SHU Theatre Offering Free Movie Screenings For First Responders

From Sacred Heart University:

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Sacred Heart University Community Theatre will thank first responders for their continuing service during the COVID-19 crisis by offering five days of free film screenings for local police, fire, ambulance, and town health and human services employees.

The theater will hold nine private screenings between Thursday and Tuesday to accommodate all eligible first responders who wish to take advantage of this offer.

The “Thank You! First Responders” program, envisioned and organized by the theater’s board of visitors, is underwritten by Sacred Heart University.

“Our first responders have served us with care, expertise, bravery and grace during the uncertainty of the pandemic,” said Dorothea Brennan, a member of the theater board of visitors. “We at the theater are happy to welcome our hometown heroes and offer them time to relax and enjoy a movie in our newly renovated theater.”

The offer is open to members of the Fairfield police and fire departments, AMR Fairfield, Southport and Stratfield volunteer fire departments, town of Fairfield human services and health departments, and CERT and Medical Reserve Corps.

Each eligible first responder and a guest may enjoy one or more of the special screenings. First responders must show their valid IDs at the theater door.

The films, all released in 2020, are: "News of the World," an action-adventure drama starring Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel and Mare Winningham (PG-13); "Breach," a science fiction/horror film starring Bruce Willis, Cody Kearsley and Rachel Nichols (PG-13); and "Irresistible," a political comedy directed by Jon Stewart and starring Steve Carell, Rose Byrne and Chris Cooper (R).

The schedule, which allows for safe social distancing and options for all shifts, is as follows:

• Thursday: "News of the World," 3 p.m.; "Irresistible," 6 p.m.; and "Breach," 9 p.m.
• Friday: "Breach," noon
• Saturday: "Irresistible," noon
• Monday: "Breach," 3 p.m.; "News of the World," 6 p.m.
• Tuesday: "Irresistible," 3 p.m.; "Breach," 6 p.m.

The screenings are among the first events offered at the new theater since SHU, Kleban Properties and the town of Fairfield partnered to renovate and reopen this crown jewel in the heart of downtown. Over the past several months, skilled craftsmen have completely renovated the former vaudeville and movie house — from the expanded stage to the modern balcony and VIP skybox. The theater’s original proscenium arch was fully restored.

The first responders’ event is part of the theater’s summer preview. The theater’s official opening will be in September.

For more information on upcoming events, visit www.shucommunitytheatre.org.