Westport is Remarkable Once Again as Drive-in Movies Return for the 2021 Season
James and Jack Fenn enjoyed the Remarkable Theater's season opening last night with their father Noah. The boys, wrapped in sleeping bags in the tailgate of their car, enjoyed National Lampoon's Vacation. Westport is Remarkable once again as the silver screen was constructed and sound tests were completed at nearly 1:00 AM Thursday morning in preparation for yesterday’s opening night.
Previews before last night’s 2021 debut. The Remarkable Theater, a non-profit organization run by volunteers, began last year as a way to bring movies back to Westport. However amidst the pandemic, the big screen and staff accomplished much more than showing a movie - they brought a community together in a year when it was so far apart.
With social distancing and safety guidelines in place, the pop-up drive-in movie theater has quickly become a part of the Westport community and became an event that many wanted to keep as tradition, even when movie theaters opened again for customers.
The Remarkable Theater’s mission is to “Build a culturally rich, community focused movie theater to provide purposeful employment to individuals with disabilities.”
Projectionist Daniel Meeson assures the show goes on for viewers at the Remarkable Theater’s opening night. He works from the back of a small box truck, with all equipment being tested until nearly 1:00 AM Thursday morning. Mission accomplished.
While driving into the Imperial Avenue parking lot, guests become part of the remarkable community of staff and fellow guests. The reflective vest-wearing staff guide your car into the lot and answer any questions you may have, or just to say hi. As the engines turn off, neighbors and friends enjoy each other’s company from a distance while lawn chairs and rollable tables are set up for dinner and drinks.
Through the appreciation from the staff members and the honking of the horns in celebration - this is no ordinary movie experience, and it’s one that’s here to stay.
The Remarkable Theater tickets can be purchased here on their website.
Movies include classics such as Jaws or Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, or Minari - a movie still in theaters that was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, and won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
A young viewer enjoys the movie from the trunk of their family’s car. Upcoming Movie Schedule:
Today: Ratatouille (7:30 PM)
Tomorrow, April 10th: When Harry Met Sally (7:30 PM)
Tuesday, April 13th: Minari (7:30 PM)