Six months ago today, I started this bi-monthly column in response to so many people asking, “What’s happening with the Triplex?” It seemed we needed one place for people to find the answers to their questions. Since I started the column in mid-June, I am pleased to say that the grass-roots, community-led effort has purchased the cinema, undertook major renovations, brought the theater up to health and safety standards, opened two theaters, and today we had the pleasure of opening our third theater with “Maestro.”
We still have a long way to go with being able to open Theater Four and address other major areas of concern, but I have faith that will happen in due course as the South County community is 100 percent behind supporting this beloved landmark. I feel the time has now come for this column to transition from my writing about it becoming a cinema to its being a cinema. To that end, I am now turning this column over to Ben Elliott, our managing director, who will give an inside look each week at everything coming to the Triplex—from new blockbuster releases to our curated repertory programs, cult classic screenings, family-focused events, and more.
In other news, I am very pleased and excited to announce that, on January 11, at 6:30 p.m., we will be honoring Great Barrington resident Daniel Klein at the Triplex Cinema, by showing the film “I Like it Here,” in which Klein is featured as one of the interviewees for the film. The film “I Like it Here,” by documentary filmmaker Ralph Arlyck, embraces the changes that come with age and the wonder of fulfillment during the time that remains.
Klein, who is perennially young and perhaps the best raconteur anywhere, as well as a prolific writer, became a well-known author with his New York Times bestselling book “Plato and Platypus Walk into a Bar: Understanding Philosophy with Jokes,” (with Thomas Cathcart) and the London Times bestseller “Travels with Epicurus.” In full disclosure, I produced a play of his “The Jewish Jester” in 2014 at the Unicorn Theatre. Klein, whom I know as Danny, and I ran into each other the other day in the Big Y parking lot, and he immediately asked me if I knew what a “Schmegoogle” was. I didn’t. Answer: a person so insignificant that if you Google his name, nothing comes up.
Danny then shared with me that Rita Wilson might be optioning his book “Travels with Epicurus,” which takes place in Greece, and that her husband Tom Hanks might be playing Danny’s character. A lot of “mights,” but Danny found this all incredibly amusing. Running into Danny is always a joy! Nothing would give us greater pleasure than to show this film that features Danny. Immediately following the film, there will be a talkback with Arlyck and Danny, followed by a wine-and-cheese party to toast Danny for being an invaluable part of our community. Save the date!
Tomorrow is our second and last major fundraiser of the year, “Bring Back The Movies — The Holidays.” The show will recreate live favorite holiday movie scenes from such films as “Miracle on 34th Street,” “A Christmas Carol,” and ” Love Actually,” as well as songs from the “Sound of Music,” “White Christmas,” and Adam Sandler’s famous “Chanukah” song. This promises to be a joyous, family-friendly holiday event, perfect for all ages. The cast includes Jayne Atkinson, Greg Boover, Maconnia Chesser, Michel Gill, Maureen O’Flynn, Danny Osman, David Rasche, and others. Gigi and Tom Teeley will provide the music, and Michelle Joyner will direct. To buy tickets, please visit our website: thetriplex.org.
As everything involving the Triplex has been strictly volunteer-based since the beginning (except the staff in the theater itself), it should not be surprising that when we have a specific job that needs to be done, miraculously, the right volunteer always appears. I recently sent out an email asking if anyone could volunteer to design a playbill for our fundraiser tomorrow. Enter: Perry Grebin. Perry, a professional graphics designer who lives in Great Barrington and has done movie posters for “Don’t Look Up” and “Café Society,” stepped forward to design an absolutely beautiful program for us. We are so grateful for his time and his talent.
Now, through the Holidays, will be a very exciting time at the Triplex. There is so much happening; I have listed our “special events” below:
- Dec. 15: The Opening of Theater 1 — “Maestro” and “Wonka” open and the “Bernstein on Film” series starts.
- Dec. 16: “Bring Back The Movies — The Holidays” — Our fun-filled Holiday show at the Daniel Arts Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Dec. 17: 1 p.m. showing of “Maestro,” followed by a talkback with Leonard Bernstein’s daughter Nina Bernstein Simmons and film director and educator Deborah Reinisch.
- Dec. 20: 2 p.m., the original “West Side Story,” followed by a talkback by film director and educator Deborah Reinisch.
- Dec. 20: 6:45 p.m., “On the Waterfront,” followed by a talkback by film director and educator Deborah Reinisch.
- Dec. 21: 2 p.m., “On the Town,” followed by a talkback by Great Barrington Stage Company founder and former Artistic Director Julianne Boyd.
- Dec. 22: “Anatomy of a Fall” opens.
- Dec. 25: “The Boys in the Boat” opens.
- Dec. 26 – 29: Winter Break Series.
- Dec. 29: “Priscilla” opens.
- Dec. 30: 10 a.m., FREE Kids’ Movie Series begins (kids are encouraged to dress up in costumes).
- Dec. 30: 9 p.m., FREE Teen Film.
In closing, I want to thank everyone who has helped us get to this point: Allegrone Construction for delivering on time everything they said they would and making our theater truly beautiful; Kwik Print and Staples for rushing our orders; our amazing Board of Directors; the Triplex Staff; Tina Chase, our outstanding bookkeeper; Karen Kowgios, our nonprofit budget expert; and our many volunteers and generous donors. I want to give an extra special thanks to my dear friend Katharine Allentuck for helping me craft the many articles, columns, and press releases I have had to write over the last few months. Thank you all for helping us save the Triplex!
Happy Holidays! See you at the movies!
