The Depression brought some of America's worst times, but it also brought with it a forward looking architecture and artistic movement called Art Deco--an art movement based in the belief that things were going to get better and a living monument to American optimism. One of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the area is the Henrico Theater (pictured to the right). Notice the clean, rounded, aerodynamic lines. Like all Art Deco, it asserts that a better, more modern world is just around the corner, one that is clean and is everything that the American 1930s wasn't. It's also a rebellion against the art movement it replaces, one which looked to the Middle Ages for inspiration, one called the Arts and Crafts Movement. This hyper-modern, clean, convenient world is that my folks and your grandparents returned from WWII to build.
In any event, the Henrico Theater was recently renovated as an attraction, and it's a great chance to see high Deco architecture up close and personal. One of the movie palaces, they're also showing some great movies from the Mid-twentieth Century.
If you've never seen the ones showing this weekend, Singing in the Rain and Easter Parade, you are in for a treat. Both are musicals, one starring Gene Kelly and one Fred Astaire. Both are hopelessly romantic and fun, and both will show you some great dancing--one modern and one ballroom at its best. Both will give a glimpse into what will end up being the 20th C's major contribution to culture, the movie. Each will set you back a dollar a person. Each will earn you ethos, brownie points, and some extra credit in my class.
Here's a schedule of up coming movies at the Henrico:
Cinema Classics
Beginning in February, unforgettable treasures of the silver screen will be shown the first weekend of each month at Henrico Theatre. The cost is just $1 per person, so be sure to grab your friends and family for a blast from the past!
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
Friday, February 29, 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 1, 2 p.m.
EASTER PARADE
Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 2, 2 p.m.
MARY POPPINS
Friday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 5, 2 p.m.
BAMBI
Saturday, April 5, 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 6, 2 p.m.
THE PINK PANTHER
Friday, May 2, 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 3, 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 3, 8 p.m
Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m.
Address:
305 East Nine Mile Road
Highland Springs, VA 23075
804-328-4491
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