Mother's Day with Joan

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 24, 2008 2:30PM

"No wire hangers! Ever!"

If you know what movie that line's from then you need to cruise over to TicketWeb and make your reservations for the Music Box's special Mother's Day screening of Mommie Dearest. Since the movie's original release in 1981, Faye Dunaway's performance as Joan Crawford has blown minds and transformed many a mild-mannered lad into a drag queen. One thing we love about the movie is the way that director Frank Perry's restraint, including a sparse music score by Henry Mancini (!), allows Dunaway to take center stage. Perry's shooting style, which largely employs medium and long shots, makes the whole film a bit creepily voyeuristic, making us feel as if we're spying.

However, for the Music Box event, camp will be front and center. A Joan look-alike contest will award prizes like copies of the new Crawford biography by Charlotte Chandler and signed DVDs of the movie. A special pre-show performance by The Joans takes Crawford, impeccably played by David Cerda, and gives her a rock & roll voice. When the movie begins you'll get to follow along with a special interactive audience guide.

If you want to make a day of it, sign up for one of the special VIM (Very Important Mother) packages, which includes a 1 pm brunch at Violet and preferred seating at the theater. We wouldn't hesitate too long before getting tickets though. Or as Joan might say, "Don't fuck with me fellas." Full details here.