This Saturday, of-age college students won’t have to decide between seeing a movie or drinking beer, because they can do both at the Gryphon theatre.
Theatre manager Dave Soules sheds some light on the Laramie tradition.
Q: What is Micros & Movies?
A: Micros & Movies is an idea borrowed from an event I used to attend when I lived in Chicago called Brew & View at the Vic Theatre. Our take combines local and regional micro brews with films selected by our fans.
Q: What makes beer and cinema a good combination?
A: The success of this idea can be seen nationwide especially with Alamo Draft House.
Q: Why should students go?
A: While this event is more geared for the post-college crowd, it is open to everyone. Students who enjoy “cult classic films” and have an interest in local or regional breweries are more than welcome to attend
Q: What kind of drinks will be served?
A: We typically secure a keg of the latest release from Coal Creek Tap as well as a wide selection of brews from Wind River, Snake River, Avery, Oskar Blues and New Belgium. While not local beers, we also offer Guinness, Boddingtons and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Bottled water and canned soft drinks are also available for those under 21 or not wishing to drink beer.
Q: Time?
A: Doors open at 7 p.m. Show is 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Q: Have you done this before?
A: This is our third year. We typically host four to six films a year.
Q: Will it be happening again? How often?
A: We currently have 3 films booked for this spring:
- March 14 “Jurassic Park” (1993)
- April 3 “Kill Bill” Double Feature
- April 26 “Escape From Tomorrow” with talkback from the director of photography
I would really encourage people to research this film. It was one of the most provocative films at Sundance and was shot at Disney without them knowing about it. They have a counter on the website showing how many days have passed since its release that they haven’t been sued. The director of photography Lucas Lee Graham is a Wyoming native and will be flying out to introduce the film and be available for questions afterwards.
We will be selecting the films for this fall over the summer and encourage input from the fans.
The Gryphon Theater is located in the historic Laramie Plains Civic Center. The venue hosts a “Micros and Movies” event four to six times a year.
