Spend an early New Year’s Eve afternoon with “Auntie Mame” at the Orinda Theatre. Rosalind Russell is seen here with Patrick Dennis, author of the book on which the 1958 movie was based.
When Christmas has come and gone, we face greeting 2025 on Dec. 31. Who better to lead us to the adventure the new year will bring than the wonderful Auntie Mame?
Rosalind Russell’s performance of the most extraordinary woman from Patrick Dennis’ eponymous novel has delighted generations of audiences since the movie was released in 1958. “Auntie Mame” is this month’s Orinda Classic Movie Matinee, showing on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 1 p.m.
Don’t miss the only screening of this classic. The feature is accompanied by a newsreel at the start of the show, James A. FitzPatrick Traveltalks, “In The Valley of the Rhine,” a color cartoon and “prevues” of coming attractions to the monthly matinee series, recreating the Orinda matinee experience of 1958.
Made by Warner Bros. in the widescreen Technirama process and in Technicolor, “Auntie Mame” was nominated for five Academy Awards, including a best actress nod for Rosalind Russell for her indelible performance as Mame Dennis, the wildly unconventional socialite who takes in her late brother’s son Patrick.
Faced with the demands of her brother’s will – to not be a bad influence on the boy – the two manage to have zany adventures with many of her artistic friends, forming a close bond. In support of Russell, wonderful performances come from Coral Browne, Forrest Tucker, Fred Clark, Patric Knowles, Yuki Shimoda and Peggy Cass in this delightful comedy. Admission is $10 and tickets are available at the door or orindamovies.com.
On Jan. 12, 2025, one of the brightest stars of Broadway, Faith Prince, will appear in the Live at the Orinda! concert series in the Orinda’s Balinese Theatre auditorium number two.
Prince dazzled audiences in “Guys and Dolls,” playing opposite Nathan Lane. The Tony Award winning performer also appeared in “The King and I” with Lou Diamond Phillips. Before she returns to Broadway to appear in the forthcoming show “Boop!,” the gifted performer agreed to appear in one final West Coast appearance prior to traveling east. How lucky is Orinda?
The popular Live at the Orinda! concert series often sells out fast and advance ticket purchases for Prince are recommended. Tickets are available at orindamovies.com. On the top right of the page, click on the three horizontal lines and select Concert Series from the pull-down menu options.
Fabulous women ring in the new year. On screen, Rosalind Russell’s “Auntie Mame” offers the perfect chance to start the New Year’s Eve party early in the day. The in-person appearance of one of Broadway’s best, Faith Prince, sets the tone for sensational showmanship throughout 2025 at the Orinda Theatre.
