Despite the summer being more than halfway over, there is still plenty of time to catch some of the Hippodrome State Theatre’s best movies and stage productions during Summer B. As somewhat of a landmark in downtown Gainesville, the Hipp not only shows films but theater productions as well.
“Nancy, Please,” which premiered Friday, focuses on the story of Paul Brawley, a young Ph.D. candidate at Yale University. He moved into an apartment with his girlfriend, Jen, and now he needs to complete his dissertation or risk withdrawal from the doctoral program. However, he left behind something of importance at his old home that stands in the way of finishing his dissertation.
One thing becomes an obstacle between Paul and this item, though: his ominous ex-roommate, Nancy.
“I thought ‘Nancy, Please’ was an excellent thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next,” wrote Alisha Kinman, the cinema director for the Hippodrome in an email. “‘Nancy’ is unusual to the selection of films that have been brought to the Hippodrome. Typically, thrillers have not been catered to. Exposing the works of young, new directors, writers and actors/actresses is very important to the Hippodrome.”
Following in the footsteps of many theatre companies, the Hipp offers its adaptation of the much-loved Broadway production, “Avenue Q.”
Inspired by beloved children’s show “Sesame Street,” the production addresses various issues associated with the beginnings of adulthood. The characters remark on how their parents and shows like “Sesame Street” taught them that they are special and can do anything. Taking place in New York City, humans and puppet characters interact with one another as they embark on this adult-themed version of “Sesame Street,” covering issues such as racism, homosexuality and pornography.
“I would expect to see some of the funny truths in our society,” said Joel Oramas, who plays Trekkie Monster in the Hipp’s production of the play. “Things that people deem as offensive or taken as some sort of taboo — it’s okay to laugh at those things.”
“Avenue Q” shows will be playing the rest of this week and until July 28.
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, “The Kings of Summer,” opening July 26, is another coming-of-age comedy about three teenage friends: Joe, Patrick and the unpredictable Biaggio, who seek to assert their independence and spend their summer building a house in the woods to live far from their parents’ rules. Over time, their vacation becomes a true test of friendship as each boy learns to appreciate that family is something you can’t run away from.
Also opening July 26 is the contemporary vampire thriller, “Byzantium,” directed by Neil Jordan (“Interview with the Vampire,” “The Crying Game”). This film focuses on Eleanor and her guardian, Clara, as they attempt to assimilate into human society and deal with the downsides of eternal life.
Clara meets Noel, the lonely owner of a deserted guesthouse, Byzantium. Meanwhile, Eleanor becomes close friends with Frank and tells him a dark secret between her and Clara — they were born 200 years ago and travel the world, surviving on human blood. As the truth of their past spreads, it catches up to them with severe consequences.
As part of a 32-city movie tour, the Hippodrome will also have a one-night advance film screening of “American Made Movie” Aug. 4. Many of the world’s most successful companies have engaged in offshoring practices to stay competitive in the business markets. This movie focuses on innovative companies that continue to thrive with American-made products.
The film shows the positive impact of domestic manufacturing jobs on national and local economies in the face of economic obstacles.
For more information on listings and showtimes for upcoming films and stage productions at The Hippodrome, visit www.thehipp.org.
