Continuing the dance theme at the Miles Playhouse, we present an afternoon of two very different Academy Award-nominated films; one featuring cinematography that captures the joy of speed and movement through the story of a boy and his horse, the other introducing Michael Jackson in his first screen role with some of the brightest stars of Motown. All tickets just $5!
Sunday 3/7, 1pm: The Black Stallion
(Director: Carroll Ballard, 1979, 118 min. Shown on DVD)
In this visually stunning story about a boy and a horse who become steadfast companions, acclaimed cinematographer and first-time director Carroll Ballard (Fly Away Home and Never Cry Wolf) created a timeless family classic. Simple, moving, and sparely written, the journey by Alec and “The Black” from shipwreck to a culminating race – with Terri Garr as Alec’s mother and Mickey Rooney as a horse trainer – is gripping for kids and adults alike!
Sunday 3/7, 4pm: The Wiz
(Director: Sidney Lumet, 1978, 134 min. Shown on DVD)
Diana Ross plays a plucky and soulful Dorothy, accompanied by a cast shimmering with stars including Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, and a 19 year old Michael Jackson (in his first feature) in this Motown rendition of The Wizard of Oz. The voices of Roberta Flack and Luther Vandross and the piano playing of music supervisor Quincy Jones round out the ensemble. The Wiz takes L. Frank Baum’s classic story and the Broadway hit source material and places it in Harlem and an Oz that resembles a fantasmagoria of 70s New York City. Simultaneously gritty and touching (and a little bit scary, so prepare the younger ones!) this is an exciting re-envisioning that will set your toes tapping!
All tickets, either screening: $5
Reserve by calling (310) 458-8634 or emailing Justin.Yoffe@smgov.net, or just come on by!
Free parking at 808 Wilshire, visit http://milesplayhouse.org/?fa=directions for directions.