Victoria Theatre is soon opening its doors to anyone who wants to escape the summer heat to enjoy iconic films such as “Purple Rain,” “The 
Neverending Story” and “Singing in the Rain.”
The shows are part of the Victoria Theatre Association’s annual Cool Films Series. At $6 a ticket ($3 for family films), moviegoers can enjoy free popcorn and soda and air conditioning and their personal favorite nostalgic movies. Ten ticket “Passbooks” are also available for $35 before tax at the Schuster Center Box Office or at www.ticketcenterstage.com.
Cool Films begins on July 6 with Jim Henson’s “Follow that Bird,” the first of several Thursday morning Family Films. Jim Henson returns to the Victoria when “The Muppets Take Manhattan” on July 20.
Kids young or old can enjoy the Family Films such as “Flipper” inside the cool and historic theatre. Much older kids might remember paying a dime to see cartoons back in its distant past when the theatre served as a Disney Cinema.
Classic films such as “Kelly’s Heroes” and “Cool Hand Luke” are shown three times to give more opportunities to watch Clint Eastwood rob a bank or Paul Newman eat 50 eggs. The old movies run entire weekends, with night-time screenings on Fridays and Saturdays as well as the afternoon on Sundays.
The theatre presents an organ concert and classic cartoons to be enjoyed before each regular screening, as well as the free soda and popcorn. For adults, they open a cash bar and present live music before the late night shows.
Cool Films ends on August 26 with a night-time screening of cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Moviegoers are encouraged to dress in costume for this one, but discouraged from bringing props. “Survival Kits” are offered for $5 and provide props that are safe and appropriate inside the historical theatre.
These “Reel Late” night-time screenings are a fun way to start a night out in Dayton’s downtown, as well as cost efficient entertainment.
Victoria Theatre will also host several events this summer season. On June 20 customers can partake in “Wine & Yoga.” Due to the content, guests will have to be 21 or above to stretch out and enjoy a sampling of wines.
The Association offers a military discount on most shows. The Association also has a program called Art F.O.R.C.E., focusing on helping military families cope with the stresses military life can have. Through creative ventures, the program hopes to offer ways for families to reflect and reduce stress. The acronym represents family, oasis, relationships, creativity and empowerment.
For more information on the ways the Victoria Theatre Association engages with the community, visit Victoriatheatre.com.
Will Drewing
Reporter