Red, White and Blue Fourth of July at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Come to Thalian Hall on the Fourth of July and enjoy a large screen presentation of the film classic “Stars and Stripes Forever” in historic Thalian Hall at 310 Chestnut Street in downtown Wilmington. After the screening, enjoy the Wilmington Fireworks with Champagne, Shortcake, Blueberries and Strawberries in the Thalian Hall Ballroom. What more could you ask for? We’ll have free parking, clean bathrooms and air conditioning.

“Star and Stripes Forever” is the John Philip Sousa tale set in the 1890’s with the Spanish-American War as a backdrop. Filmed in 1952, the 90 minute flick presented in Technicolor will get you ready for the City of Wilmington’s fireworks display. Come enjoy our All-American evening with a movie, red, white and blue dessert and a glass of bubbly and dazzling fireworks.

In the 1890’s, Sgt. Major John Philip Sousa, leader of the Marine Corps Band, meets Private Willie Little, inventor of an instrument he calls the Sousaphone…and…Little’s girlfriend, shapely showgirl Lily. To support his growing family, Sousa leaves the Marines and forms his own band; Willie and Lily go along. Though he’d rather write ballads, Sousa’s marches bring him increasing fame; from their debut in 1892 the band is a great success. But Sousa’s “no wives” rule threatens the romance of Willie and Lily…as does the Spanish-American War.

With Clifton Webb, Debra Paget, Robert Wagner and Ruth Hussey.
1952, English. 90 minutes. In Technicolor.

John Phillip Sousa (1854-1932) The famous band master and composer of marches was the leader of the United States Marine Band from 1880-1892. He then formed his own band and toured America and completed a World Tour in 1910. He appeared with his band in the Wilmington Opera House (Thalian Hall) on January 7, 1897 with return engagements in 1902 and 1908.

Date and Time: July 4, 2009 at 7:15 PM

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts online at www.thalianhall.org or call the box office at 910.343.3664.