Andover residents looking for evening entertainment that won't break the bank may want to consider the Rogers Center at Merrimack College.
The summer arts season is ready to enter full swing there. From Wednesday night movie classics to an evening concert, the Rogers Center is offering a variety of free events to all Merrimack Valley residents.
The 2012 Summer Series kicks off Wednesday, July 18, with what the center describes as the smooth rhythms of the Jazz Disciples at 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, July 25, the Rogers Center will screen "The Glenn Miller Story." Movie screenings continue with "Queen Kelly" on Wednesday Aug. 1, "Winchester 73" on Wednesday Aug. 15 and "The Kid" on Wednesday Aug. 22. The series comes to a conclusion on Aug. 29 with "Anatomy of a Murder." All of the movies begin with a commentary at 6:30, followed by the film at 7 p.m.
All events are subject to change. For more information, contact the Rogers Center Box Office at 978-837-5355.
Films are sponsored by the Tambakos Fund created by George Furth in memory of Merrimack alum Peter Tambakos. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Methuen, Andover, and North Andover Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Free Summer Series Schedule
Wednesday, July 18
The Jazz Disciples, 7 p.m. - Founded in 2008, the Jazz Disciples have quickly amassed a huge following. Come spend a summer evening listening to their laid back style of New Orleans Jazz.
Wednesday, July 25
"The Glenn Miller Story" - Commentary at 6:30 p.m., followed by screening at 7. The Rogers Center offers the following description: This fluid and entertaining biography of the big-band leader who created a new sound in music and died at the height of his popularity authentically captures the spirit of the '40s. James Stewart is perfectly cast as Glenn Miller and guest stars Ben Pollack, Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa, Francis Langford, and the Modernaires are on hand to recreate the excitement of the big bands in the swing era.
Wednesday, Aug. 1
"Queen Kelly" - Commentary at 6:30 p.m., followed by screening at 7. The Rogers Center offers the following description: In Kronberg, Ruritania, the planned wedding of Queen Regina and Prince Wolfram is halted when the prince falls in love with Patricia Kelly, a beautiful orphan at the convent. The prince kidnaps Patricia and takes her to the palace, but the queen drives her out. After a failed suicide attempt, Patricia unwillingly allows her scurrilous aunt to marry her off to a decrepit scoundrel. Undaunted, Wolfram follows Patricia to her new home in East Africa.
Wednesday, Aug. 15
"Winchester 73" - Commentary at 6:30 p.m., followed by screening at 7. Rogers Center description of movie: The journey of a prized rifle from one ill-fated owner to another and a cowboy's search for a murderous fugitive.
Wednesday, Aug. 22
"The Kid" - Commentary at 6:30 p.m., followed by screening at 7. Rogers Center description of movie: The Kid is a 1921 American silent dramedy film written by, produced by, directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, and features Jackie Coogan as his adopted son and sidekick. This was Chaplin's first full-length movie. It was a huge success, and was the second-highest grossing film in 1921, behind The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Wednesday, Aug. 29
"Anatomy of a Murder" - Commentary at 6:30 p.m., followed by screening at 7. Rogers Center description of movie: Anatomy of a Murder is a 1959 American courtroom crime drama film. Paul Biegler, a laid back, southern lawyer, defends a short-tempered Army lieutenant who is accused of murdering his wife's rapist.
