Black-and-white movies, live music, a cult classic, costume contests, and, of course, cake. ADVERTISING Black-and-white movies, live music, a cult classic, costume contests, and, of course, cake. It’s all on the schedule this weekend as the Palace Theater opens its
Black-and-white movies, live music, a cult classic, costume contests, and, of course, cake.
It’s all on the schedule this weekend as the Palace Theater opens its doors for its 90th birthday.
The celebration kicks off tonight with a screening of the very first film to play at the Palace: “Don Q, Son of Zorro.” The 1925 black-and-white film stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Astor.
It’s a silent film, but tonight’s showing has a unique soundtrack as Tommy Stark of the Hilo Theatre Organ Society sets the movie’s tempo.
“He’s fantastic on the organ,” said theater executive director Morgan Bahurinsky.
Stark provides the soundtrack for silent films at the Palace on a regular basis, and has been preparing for the “Don Q, Son of Zorro” performance for the past couple of months.
“It’s his own creation to go with the movie,” Bahurinsky said.
Birthday cake will be served at the screening.
Saturday brings a local favorite with the annual Halloween showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The film celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
The Palace has hosted Rocky Horror parties for the past six years, Bahurinsky said. There’ll be participation kits (to play along with the movie) for sale beforehand.
The evening also features a costume contest and a silent auction. The auction’s centerpiece is a commemorative studio poster released for the 40th anniversary and signed by movie producer Lou Adler.
Tickets are still available for all birthday events, including Sunday’s free afternoon concert. The concert honors the memory of late Kalapana icon Uncle Robert Keli‘iho‘omalu. Keli‘iho‘omalu passed away in February.
“His sons and ohana are coming to play for us,” Bahurinsky said. The event is emceed by Uncle Mathew Kamelamela. Kalapana crafters will have booths set up in the lobby.
For those who didn’t get a slice during tonight’s event, another round of birthday cake gets served up on Sunday. After all, a theater only turns 90 once.
• Friday, Oct. 30: “Don Q, Son of Zorro.” 7 p.m. $10; free for anyone born in 1925 or earlier.
• Saturday, Oct. 31: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Doors open 8 p.m. Costume contest begins 8:30 p.m. Movie begins 9 p.m. $10 presale or with costume; $12 at the door.
• Sunday, Nov. 1: Kalapana Kanikapila. 3 p.m. Free. Tickets still available. Call box office at 934-7010.
Email Ivy Ashe at iashe@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
