New Center Park returns with free Movie Nights and Theatrical Performances
The Summer Entertainment Series begins Friday, June 1st, with doors at 8:00 p.m.
New Center Park, located on West Grand Boulevard at 2nd Avenue in Detroit’s historic New Center district, begins its summer-long series with weekly movie nights and theater performances, and more on June 1st, 2018. All events at New Center Park are FREE and open to the public, making for a fun-filled, unforgettable summer. Every Wednesday night, all summer long, New Center Park will be screening new blockbuster films as well as timeless classics. Each Friday, family-friendly movies perfect for the younger audiences will be viewed. In addition to free movie screenings, special theatrical performances and more will also be hosted throughout the summer. Free popcorn at the park is courtesy of First Independence Bank and ROK Construction Services.
New Center Park’s movie nights and special events are the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful summer evenings after a long day. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy classic films and new favorites, opera and life-size puppets, or a simple afternoon picnic with family and friends in this unique green space. View the full line-up at NewCenterPark.com.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOVIES
New Center Park’s Wednesday Night Movies are sponsored by Matt O’Laughlin, Director of Residential and Commercial Real Estate at The Loft Warehouse. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and screenings begin between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on sunset. The schedule is:
June 6 - Loving Vincent (2017) PG-13, 1h 34min
The world's first fully oil painted feature film brings the artwork of Vincent van Gogh to life in an exploration of the complicated life and controversial death of one of history's most celebrated artists. Sponsored by: Cinetopia Film Festival.
June 13 - Pitch Perfect 3 (2017) PG-13, 1h 33min
Now graduated from college and out in the real world where it takes more than a cappella to get by, all the Bellas return in the final chapter in the beloved series.
June 20 - Get Out (2017) R, 1h 44min
When Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young African-American man, visits his white girlfriend's (Allison Williams) family estate, he becomes ensnared in the more sinister, real reason for the invitation. At first, Chris reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined.
June 27 - Private Romeo (2011) Not Rated, 1h 34min
Stars Seth Numrich, Matt Doyle, both from Tony Award-winning production of WAR HORSE. Based on William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." When eight male cadets are left behind at an isolated military high school, the greatest romantic drama ever written seeps out of the classroom and permeates their lives. Incorporating the original text of Romeo and Juliet, YouTube videos, and lip-synched indie rock music, "Private Romeo" takes us to a mysterious and tender place that only Shakespeare could have inspired.
July 4 - Justice League (2017) PG-13, 2h
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Batman and Wonder Woman recruit a team of metahumans to stand against a newly awakened threat.
July 11 - Lean on Me (1989) PG-13, 1h 48min
Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman stars as "Crazy" Joe Clark, the educator assigned as principal to New Jersey's worst high school, in this uplifting true drama. Upon his arrival at his new post, Joe Clark expels kids, fires teachers and antagonizes parents--and wins the hearts of his students--in an uncompromising quest to provide the quality education they deserve.
July 18 - No Film – See Special Events
July 25 - I Am Not Your Negro (2016) PG-13, 1h 33min
Director Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished, "Remember This House." It is a journey into black history that connects the Civil Rights movement to #BlackLivesMatter. It questions black representation in Hollywood and beyond.
August 1 - Dreamgirls (2006) PG-13, 2h 10min
The time is the 1960s, and singers Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose), and Deena (Beyoncé Knowles) are about to find out just what it's like to have their wildest dreams come true. Discovered at a local talent show by ambitious manager Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx), the trio known as "the Dreamettes" is soon offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of opening for popular singer James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy).
August 8 - It (2017) R, 2h 15min
When children in town begin to disappear, a group of young kids is faced with their biggest fears as they square off against evil clown, Pennywise. Based on the Stephen King novel.
August 15 - Wonder Woman (2017) PG-13, 2h 21min
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers...and her true destiny.
August 22 - Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) PG-13, 2h 32min
The Star Wars saga continues in The Last Jedi as the heroes and galactic legends go on an epic adventure unlocking mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.
August 29 - Black Panther (2018), PG-13, 2h 14min
When young King T'Challa is drawn into conflict with an old foe that puts his homeland Wakanda and the entire world at risk, he must release Black Panther's full power to save them.
September 5 - An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2017) PG, 1h 38min
Ten years after "An Inconvenient Truth" brought climate change into the forefront of mainstream culture, this compelling follow-up shows that while the stakes have never been higher, the solutions to the climate crisis are still within our reach.
FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES
The Friday Night Movies is sponsored by UnitedHealthcare and features films for all ages. The series begins June 1st, with doors opening at 8:00 p.m. and screenings beginning between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on sunset. Arts and Scraps will be at the park on the first Friday of each month for kids to create a make-and-take activity from recycled materials: June 1, July 6, and August 3. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and the whole family and settle in to celebrate the end of a work week and a beautiful summer night! The schedule is:
June 1 - Rock Dog (2016) PG, 1h 30min
When a young mastiff, Bodi (Luke Wilson), discovers a radio, it takes just a few guitar licks for his fate to be sealed: Bodi wants to be a rock 'n' roll star!
June 8 - The Iron Giant (1999) PG, 1h 26min
A young boy rescues a huge robot which has rocketed to earth from space - and tries to protect the genial giant from a nosey government agent and the military. A captivating animated feature that's part metal, part magic and all heart.
June 15 - Ratchet & Clank (2016) PG 1h 34min
Based on the popular video game, a spunky Lombax and a defective robot join forces to try and save the world. Community Partner: Allied Media Conference.
June 22 - Meet the Robinsons (2007) G, 1h 35 min
Lewis is a brilliant inventor who meets a mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson who whisks him away in a time machine. Together they team up to track down Bowler Hat Guy in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate.
June 29 - Bolt (2008) PG, 1h 36min
As the star of the biggest TV show in Hollywood, Bolt's life is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue. So when the super-pup is accidentally shipped to New York City and separated from Penney, his beloved co-star and owner, Bolt immediately springs into action to save her from the forces of evil. But he's not alone, with the help of Rhino, his number one fan and loyal partner, and a crafty alley cat names Mittens, they embark on an extraordinary mission filled with high-flying, action-packed stunts. Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome this night! Free dog treats while supplies last.
July 6 - The Princess and the Frog (2009) G, 1h 37min
Discover what really happened after the princess kissed the frog in an inspired twist on the world's most famous kiss. This hilarious adventure leaps off the screen with stunning animation, irresistible music and an unforgettable cast of characters. Enter Princess Tiana's world of talking frogs, singing alligators and lovesick fireflies as she embarks on an incredible journey through the mystical bayous of Louisiana.
July 13 - The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017) PG, 1h 41min
A fierce but undisciplined team of modern-day ninjas must learn to check their egos and pull together to unleash their true power and defeat the evil warlord Garmadon.
July 20 - No Film – See Special Events
July 27 - The Jungle Book (2016) PG, 1h 46min
In an epic adventure directed by Jon Favreau, Mowgli, a man-cub raised in the jungle by a family of wolves, embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery when he's forced to abandon the only home he's ever known. Featuring an all-star voice cast including Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley and Scarlett Johansson.
August 3 - Goosebumps (2015) PG, 1h 43min
After moving to a small town, Zach Cooper finds a silver lining when he meets next door neighbor Hannah, the daughter of bestselling Goosebumps series author R.L. Stine. Stine is very strange and mysterious and it turns out for good reason. He is a prisoner of his own imagination – the monsters that his books made famous are real, and Stine protects his readers by keeping them locked up in their books. When Zach unintentionally unleashes the monsters from their manuscripts and they begin to terrorize the town, it’s suddenly up to Stine, Zach, and Hannah to get all of them back in the books where they belong.
August 10 - A Wrinkle in Time (2018) PG, 1h 49min
In Disney's "A Wrinkle In Time," three mystical guides lead Meg on an epic journey, tessering through time and space to find her father, following his mysterious disappearance.
August 17 - Coco (2017) PG, 1h 45min
In Disney/Pixar's vibrant tale of family, fun and adventure, an aspiring young musician named Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors. There, the charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael Garcia Bernal) becomes an unexpected friend who helps Miguel uncover the mysteries behind his family s stories and traditions.
August 24 - Metropolis (2001) PG-13, 1h 48min
Based on the classic comic created by Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy), written by Japanese anime legend Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira) and directed by Rintaro (Galaxy Express 999), Metropolis is a spectacular film featuring stunning imagery and unforgettable characters. In the industrial, tri-level world of Metropolis, Duke Red is a powerful leader with plans to unveil a highly advanced robot named Tima. But Duke Red's violent son Rock distrusts robots, and intends to find and destroy Tima. Lost in the confusing labyrinth beneath Metropolis, Tima is beginning a friendship with the young nephew of a Japanese detective. But when Duke Red separates the two innocents, Tima's life - and the fate of the universe - is dangerously at stake.
August 31 - Sing (2016) PG, 1h 48min
"Sing" stars Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, an eternally optimistic koala who puts on the world's greatest singing competition to save his crumbling theater; Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon as Rosita, an overworked and underappreciated mother of 25 piglets desperate to unleash her inner diva; Scarlett Johansson as Ash, a punk rock porcupine with a beautiful voice behind her prickly exterior; and Taron Egerton as Johnny, a young gangster gorilla looking to break free of his family's felonies.
SPECIAL EVENTS
New Center Park’s Special Events series presents theatrical performances, dance parties, and more throughout the summer (times vary). The full lineup includes:
Friday, June 15 - 2nd Annual AMC Kids Party
6:30-9:30PM
Join the 20th annual Allied Media Conference as they throw their second AMC Kids Party at New Center Park! This dazzling event for kids, caregivers and community of all ages will feature DJs Mother Cyborg and Kristy La rAt, face painting, coloring stations and more. In partnership with: Allied Media Conference.
Saturday, June 30 - Opera MODO performs Le Cenerentola (Cinderella)
Doors at 7:00 PM | Performance at 8:00 PM
Opera MODO’s upcoming production of La Cenerentola (Cinderella) will be a one-of-a-kind event. Retelling this classic fairy tale as a modern reflection on the relationship between art and artifice in designer/director Monika Essen, who will create new works of art for the set, as well as props and costumes for this production. To give this story a truly modern voice, Opera MODO will present this Italian opera using a hilarious new English translation. Local singers, musicians, cast and crew will collaborate to tell this timeless story with a chorus of cater-waiters, and one fierce drag queen fairy godmother.
Wednesday, July 18 - Sunday, July 22 - The Detroit Actor’s Theatre Company performs In The Heights
Doors at 7:00 PM | Performances at 8:00 PM
Music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The Detroit Actor’s Theatre Company presents five performances of In The Heights, a story that explores three days in the characters’ lives in the New York City Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights. The score features hip-hop, salsa, merengue and soul music.
Sponsored by: The Kresge Foundation
Friday, July 27 - Sunday, July 29 - Carrie Morris Arts Productions perform Wanda and Winky Go to California
Friday, July 27 | 8:00 PM
Saturday, July 28 | 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, July 29 | 2:00 PM
Adapted from the children’s book Wanda and Winky by Commerce Township author Linda McLean, this performance tells the story of the Detroit Zoo’s last two elephants who made headlines in 2005 when they were retired to an animal sanctuary in California, making the Zoo the nation's first major animal facility to retire an animal solely on ethical grounds. Wanda and Winky Go to California will use spectacular, life-sized elephant puppets to narrate the poetic journey of these Asian elephants, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of this endangered and beautiful animal.
Sponsored by: The Kresge Foundation
Saturday, August 11 - Sunday, August 12 - Detroit Caribbean Cultural Festival
Saturday, August 11 | 12:00-11:00 PM
Sunday, August 12 | 1:00-10:00 PM
A family festival featuring live performances, dancers, Caribbean food and drink, vendors and more.
In partnership with: The Caribbean Cultural and Carnival Organization (CCCO)
New Center Park is located in Midtown Detroit, at 2998 West Grand Boulevard, on the corner of Second Avenue and West Grand Boulevard. All events are free and open to the public. Midtown Detroit, Inc., produces the park’s summer series. Call 313.420.6000 or visit www.NewCenterPark.com for more information.
New Center Park’s Summer Series is sponsored by First American Title Insurance Company - Commercial Office, First American Title Insurance Company - Midtown Detroit Office, The Kresge Foundation, United Healthcare, Matt O’Laughlin, ROK Construction Services, Rebuild Group, ASTI Environmental, First Independence Bank, Community Capital Consulting, University Rentals, LLC, W. H. Canon Landscape Company, Cinetopia Film Festival, Detroit Metro Times, WDET 101.9FM, Little Guide Detroit and LYFT.
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Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) is a nonprofit planning and development agency charged with revitalization of Detroit’s Woodward Corridor. Representing over 150 area stakeholders, including Detroit’s anchor educational, medical and cultural institutions, MDI provides public space maintenance and security services; marketing support; technical assistance; infrastructure and real estate development; small business support; grant administration; and arts programming for the district.