Back in August, I decided I wanted to write a couple of different reviews and they both had connections to The State Theatre in Modesto. I first discovered the State Theatre back in 1995. The small theatre is an historic icon in the City of Modesto. It offers movies that typically rarely, if ever, show at the more "mainstream" theatres, stage shows, and concerts. This year, they started hosting Singles Mingle events once a month. The unfortunate thing is that a lack of community support has caused them to cancel the remainder of the events. These events served a greater purpose than connecting singles and making matches. They provided great networking opportunities. However, despite the number of people turning to Internet dating and looking for "the one" these days and despite the great themes for the evenings, numbers dwindled and for the non-profit theatre the events proved a financial loss. Following the August Singles Mingle event, the board opted to cancel the monthly events. Disappointing especially as I had looked forward to the spaghetti western night scheduled for September. Yet, understandable given the financial perspective and the low attendance.
My mother and I visited The State in August to see Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing, a modern twist on a Shakespearean play. The movie had opened in many theaters in June and we waited anxiously to see when and where it would show locally. It never did. No local theaters had it scheduled. Then, word came that The State would have it for about two weeks. We attended on a late Friday afternoon. We were among a small audience for what was a fantastic movie. Familiar with Whedon's work and a longtime Shakespeare lover, I expected to like it. I knew it would be good and this movie did not disappoint. With actors including Castle's Nathan Fillion, the cast breathed fresh life into this show by way of Whedon's amazing artistry. I applaud The State for showing it and wish more people had taken advantage of the opportunity to see it.
The first Saturday in September brought the modern classic Dirty Dancing to the small theatre in downtown Modesto. For just $5 a ticket, fans of all ages had the opportunity to see this show some have only seen by way of video rental on the big screen. Though it failed to sell out, the audience packed in for this one. The State had earlier run Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine which met with such success the theatre opted to extend the run slightly.
A regular visit to the theatre's website will help keep you up-to-date. Shows, prices, times all vary. Look often and do your part to support Modesto's treasure. Upcoming films include Haute Cuisine, Austenland, and Letters to Jackie. At the end of October, they will have a one night only showing of Ghostbusters.
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