Artown is one of Reno's great pleasures during July. And Friday nights bring one of the longest-running Artown traditions to Wingfield Park. "Movies in the Park" begins its 11th year this summer, and with a new sponsor. "The University of Nevada Alumni Association is pleased to support Artown's 2007 Movies in the Park series," said Randy Brown ('89). Brown, who is the Area Manager for External Affairs for AT&T and current NAA President, added "it's just one more way the Association connects our members, our University and our community."
The NAA will present "Movies in the Park" as a part of the 12th annual Artown festival, July 1-31, 2007, with major funding provided by the City of Reno. The month-long arts festival features more than 350 events, produced by over 100 partnering organizations and individuals in more than 90 locations citywide.
The series is produced by the University's College of Liberal Arts. "This is truly a family affair in 2007," explained Heather Hardy, Dean of the College. "We're so pleased to collaborate with the Alumni Association. We welcome everyone—alumni and friends—to join us beneath the stars in Wingfield Park every Friday night during July."
The 2007 schedule includes four screen classics; the free showings begin at 9 p.m.
Friday, July 6: "The Sound of Music"
Chosen by audiences as their favorite film in the series, the Julie Andrews classic was rained out in 2005 and 2006. Filmed in Salzburg, the musical is based on a true story of a governess from a convent who falls in love with Baron Von Trapp while taking care of his seven children. The legendary score by Rodgers and Hammerstein makes this one of the greatest screen musicals.
Friday, July 13: "The Day the Earth Stood Still"
A gentle alien lands on Earth to deliver a contemporary message of peace and a warning against aggression. Michael Rennie is Klaatu (aided by the mighty robot Gort) in one of the most intelligent science fiction movies of all time. Produced during the Cold War when Americans were obsessed with the destructive capabilities of the atomic bomb, the film has beautiful pacing, excellent dialogue, and a haunting score by Bernard Herrmann.
Friday, July 20: "Field of Dreams"
Kevin Costner plays Ray Kinsella, a simple Iowa farmer who finds the courage to believe in his dreams. When Ray hears voices telling him to build a baseball diamond, his magical journey begins as he meets baseball greats who need his help to fulfill their dreams of days gone by.
Friday, July 27: "Sunset Boulevard"
Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), an aging silent film queen, enlists the help of a struggling writer (William Holden) to make her comeback in this bizarre tale. From the unforgettable opening sequence through the unfolding of tragic destiny, the film is the definitive statement on the dark and desperate side of Hollywood. A Laurel and Hardy silent classic, "Two Tars," precedes the feature.
Moviegoers are advised to arrive early for best seating; bring blankets or low-back chairs and dress warmly.