New Center Park Summer Entertainment Series Returns with Film Screenings and Theatrical Performances

The Summer Series begins Friday, June 2nd 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, theatre performances and more on June 2, 2017. 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 an eclectic menu of comedy, drama, science fiction, and timeless classics—movies for all types of film buffs. The Park will continue its Friday night series of family-friendly movies, with films perfect for younger audiences. In addition to free movie screenings on Wednesday and Friday nights, other theatre performances and special events help round out the schedule. 

New Center Park’s movie nights and special events are the perfect way to enjoy the summer evenings after a long day in a beautiful park setting. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy great films, outdoor theatre, or a simple afternoon picnic with family and friends in this unique green space.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOVIES:

New Center’s Wednesday Night Movies series kick off the summer event schedule on June 7th, with doors opening at 8:00 p.m. and screenings beginning between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on sunset times. The Wednesday Night Movies Series has been sponsored by Matt O’Laughlin, Director of Residential and Commercial Real Estate, at The Loft Warehouse.

• June 7:  Cinetopia International Film Festival brings “Lion” to New Center Park to kick off the Wednesday Night Movie series! A 5 year old boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometers from home. Surviving many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia, he sets out to find his family
  (2016) PG-13 | 1h 58min
• June 14:  In “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” Ricky is a defiant young city kid who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle in the wild New Zealand bush. A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put aside their differences and work together.
  (2016) PG-13 | 1h 41min
• June 21:  From director Paul Feig, “Ghostbusters” makes its long-awaited return starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon & Leslie Jones.
  (2016) PG-13 | 1h 56min
• June 28:  “The Age of Love” follows the humorous and poignant adventures of thirty seniors in Rochester, NY who sign up for a first-of-its-kind speed dating event exclusively for 70- to 90-year-olds. From anxious anticipation through the dates that follow, it's an unexpected tale of intrepid seniors who lay their hearts on the line, and discover how dreams and desires change—or don't change—from first love to the far reaches of life. This movie is being shown in partnership with the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation.
  (2014) Not Rated| 1h 19min
• July 5:  “Hidden Figures” is an incredible and inspiring untold true story about three women at NASA who were instrumental in one of history’s greatest operations – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
  (2016) PG | 2h 7min
• July 12:  In “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” Ben Stiller directs and stars in this inspiring story about an ordinary man who finds the courage to discover his destiny and leap into the extraordinary adventure that is life.
  2013) PG | 1h 54min
• July 19:  From Lucasfilm comes an epic adventure – “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. Sponsored by the Detroit Pistons Foundation.
  (2016) PG-13 | 2h 13m
• July 26:  When mysterious spacecraft land across the globe in “Arrival,” expert translator Louise Banks is sent to decipher their intent. As tensions mount, Banks discovers the aliens’ true purpose and, to avert global war, takes a chance that could threaten humanity.
  (2016) PG-13 | 1h 56min
• August 2:  Based on the landmark Supreme Court case, “Loving” is a film about an interracial couple fights the law that they cannot be recognized as married in the state of Virginia.
  (2016) PG-13 | 2h 3min
• August 9:  In “La La Land,” Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling star as an actress and a musician chasing their dreams in this music-filled masterpiece that won 6 Oscars®, including Best Director for writer/director Damien Chazelle.
  (2016) PG-13 | 2h 8min
• August 16:  “The Wiz” features spectacular musical numbers with Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor. Experience the magic of The Wiz when Dorothy is whisked away to the enchanting wonderland of Oz.
  (1978) G | 2h 14min
• August 23:  In “Manchester by the Sea,” Casey Affleck leads an all-star cast in this acclaimed and poignant film about a solitary janitor whose life is transformed after he becomes the guardian of his 16-year-old nephew.
  (2016) R | 2h 17min
• August 30:  Grammy Award-winning phenomenon Eminem makes his feature film debut in “8 Mile,” a gripping story about the boundaries that hold us back - and the courage that can set us free. (2002) R | 1h 50min | Please Note:  this film is rated R for strong language, sexuality, some violence and drug use.

FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES:

The Friday Night Movies series features films for all ages begins June 2nd, with doors opening at 8:00 p.m. and screenings beginning between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on sunset times. Bring a blanket and the whole family and settle in to celebrate the end of a work week and a beautiful summer night! The Friday Night Movies Series is sponsored by Midtown Detroit, Inc.

• June 2:  Disney presents an action-comedy adventure set in the all-animal city of “Zootopia.” Determined to prove herself, Officer Judy Hopps jumps at the chance to crack a case, even if it means partnering with fast-talking Nick Wilde to solve the mystery. Sponsored by the Detroit Pistons Foundation.
  (2016) PG | 1h 48min
• June 9:  “Moana” sets sail on a daring mission to save her people. Along the way, she meets the once mighty demigod Maui–together they cross the ocean on a fun-filled, action-packed voyage.
  (2016) PG | 1h 47min
• June 16: The fairy people of “FernGully: The Last Rain Forest” have never seen humans before, but when Christa sees one, Zak, she accidentally shrinks him down to her size. There is trouble in FernGully, for Zak is part of a logging team who is there to cut down the forest. This movie is being shown in partnership with Allied Media Conference.
  (1992) G | 1h 16min
• June 23:  No Film. Please see Special Events.
• June 30: In “The Secret Life of Pets,” find out what your pets do when you’re not at home in this animated comedy featuring the voice talents of Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, and Kevin Hart. PLEASE NOTE: Friendly dogs on a leash welcome. Sponsored by Canine to Five Detroit
  (2016) PG | 1h 27min
• July 7: In “Kubo and the Two Strings,” a young boy with the gift of telling fantastical stories is sent on a mystical quest to discover his family's magical legacy. Starring Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey.
  (2016) PG | 1h 41min
• July 14: In Disney's live-action epic adventure, “The Jungle Book” 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.
  (2016) PG | 1h 46min
• July 21: Hiccup is a young Viking who defies convention when he befriends one of his deadliest foes—a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. But humans and dragons are supposed to be mortal enemies, not buddies in “How to Train Your Dragon,” and this unlikely pair must overcome many obstacles and one ultimate challenge—to save both their worlds.
  (2010) PG | 1h 38min
• July 28: Take an unforgettable, uniquely magical, musical journey through the deliciously delightful, whimsically wonderful world of “Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory.” PLEASE NOTE: Opera MODO will perform “Hansel and Gretel “ before this film at 7:30 p.m. See more information under the Special Events section.
  (1971) G | 1h 40min
• August 4: In “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Magizoologist Newt Scamander’s magical beasts are inadvertently let loose in 1926 New York, where the wizarding community is threatened by exposure to No-Majs bent on eradicating them.
  (2016) PG-13 | 2h 13min
• August 11: Nemo, a young clownfish is captured and taken to a dentist's office aquarium. It's up to Marlin, his father, and Dory, a friendly but forgetful regal blue tang fish, to make the epic journey to bring Nemo home from Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Don’t miss this classic animated film, “Finding Nemo,” sponsored by the Detroit Pistons Foundation.
  (2003) G | 1h 40min
• August 18: In “Pete’s Dragon,” when a mysterious 10-year-old boy turns up who claims to live in the woods with a giant green dragon, a forest ranger and an 11-year-old girl set out to learn the truth about him.
  (2016) PG | 1h 43min
• August 25: Walt Disney's original classic, “101 Dalmations,” will charm your family again and again. PLEASE NOTE: Friendly dogs on a leash welcome. Sponsored by Canine to Five Detroit
  (1961) G | 1h 19min

 
SPECIAL EVENTS:

New Center Park’s Special Events series presents parties, outdoor theatre and more on various evenings between June and August (times vary). The full lineup includes:

• June 16: Join the 19th annual Allied Media Conference (AMC) as they throw their first ever AMC Kids Party at New Center Park! This dazzling event for kids, caregivers and community of all ages will feature live DJs Cumbia Poder and Mother Cyborg, face-painting, bubble making, exciting lights, coloring stations and more. At the AMC, they believe that creating dynamic content for kids is critical to a more just, creative and collaborative world. They also love a great party. Learn more about the AMC and register here: alliedmedia.org/amc. This community event is free and open to the public (AMC registration not required). The AMC Kids Party is scheduled from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Stay afterwards for the film, “FernGully: The Last Rain Forest.” Film begins at dusk, close to 9:30 p.m.
• June 22-25: Detroit Actor’s Theatre Company presents Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Doors at 8:00 p.m. | Performances at 9:00 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: This rock opera incorporates video projection and will start when it is dark out. It seems especially fitting that the first rock opera, created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent '60s, should have at its center a social and political rebel. Jesus' meteor-like rise in renown provides, as the title suggests, a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship. As his radical teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal. Christ's final days are dramatized with emotional intensity, thought-provoking edge and explosive theatricality. Propelled by a stirring score (Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice), by turns driving and majestic, satirical and tender, “Jesus Christ Superstar” illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart. Sponsored by:  First American Title Insurance Company – Commercial Team.
• July 28: Opera MODO presents “Hansel and Gretel.” Doors at 6:30 p.m. | Performance at 7:30 p.m. A pair of angelic voiced siblings bored and hungry for dinner. Their exhausted mother, who angrily sends them out of the house. The Sandman and the Dew Fairy, who calm them and watch over them as they sleep. And a predatory, saccharine-sweet, child-crunching witch whose favorite food has just starting nibbling at her treats. Will these delicious cherubs be her next meal or will they find a way to outwit her and escape? Join us this summer in the park for Opera MODO’s sweet and sassy production of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel to find out! Stay afterwards for the film, “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.” Film begins at dusk. Sponsored by: Rebuild Group and Tom Delaney, Midtown Detroit, Inc. Board Member.
• August 12-13: Come experience Caribbean culture through dance, family entertainment, food, international performers, and more during the weekend-long Caribbean Festival! For more information, please call (313) 255-2226 or check out:  www.myccco.org.

New Center Park is a private park open to the public, and is located in the New Center District at 2998 West Grand Boulevard, on the corner of Second Avenue and West Grand Boulevard. The park features a bar and grill open during special events. 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 2017 Summer Series is sponsored by:  First American Title Insurance Company - Commercial Team; Tom Delaney; Midtown Detroit, Inc.; ASTI Environmental; Matt O'Laughlin, Director of Residential & Commercial Real Estate of The Loft Warehouse; First American Title Insurance Company - Midtown Detroit; First Independence Bank; Rebuild Group; Grunwell-Cashero; University Rentals, LLC; Giffels Webster; ROK Construction Services LLC; Cinetopia Film Festival; WH Canon Company; The Detroit Pistons Foundation; SME USA; Canine To Five Detroit; Community Capital Consulting; WDET 101.9FM; Griffin Claw Brewing Company; Motor City Brewing Works; and Miller Lite.
 

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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; grant administration; and arts programming for the district.

Over the last decade, MDI and its predecessor organization, the University Cultural Center Association, have raised over $60 million for a variety of initiatives including the Midtown Greenway Loop, restoration and conversion of six historic homes into a boutique hotel, the Woodward Avenue Streetscape Enhancement project, the construction of two community gardens and four Green Alleys, the renovation of many commercial facades throughout the district, and a matching grant security enhancement program for property and business owners. MDI has also facilitated funding for over 50 residential developments resulting in over 1800 new units of housing and has assisted over 100 local businesses with technical assistance and financing. MDI also manages the Live Midtown and Stay Midtown programs, to increase population density through incentives to eligible anchor institution employees and neighborhood residents.

Additional initiatives include a comprehensive communication and marketing campaign to increase awareness of Midtown’s numerous qualities, stimulate population growth, and attract new businesses to the area. MDI additionally promotes local cultural events including three signature events – Noel Night, DLECTRICITY, and Art X Detroit along with New Center Park summer entertainment.  For more information, visit midtowndetroitinc.org.