Archive for 2009
Ethan Marten is First Husband of the First Lady!
Cast as Dolley Madison’s First in PBS Miniseries
Author:
Ethan Marten
May 31
Google John Todd. Go ahead. See what happens. You get overwhelmed by information on an occultist that made a splash in the 1980′s. You want to find out about President James Madison’s wife Dolley’s first husband – you better hit the library and crack open a book. Luckily, when it comes to Revolutionary America through Roosevelt, the family library is one of the best. Hit the bookshelf, and there it is: Scribner’s (Charles Scribner’s Sons) 1896 Edition of Women of Colonial and Revolutionary Times; Dolly (sic) Madison.
Within these 287 pages are the few references spread over fourteen pages to her first husband, John Todd, Jr. He, like Dolley was a member of The Society of Friends; a Quaker. He was amiable, loving, and an attorney. I would call that a stretch – if I didn’t recall all three of those qualities in my own father, Albert Marten 
“The wedding was solemnized in the Friends’ Meeting-House, on Pine Street, (Philadelphia) on the seventh day of First Month, 1790, when January whitened the Earth with a bridal-veil of snow….”
The only spoken words quoted from John Todd were his wedding vows.
“After the simple Quaker fashion, the groom repeated the formula – “‘I, John Todd, do take thee Dorothea Payne to be my wedded wife, and promise, through divine assistance, to be unto thee a loving husband, until separated by death.’”
The three years they were married saw them living in Philadelphia near the hosterly of the “Indian Princess”. Todd was spoken of as “a wealthy, young lawyer.” In 1792, their son John Payne Todd was born. In 1793, William Temple Todd was delivered. Not long after, Yellow Fever broke out in the City. A week after the outbreak, and public panic, those that could moved to the country. John Todd brought his family to Gray’s Ferry, a charming wooded spot on the banks of the Schuykill, at the crossing of the Baltimore post-road. Near enough to be accessible to the City, but far enough out of danger….
“Having seen his wife and two little children transported to the peace and relative security of this place, John Todd, like the true man he was, returned to the plague stricken town to face its risks in the performance of his duty. He found the shadow of death falling on his own household and arrived only in time to attend the dying bed of his father and mother.”
According to Scribners, he returned to Gray’s Ferry, bringing the disease with him. He settled in the land of fixedness in October of 1793. Dolley threw herself on him in a last embrace….She was on the verge of death for three weeks. When she came to, it was to find that she was both a widow and having lost her infant son, William.
Dr. Jekyll and Maestro Nerd!
Author: Ethan MartenMay 17
Enjoy!
Cinco de Mayo 5 Cent Supersale Means Mucho Savings at Sundays Blue Box Tanning Resort
Author: Ethan MartenApr 30
Go to Sundays Blue Box Tanning Resort for Details!
Go to Tanners Point to learn more about Hot and Spicy Margarita!
Charles the Chainsaw Attorney at Law
Author: Ethan MartenApr 29
Congratulations Chennai-based
Krishnan Seshadri Gomatam!
Mudhal Mudhal Mudhal Varai Wins!
Author:
Ethan Marten
Apr 24
Entertainment
Tamil movie awarded at New York Independent Film Festival
New Delhi (PTI): Tamil movie “Mudhal Mudhal Mudhal Varai“, the moving story of a director desperately trying to make his first feature film, has been honoured at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.
Directed by Chennai-based Krishnan Seshadri Gomatam, the film won the award for the ‘Best Drama Feature’ in the ‘Best Feature film (International) – Genre’ awards category in the festival held recently.
The film was part of the Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India 2008 in Goa and was widely acclaimed for its distinctive storyline that captures the life of an upper middle class family.
“Mudhal…” which is Gomatam’s debut film, is based on his own original story and was among the 20 films that were selected in the Indian Panorama section of IFFI, according to an official release here….
Become Part of the Tanners Point Cast –
Shooting This Weekend!
Author:
Ethan Marten
Apr 22
Hey, Sundays Blue Box customers, and all you other out there, here’s your chance to become part of the Point! We’re shooting again this weekend – Saturday and Sunday nights, April 25 & 26. If you’d like to be considered as an extra on Tanners Point, send a recent photo and your contact info to: info@rexmotionmedia.tv
A lot of you have been asking, “How can I get on the show?” Well, this could be your big break! Shooting runs from 7PM to midnight both Saturday and Sunday at the Sandbridge Road location of Sundays Blue Box Tanning Resort – we need to know that you’re available for most of that time.
So, send us your pic with your contact data, and we (the show producers) will take a look. This is not a paying job – but an opportunity to be seen on Hampton Roads’ own reality show – Tanners Point!
From the Cube…Is this Life imitating art or the other way around?
Cube Extra: Be an extra on Tanners Point
Cube was surfing through MySpace this morning. (Yes. Cube monitors MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and any other social network where local people gather.) While I was surfing, I found this:
———-
“Become Part of the Tanners Point Cast -….
Since I don’t believe everything I read, especially on MySpace, I sent out my feelers. Lo and behold producer Ethan Marten emails me directly. So guess what… it’s true.
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/04/cube-extra-be-extra-tanners-point
Final Render of Episode 4 is Taking Place!
Tune In for New Tanners Point This Sunday
Go to TannersPoint.com for Details
Author:
Ethan Marten
Apr 22
The Editing is complete, and final render is taking place for the award winning Reality Show Tanners Point! For your first look at Episode 4 – stay tuned. Keep current on all things Pointed at the Official Tanners Point Website.
Tanners Point Wins NY Fest Honors
Show En Route to Cannes Film Market
Author:
Ethan Marten
Apr 18
By Malcolm Venable
The Virginian-Pilot
© April 17, 2009
The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival has awarded three honors to a Hampton Roads production.
“Tanners Point” – part reality TV, part sitcom and part marketing tool – was named best reality show, best ensemble cast and best soundtrack. What’s more, the series, produced by Rex Motion Media of Virginia Beach, is being picked up by ITN Distribution for presentation at the Cannes Film Market.
You are Invited to Stop Violence Against Women -
Reserve Seats for Friday/Saturday Performances of “A Memory, Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer” Now – Call: 757-323-4073
Author:
Ethan Marten
Apr 15
Andi Grant Photography SmugMug
Join the incredibly talented cast and crew of A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer as they help battle violence against women.
The purpose of this performance is to educate, enlighten and entertain, says Denise Hughes, RippleAffect Productions Co-Producer. “Our goal is to see an end of violence against women and girls.” RippleAffect is working on this goal with performances such as this one at the YWCA of South Hampton Roads, and the funding of such programs as Women in Crisis Shelter Services, and Response Sexual Assault Support Services.
This performance piece was spawned from the Vagina Monologues, and developed by Award Winning Playwright Eve Ensler developed for V-Day Benefits. Her thoughts follow.
Words. Words. This book [this performance] is indeed about words. Speaking the unspoken. Speaking the spoken in a new and viable way, speaking the pain, speaking the hunger. Speaking. Speaking about violence against women not because it is the only issue, but because it is an issue that lives smack in the middle of the world and is still not spoken, not seen, not given weight or significance. So that words crack open numbness and denial and disassociation and distance and deception. Speaking so that we are in community, in conscience, in concern. Speaking about violence against women because in 2006, young Amish girls are gunned down in their school just because they are girls; women are trafficked like meat sold from poor neighborhoods to men in rich neighborhoods; women are raped in Darfur on their way to get wood for the fire or grass for their donkeys. In 2006 women are burned and mutilated and stoned and dismissed and undone and refused and silenced.
Speaking about violence because in early November 2006 the president of Israel stepped down after being accused of rape and harassment, and a cleric in Australia blamed uncovered women for getting raped. Speaking about violence against women because of your mother, your sister, your aunt, your daughter, your girlfriend, your best friend, your wife. Speaking about violence against women because the story of women is the story of life itself. In speaking about it, you cannot avoid speaking about racism and domination, poverty and patriarchy, empire building, war, sexuality, desire, imagination. The mechanism of violence is what destroys women, controls women, diminishes women, and keeps them in their so-called place. Speaking about violence, telling the stories, because in the telling, we legitimize women’s experience.
We reveal what is happening in the dark, in the basement, out of sight. In the telling, women take their power back. Their voice. Their remembering. Their future. As part of a two-week “Until the Violence Stops” festival held in New York City in the summer of 2006, we asked a group of remarkable writers to contribute memories, monologues, rants, and prayers on the subject of violence against women. We envisioned a pivotal event in which these monologues would be performed by great actors. We thought maybe, maybe, ten or twenty would respond. We were overwhelmed with contributions.
Each writer brought something so specific, so original, so Edward Albee it could only be Edward Albee, so Alice Walker it could only be Alice Walker, so Erin Cressida Wilson, so Michael Eric Dyson. We need writers in these terrible times of deception and manipulation and sound
For Reservations Call: 757-323-4073
Cast:
MONOLOGUES
First Kiss (Mollie Doyle)– Lori Gibbs
Blueberry Hill (Christine House)– LaToya Morris
Banana Beer Bath (Lynn Nottage)– Doris Clark, Nicole Drexler, Sylvia Hutson
Groceries (Aboila Abrams)– Karen Levy Newnam
Bitter Coffee (Jody Williams)– Leigh Strenger
True (Carol Michele Kaplan)– Robert Hughes
Not By Her Choice* (Katie Pepiot) – Lyndabeth Bureau
Untitled (Nicholas D. Kristof)– Ethan Marten
My House Is Wallpapered with Lies (Carol Gilligan)– Lauren Burke, Madeline Cindrich , Asia Green, Emma O’Dell,
Respect (Kimberle Crenshaw)– T-Dub
Maurice (Kathy Najimy)– Denise Hughes
The Next Fantastic Leap (Elizabeth Lesser)– Natalie W. Baker
It’s Official – Tanners Point Best Reality, Best Ensemble, Best Soundtrack According to New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) 2009
ITN, Distribution to Rep Show at March de Cannes
Author:
Ethan Marten
Apr 13
It was announced that Tanners Point is a three time award recipient from the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) 2009. Tanners wins for Best Reality Show, Best Ensemble, and Best Soundtrack. Also announced, ITN Distribution will represent the television program at Marche de Cannes. An official NYIIFVF News Release is being issued today.
Sneak Peek at Tanners Point Episode 3!
Author: Ethan MartenApr 11
Jay’s in the Pink, Dennis is on the Brink, and someone causes a Stink! Caution, Dino, you may be about to enter the No Win Zone! When an ex-employee of Sundays Blue Box comes back to the Beach, Dennis finds himself face to (gorgeous) face with beauty, brains and bucks – lotsa bucks. Friend or foe? Youll have to watch Episode 3 to find out. Youll also witness the birth of the Sundays street team, as well as the innocent comment that launches The Big Idea and sends Jay (and Uncle Pat) into orbit. Oh yeah, the JRCS discover that payback can be a real stinker!
Reality Never Looked so Good – As it Does on Tanners Point!
Dick Van Dyke – “I’m a Fake”
Exclusive NYIIFVF Wonder Kids Premiere Interview
Author:
Ethan Marten
Apr 9
In an exclusive New York International Independent Film and Video Festival exclusive interview, legendary Actor Dick Van Dyke calls himself a fake; and discusses Mary Poppins, his Wonder Kids premiere, Sabian Glover, google and Raisin Bran! Enjoy.
New Tanners Point Promo On Air!
Author: Ethan MartenMar 30
Tanners Point Garners 3 Best of Nominations at New York International Independent Film and Video Festival
Author: Ethan MartenMar 27
Announcements will be coming in the next two weeks for the winners at the New York International Film and Video Festival. So Far, Tanners Point has been nominated for Best Reality Show, Best Ensemble and Best Soundtrack.
Richard Dreyfuss Gives Impassioned Speech about Civic Duty at ON Film Festival
Author: Ethan MartenMar 26
“I like to choose my words carefully so that people hate me for all the right reasons.” So began Richard Dreyfuss at the beginning of the 2009 ON Film Festival in Norfolk, Virginia. His Discussion quickly shifted from acting, which pays the bills these days so he can focus on civic activism. “I know some folks think I’m some kind of Hollywood Libbo…” he says to a smattering of applause, which elicited a trademark laugh. “I’m a Libbo, a Conservo, and a Middle of the Roado…” There has been way too much incivility in politics says Dreyfuss, labeling of political opponents for selfish gains, and “It’s killing the country.” When asked, he says to much laughter, “I’m as fair and balanced as Fox News.” More laughter ensues, “When Dick Cheney finally calls me to congratulate me on my performance” (of Cheney in W.) “I look forward to asking him if he knows the difference between being Vice President and a Lobbyist.” Says Drefuss, “I don’t think he does.”
Discussing the war in Iraq, Dreyfuss fulling condemning the Bush administration for an Unconstitutional, Imperialistic act is quick to extend blame. “They are not the true villains here” says Drefuss, “I am, you are, we all are. Where is our sense of moral outrage? We let this happen.” Dreyfuss’ mission these days is to raise money for his new foundation – The Dreyfuss Foundation. Money raised will be to teach civics, responsibility, and love of what the United States stands for. “The last great hope of Homo Sapien is the United States,” says Drefuss, “and I’ll be damned if i stand by and watch her destroyed without a fight.”
Photos from New York International Independent Film and Video Festival
Author: Ethan MartenMar 25
Photos Courtesy NandoVision.
Tanners Point Screening at New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. From Left John "JT" Thomas, Ethan Marten, Henry Jaderlund, Patricia Avila, Margarita Romero, Jay Gates, and Leah Starkey
New York International Independent Film and Video Festival Hosts Informal Reception with Primorac, Marten and Ferrara
Author: Ethan MartenMar 24
This Saturday’s New York International Independent Film and Video Festival reception at 2nd Avenue’s Pangea restaurant was a convenient walk across the street from the Village East Cinemas where Filmmakers, actors, and artists assembled from Japan, China, Austria, Botswana, South America, Italy, India, and all across the USA. Though interpreters were used to translate across language barriers – no translators were necessary to convey the passion and pride these Independents showed for each others’ work.
Spending time with Abel Ferrara, and fellow guest speaker Producer Rafael Primorac was illuminating. Primorac’s last film, Giallo, stars Adrien Brody and he is in currently in preproduction for a new Wesley Snipes action thriller.
“Work your film, all systems go – all hands on deck!” Primorac says, “When I began we spray painted the titles on the street to get noticed.” Primorac’s first film job was as a PA for the legendary and ever-Independent Writer, Director Sam Peckinpaw. “Peckinpaw was a craftsman. He gave his heart and soul – knowing what he wanted from every frame.” Pointing to his friend, Director Abel Ferrara, Primorac says, “Abel is a master of cinema…we will be working together on this action-adventure movie with Welsey Snipes in Europe. Filmmakers, focus on compelling stories – master the way of telling the story. Your film will find its audience.”
“Look around you,” Tanners Point Producer Ethan Marten suggested. “You have come from all over the world. We hope our words will inspire. However, right now you are each other’s greatest resource.” Marten continues “By this time tonight each and every one of you can be networked into the film markets of every continent just by shaking hands and exchanging a willingness to work for each other’s benefit with the people in this room. That is the heart and soul of the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.”
“I’m so proud to achieve this screening for India” says Producer/Director Krishnan Gomatam of Mudhal Mudhal Mudhal Varai (English Title isFirst Time). Gomatam’s movie one is one of twenty motion pictures selected by Indian Panorama from the more than 1,000 submissions to represent Indian films for international participation!
Festival Founder Stuart Alson nodded approval. “Where else can so many Independent, truly independent actors, producers, and directors go to network, and be seen and screened?” Ferrara and Primorac agreed. This was a worthwhile investment for all involved.
Rex Motion Media and Tanners Point Producer Ethan Marten with Producer Raphael Primorac and NYIIFVF Marketing Guru Briege McGarrity. All photos courtesy NandoVision.
Friday Morning Leading up to New York International Independent Film and Video Festival
Author: Ethan MartenMar 20
When arriving in New York one expects straight forward grit, and battery charging energy. The pre Sun image greeting you before Entering Holland Tunnel is a shadowy Lady Liberty keeping her vigil in the Harbor, and enough bright lights to rival any Broadway stage. The exit from the tunnel reveals Tribeca, and its neon reference to its namesake film festival.
Mercifully, the rain has stopped, because I intend to hoof it. This is New York – worth soaking up. I’m dropped off on East Broadway, and begin my walkabout through a sleepy, predawn Chinatown. The wind picks up, and it begins to snow. Hard. The shops are beginning to show signs of life. Mandarin begins to fill the ears as the community collectively wipes the sleep out of its eyes. The snow is whipping across my face as I half ramble, half trudge through The Village toward 2nd Avenue. Horns are starting to echo. Shouts careening in so many languages are filling the air – it’s a symphony of white noise. The smells of roasting foods, stiff coffee and soft pretzles are filling my lungs. The bitter cold is biting my knuckles (note: get gloves), and it feels so good to be back home.
There, on the corner of 2nd Ave and 12th Street – the historic Village East – the one time Yiddish Theatre and home of Man of La Mancha before going to Broadway. And look what we have here. The home of Tanners Point this weekend! Welcome to this year’s New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.
Organizing Festival Rides
Author: Ethan MartenMar 19
Update for Cast and Crew.
Ethan has room for two in his car – leaving Friday morning, March 20th.
If you need a lift – comment here, message Ethan Tanners Point TM, facebook or call the office -757-644-6708.
Patricia has a full car.
Jay is looking for a Saturday ride.
Who else is driving when?
Let’s coordinate our efforts.
Discussing Rides to the NYIIFVF on Set of Tanners Point.
Kap’n K9 Goes Public!
Author: Ethan MartenMar 18
Kap’n K9′s a man – or a canine anyway – and he can take it. Go on, give it your best shot, but no hitting below the belt. And for you girls and metrosexuals out there who do Facebook and MySpace and Tagged and Geni and all that other cr@p – put Kap’n K9′s blogsite – http://kapnk9.wordpress.com/ – up there and send your friends, foes, ho’s, and mo’s to a place where they can be truly offended. The Revolution starts here and – since Kap’n K9 is a staunch supporter of equal rights – let us recall what Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver (no relation to Beaver) responded when asked what the position of women in the Revolution should be: prone!
Start from the bottom up and follow a pilgrim’s progress. The Kap’n wants comments and criticism: positive or negative; light or dark; yin or yang; white or green; Jew or Gentile; human or cetacean; happy or desolate; rich or poor; man or mouse; vegetarian or lacto-ovo-omnivore; Type A personality or genuinely psychotic; gulping Klonapin or swallowing Prozac; O-type blood or AB+; master or slave; male, female, or whatever…
“Now go and do likewise, gents. The money’s out there. You pick it up, it’s yours. You don’t, I got no sympathy for you.” – Alec Baldwin, Glengarry, Glen Ross
New Photo Links to Tanners Point Launch Party!
Author: Ethan MartenMar 18
I just wanted to let you know that the photos are done and you can view them on my website. Click on the ‘Client Photos’ link and then on Tanners Point link.
Please let everyone involved in last nights affair know that they can see the photos now. We will be putting together a little video of last nights events.
Best Wishes,
Pablo Custodio/Digital Images by Pablo
Additional photos have been posted by Photog Chris Mangune. Keep visiting as he will be continually posting additional shots from the Tanners Point Launch Party
“Thanks for having me at the show! Enthusiastically” - Chris Mangune
Chris, We’re glad you were there.
Tanners Point at New York International Independent Film Fest this Sunday!
Author: Ethan MartenMar 17
Tanners Point has its New York Premiere this Sunday at the historic Village East Cinemas during the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. Screening time is Noon, March 22 on screen 6. If you would like to join the cast, crew and producers for this occasion contact Rex Motion media, and we’ll hook you up. The NY festival is one of the largest film and video festivals in the World, screening more than 150 movies at this year’s festival alone.
NYIIFVF is proud to have Abel Ferrara as President of this year’s festival. Ferrara is a highly decorated Director having won major awards for his films such as King of New York starring Christopher Walken, and Go Go Tales with Bob Hoskins & William Dafoe.
Tanners Point Official Site Now Live!
Author: Ethan MartenMar 12
Here’s the Official Tanners Point Website. Enjoy Episode recaps. Vid clips and special extras. Keep up with all the news about the Cast, Crew and Sundays Blue Box Specials. Hey, you might even be on Tanners Point – stay tuned.
Tanners Point Official Selection of 2009 New York International Independent Film and Video Festival
Author: Ethan MartenMar 3
The New reality show, Tanners Point, part reality, part mocumentary, part sitcom got some real festival news. It is now an official selection of the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. The show screens March 22 at the Village East Cinema.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Click on Film Schedule/Tickets.
Click on Sunday.
Click on Screen Six.
Click on Tanners Point.
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL
The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) is one of the largest independent film festivals in the world.
The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival was founded in 1993. NYIIFVF has been recognized by the film and entertainment industry as one of the leading film events on the independent festival circuit. The festival hosts film, music and art events in the two entertainment capitals of the United States: New York and Los Angeles.
NYIIFVF attracts many global entries, including: Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Kenya, Japan, Canada, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Russia, Germany, Spain, India and the U.K.
The scope of the festival ranges from high profile to novice, so one experiences an array of films and individuals driven by independent movie making.
Past NYIIFVF festivals have included the work of Abel Ferrara, Andy Garcia, Calista Flockhart, Selma Blair, Ewan McGregor, Dominique Swain, Busy Phillips, Cameron Diaz, Christopher Walken, Daryl Hannah, Eva Herzigova, Guy Pearce, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Modine, Rod Steiger, Tippi Hedren, Tony Danza, Willem Dafoe and Executive Producer Vin Diesel.
The NYIIFVF is a competitive event and is dedicated to making things happen for emerging filmmakers and screenwriters. The festival has cultivated excellent relationships with thousands of companies in both cities.
The festival is known as ‘the voice for independent film’ and receives extensive coverage in all major media. The NYIIFVF has received press coverage in: Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Fox 5, CNN, New York Observer, New York Times, Newsday, LA Times, LA Weekly, Time Out NY, E News, NY Daily News, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Movie Maker, Star Magazine, Screentalk Magazine, to name a few. As indie guru Abel Ferrara famously quoted in an interview with Movie Maker, “This festival is the real deal; everybody else just talks about doing it and these guys just do it.”
The festival represents a new wave of independent filmmakers and offers a unique opportunity for members of the film industry as well as delegates and attendees without the pretentiousness. According to popular Micro Cinema Magazine’s editor Dave Sardella, “For any aspiring musicians, producers or directors the NYIIFVF is the place to have your projects seen and reviewed by the best of the best. This world renowned festival can be the launching pad to a successful career.”
The festival’s distribution wing, ITN Distribution travels to all major film and television markets and has successfully acquired and sold quality product from all over the world. ITN Distribution has quickly established itself as a major player in the world of distribution and specializes in negotiating the best deal possible for international and domestic filmmakers and buyers. ITN’s objective is to become a top source for attracting, acquiring, understanding and selling product and their international presence at Cannes/Marche du Film, NAPTE and AFM has shaped a realistic approach to selling, programming and closing deals with buyers worldwide.
The Village East Cinema, located at 181-189 Second Avenue, opened in 1926 as The Yiddish Art Theater in the heart of New York City’s Jewish Rialto district. Designed by prominent Brooklyn lawyer and Jewish community leader Louis Jaffe, the historic building was built as an elaborate, 1265 seat live theater for Yiddish theater pioneer Maurice Schwartz. The interior was designed in the Moorish Revival style that was popular in synagogues at the time, and included a forty-foot ornamental ceiling with a spectacular Star of David in the center that is still present today.
The Yiddish Art Theater housed elaborate productions from Maurice Schwartz and his troupe, such as “The Tenth Commandment” (1926) and “Yoshe Kalb” (1932) which ran for a record 300 performances. Schwartz’s loyal following and festive, imaginative plays attracted such renowned guests as Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, George Gershwin and former New York City mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.
The building went through several names and incarnations throughout the mid-1900s, including The Stuyvesant Theater, a film exhibition house, and a stint as the East Village landmark The Phoenix Theater, where it housed such productions “Oh! Calcutta”, “Grease”, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, “The Princess and the Pea” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”.
In 1992, the theater was restored and converted into the Village East Cinema, a beautiful, seven-screen movie theater. Its sprawling, ornate main auditorium features stadium and balcony seating as well as an oversized screen, and the theater remains one of New York City’s best places to see a film. The upper and lower lobbies of the theater were beautifully renovated in 2006 and feature new concession stands and comfortable couches and lounge areas.
The Village East Cinema features an eclectic mix of programming, from commercial blockbusters to the finest in independent film. In addition to premiering many independent films, the Village East Cinema, which is located 10 blocks north of its sister theater, the renowned Angelika Film Center, frequently continues the engagements of many of the films that open at the Angelika.