew-n-View” of “The Big Lebowski.” On Saturday, October 26 we are doing a day of Halloween fun with a 2pm family showing of “Hocus Pocus” and a 9pm “Brew-n-View” presentation of “Hocus Pocus” aimed at the adult crowd. The main feature that day will be a screening of the uncut version of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” at 6:30pm. This is a recently restored version and features footage not seen since the 1960s. 

On Saturday, November 30, we’ll show the family friendly “Elf” at 2pm and the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 6:30pm. Future titles will be announced as the theater becomes open in-between the resident theater companies lineup of plays and musicals. 

The Bartell also is looking for local organizations to host screening events. As part of our grant, we are offering the theater free of charge to local not-for-profits to host movie events. Interested organizations, especially minority organizations, are encouraged to contact us for details. 

Visit our website at www.BartellTheare.org or follow us on Facebook for future titles.