This Fall, Middlesex Community College is partnering with Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) on “Screen to Stage” to air movies at the college’s Owl Theatre in tandem with the theatre’s upcoming productions. Housed at the college’s Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center (AAC) in Lowell, MCC and MRT will bring the community entertainment from the movie screen to the theatre stage.
“We are thrilled to partner, once again, with our treasured colleagues at Middlesex Community College for ‘Screen to Stage,’” said Courtney Sale, Nancy L Donahue Executive Artistic Director at Merrimack Repertory Theatre. “MRT’s fall schedule includes expansive stories that thrive in multiple art forms – from literature to film to theatre. By partnering with MCC, we are able to offer our audiences multiple ways to engage these dynamic works.”
“With a long-standing tradition of offering art and entertainment to Greater Lowell, MCC’s Owl Theatre is thrilled to collaborate with MRT in this new way,” said John Bachelder, MCC’s Building Manager of the AAC. “Sharing a goal of enriching our community with cultural experiences – as well as providing learning opportunities to students of all ages – the partnership is a natural progression of our previous involvement with the theatre. The Owl has an exciting line-up of films to air throughout the Fall, including two that will lead into the wonderful stage productions by MRT. As we move forward, we hope to build upon this partnership and expand the offerings both institutions give to Lowell.”
On Friday, October 3, Middlesex will air the 1978 version of “Carrie” ahead of MRT’s production of “Misery.” The play will run from October 15 to November 2 at the Nancy L. Donahue Theatre at Liberty Hall/Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
MCC’s Owl will play “Walk the Line” on Friday, November 7 in tandem with MRT’s production of “Ring of Fire: The Songs of Johnny Cash.” The play will run from November 26 to December 14.
This Fall, The Owl Theatre will also play the 1978 version of “Halloween” on Friday, September 26; “The Exorcist” on Friday, October 31; and “Wicked Part One” on Friday, November 19 ahead of the second part’s release. More movies may be added throughout the semester.
MCC’s theatre department also collaborates with MRT on stage productions throughout the year, including the three-week Summer Stage for Youth. The partnership offers a strong career pathway for current students and recent graduates from the college’s theatre program. While studying, students get access to professional experiences and networking opportunities, while MRT has a pool of skilled and qualified candidates ready to begin their careers.
Honoring the legacy of the beloved Luna Theater from Mill No. 5., MCC’s theatre also celebrates the original Owl Theatre, which opened as one of Lowell’s first movie theaters in 1913 in the same space as the AAC.
Limited tickets are available for $5 and must be purchased in advance. MCC’s AAC is located at 240 Central Street in Lowell. With parking not available on site, the nearest public parking facility is the Early Garage on 135 Middlesex St.
Purchase tickets for Owl Theatre's film showings.
Purchase tickets for MRT’s productions. Contact Carolyn Andrews or call 978-654-7554 for more information.