Prospector Theater Welcomes Actor/Director Frank Whaley for Screening of “Like Sunday, Like Rain” on April 29

Ridgefield’s Prospector Theater Welcomes Actor/Director Frank Whaley for a Special Screening of “Like Sunday, Like Rain” featuring a live Q&A with the film’s director on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 – 7:00pm

Since its gala opening in November, The Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, Connecticut has become almost a mecca where audiences and staff alike come together to celebrate their love of the movies.  From the kind of buttered popcorn that vanished from chain multiplex theaters years ago to the state-of-the-art projection technology and luxurious seats, every facet of the movie-going experience has been designed for maximum enjoyment.  On April 29, The Prospector will offer patrons another experience that will foster greater insight into the magic of the movies, with a screening of the indie film “Like Sunday, Like Rain” followed by a live Question-and-Answer session with the film’s director, Frank Whaley.  At the center of this film, which film critic Gary Goldstein of The Los Angeles Times calls “a tender, evocative tale of an unlikely friendship” between a sensitive and precocious 12-year old boy (Julian Shatkin) and his 20-ish nanny (Leighton Meester, of “Gossip Girl” fame) who unite over their shared love of music and their need for a supportive friend.  (“Like Sunday, Like Rain” is the title of a song written by the young boy, a talented cellist.)

Audiences may be more familiar with the film’s director, Frank Whaley, through his work as an actor in numerous films including “Field of Dreams,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” and the television series “Ray Donovan.”  As a director, “Like Sunday, Like Rain” is Whaley’s fourth film – and the Question-and-Answer session following the screening is sure to offer insights into the process of bringing a story from script to screen.  Much like the theme of music which is featured in this film, this director has said that a great film must provide a structure in which talented actors have an opportunity to do their best work.  Film critic Gary Goldstein says that Whaley succeeded masterfully in this regard, noting that “Shatkin and Meester are terrific together.”  During the post-screening conversation,  Whaley will also no doubt have plenty of stories to share about his work with legendary actors like Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise and directors like Oliver Stone, who has worked with him numerous times.

Similarly, the construction of The Prospector Theater itself is a story of taking a unique idea and taking the action necessary to turn it into a reality that can be enjoyed and appreciated by others.  The realization of a long-held dream by founder Valerie Jensen, The Prospector has provided jobs for more than 80 individuals, more than half of whom have disabilities.  Known as “Prospects,” in acknowledgement of the fact that their work at the theater is designed to be a stepping stone on a journey of fulfilling lifelong employment, these staff members also benefit from coaching and training in a variety of fields ranging from food service to graphic design.  In recognition of its role as a model for the benefits that come from hiring dedicated, capable and enthusiastic workers regardless of so-called “disabilities,” The Prospector was recently featured on The NBC Nightly News – a story that drew an enthusiastic response from thousands of viewers in all 50 states.

For more information about The Prospector Theater, visit:

http://www.prospectortheater.org

To see the NBC Nightly News story about The Prospector Theater, click here                                                   

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Submitted by Wilton, CT

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