It seems like only yesterday I was asking this fine readership to hold off seeing The Avengers: Age of Ultron so as not to have to tie up our one-screen for a full three weeks on the one film.
Well, the tables have turned, and other considerations have led me to agree to a three-week-long run of the next saga of the Avengers team and screen, Captain America: Civil War, on its North American release date, May 6.
Different outcome but same problem; we need more screens to cater to the entire community and meet the Civic Theatre’s mandate as a media hub beyond the Hollywood movie. Before, it was to the blockbuster fan that I begged consideration from and offered a humble apology to, but now, it is to all you valued patrons and members who frequent our art house, international and alternative content, that I submit.
Please don’t find fault with The Civic when you see our unchanging marquee listing prominently a hero branded by the colours of our neighbours to the south. Do not feel contempt for our tight uniformed screen icons; instead, visualize the Nelson Civic Theatre Society as an unlikely superhero that continues the fight against the odds. Some titles will fall, but the war will end in our favour, and after all the mending has been made to the usher’s uniform, we will be screening the big, the small, and hosting events that will enlighten and enthral.
I can certainly understand, given my robust physique, that many of you can’t help picturing me as this masked, bearded hero, but please don’t; I am merely a sidekick to the heroic community, membership, board, volunteers and staff that continue to support this amazing resource.
Jason Asbell is programmer, theatre manager and Robin to the Civic Theatre’s Batman.