An appearance by the Beast and a sold-out breakfast are among the special events planned at The Hamburg Strand.
Mother-daughter duo Stephanie Adam, Strand coordinator, and Bethany Sholl, theater manager, said there are special events, first-run films, faith and family classics planned to be held at the historic, single-screen theater, at 6 South Fourth Street in downtown Hamburg.
“Actually there’s a lot on the horizon,” Sholl confirmed.
The Strand is preparing for a new movie, a live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast” featuring Emma Watson as Belle. The film will show in Hamburg from March 17 through April 6, and the three-week run will include special events and appearances by the Beast himself.
“We have a Girls Night Out that Friday night (March 17),” Adam said. “Tickets are still available.”
A special ticket price of $15 includes a movie ticket plus the chance to indulge at a dessert bar. Patrons may buy tickets in advance at the theater, in the Our Town Foundation Office, 335 State Street, Hamburg, or using an online link at www.hamburgstrand.org.
Adam and Sholl have also planned a Beauty and the Beast breakfast for Saturday, March 18. The event, which is already sold out, will include waffle cups catered by neighboring coffee shop, Four Twelve, and an appearance by the Beast.
“And we will have appearances by the Beast that whole Saturday,” Sholl added, as a way to “make up to people who can’t make the breakfast.”
The Strand is also in the midst of a first-run showing of “The Shack,” a faith-based allegory about a man’s search for God in spite of immense trials.
Adam said of the film, “Jesus used parables all the time to get people’s attention about something he wanted to teach them. If someone sees the movie and starts to search for God’s love, then the movie has planted that seed.”
The movie opened in Hamburg with a preview night on Thursday, March 2, followed by a 20-minute recorded discussion between the author of the original book, William P. Young, and some of the film’s actors.
“Most everyone stayed for the round table discussion at the end,” Adam said, noting attendance that night was very good. “This movie is a test for us with Christian film companies. If we didn’t do good with this movie, they wouldn’t send us first-day out movies anymore.”
Both women agreed that attendance from March 2 through the present has been good, and they believe the final tally after the movie closes in Hamburg on Thursday, March 16, will be strong. The Shack is part of a new tradition at the Strand: showing new and classic faith-based films.
The Strand also has events celebrating Easter on Saturday, April 15.
“Cabela’s is having an egg hunt (at 12:30 p.m.) and the theater committee is volunteering over there,” Adam said. “After that, they’re inviting people to come over to the theater.”
The afternoon will begin with a live 1:30 p.m. show featuring magician Rich Gerber. Then patrons of all ages will enjoy a classic holiday movie, “Here Comes Peter Cottontail,” at 2 p.m.
“We’ll also have an appearance by the Easter Bunny,” Sholl said, with youngsters invited to take pictures in the side room. All activities will wrap up in time for regular theater showings to begin at 4 p.m. that afternoon.
On Saturday, April 22, shoppers can participate in a Lularoe Fundraiser in the theater’s side room from noon to 3 p.m.
Consultants Kristen Sfameni and Becky Keller will set up a pop-up shop at the Strand, and guests can browse options in the popular knit-clothing line with a portion of all proceeds going to the Strand.
In addition to showing first-run movies and hosting special events, the Strand will offer concerts and stage events in the months ahead. Aiding in these ventures are the recent completion of needed improvements in the historic building, including new flooring on the stage and renovated bathrooms on the main floor.
“Our next thing is paint,” Sholl said. “We are painting the lobby this month.”
This will give a fresh look to the main area for all visitors to the Hamburg Strand, which has been entertaining individuals and families since 1920.
For more information about the theater and upcoming events, visit www.hamburgstrand.org.
