Everyone loves a girl’s night with all the fun, lively and loving affection emanating in one place. This was just that: A spectacular night filled with excitement, as the Naro Expanded Cinema on Colley Ave. hosted a showing of a classic, “13 Going on 30” on Feb. 13. The walls were practically bouncing with joy and nostalgia.
Originally founded in 1936, the Naro Expanded Cinema has the old-fashioned, chic sheen that people crave in this modern society. Its small charm invites community and connection, bringing a homey feel that fails to be replicated by chain movie theaters.
This Galentine’s Day special of the inspiring film “13 Going on 30” brought to life these expectations as well as fulfilled the promise of a sparkling girl’s night. All tickets were $15, and enchanting goodie bags were gifted to the first 150 guests that arrived, enhancing the glamorous allure of the experience.
Walking up to the theater, eyes immediately are drawn to the cinema’s marquee, lights dazzling around the titles “13 Going on 30” as well as “Wuthering Heights,” the other side flashing an honorable mention of the anniversary of a couple, love flowing through the air. All around the entrance were groups of friends taking pictures, laughing with each other and chattering with enthusiasm about their outfits, makeup and above all, the film.
Entering the building felt like a scene in a movie itself. As you walk in, Taylor Swift’s album “Lover” played faintly on the speakers up front, setting the mood. Heart streamers dangled as curtains to the doorframe and strings of lights were hung, surrounding the entry room. A line for concessions containing vibrant candy, classic popcorn and delicious drinks formed, as well as a line for a bar booth serving themed beverages, allowing the crowd to enjoy something stronger as they engaged with the film. Though there were no “Razzle’s” candy present, the aesthetics were matching the themes of the film in a captivating way.
The proceeds for the bar and concessions served as a fundraiser for the organization “Girls on the Run,” to which there was an announcement before the movie began. A girl in 5th grade, who participates in this program, spoke bravely about the activities they conduct, the goals they achieve and the different strategies of motivation they keep. She excitedly relayed information about the end of season 5K that this program plans every year. This fun festival that takes place before the run begins is complete with bounce houses, face painting and outdoor games. She also told the crowd that they carry inspirational journals filled with encouragement, which, she stated, “helps to create a mindset that can move mountains.” This Galentine’s Day fundraiser was right on theme, as this organization promotes the same concepts: inclusivity, positive self-image and love.
Settling into the auditorium, eyes are entranced by the affectionate décor, drawn to the stage as well as its wings. There were heart garlands strung along the stage, table clothes that were layered with pink hues and lights sparkling down from above the chairs, accentuating the rosy colors throughout the room. A station selling original posters, by artist Mallory Jarell, styling different themes from the film was featured to the left of the stage.
To the right sat a photobooth filled with props like tiaras, pink feather boas and funky sunglasses for the audience to create tangible memories with adorable photos. On stage, there were various gift bags with extravagant colors, which were to be given as prizes for the movie trivia being held shortly before the movie began.
Playing already on the film screen was the show “The Powerpuff Girls,” which gave the room an extra boost of female empowerment and togetherness, directly on theme with Gal’s night. Laughter traveled the room with the enjoyment of these stations as well as overall elated conversations cascading through the isles.
To solidify the emergence into the world of this film, the hostess and MC for the evening, Whitney Weireter, was dressed in the main character’s stylish, signature outfit, played by Jennifer Garner: The green and purple hued dress, butterfly necklace and unique heels. When complimenting her heel choice, a stunning silver, Whitney stated, “These are the very style of heels I wanted when I was 13, but my mom wouldn’t buy them for me. Now I get to enjoy them for something as cute as this!”
As 8:30 p.m. rolled around, everyone settled into their seats, and the trivia began. The speaker would ask the prearranged questions and call on whoever answered correctly first, giving out the bags to those winners. Whispering to each other about whether they knew the answers, the audience was fully entertained and engaged, clapping and cheering when somebody answered correctly. After the prizes were gifted, the host announced the movie was to begin and shared, “We’re not just here for the movie. We’re here to celebrate womanhood.”
You could practically feel the electrifying energy sparking throughout the auditorium when the lights dimmed. Awaiting with bated breath, the audience was ready to embark on the movie’s journey together.
Throughout the film, the crowd was “oohing” and “aahing” at certain pivotal scenes, with extreme exclamations at parts such as her birthday wish scene, the part when Jenna and Matt meet each other’s partners together unexpectedly on the street and, the one with the most interactive reactions, the “Thriller” dance scene.
This scene received engagement with the crowd, as people were singing along to the tune as well as dancing with the characters. It was a winning scene, and the participation from the crowd created a lively environment that cannot be replicated.
When the film ended, the audience burst into spirited, vigorous applause. As the lights slowly brightened again, faces were smiling brightly from ear to ear, knowing they had participated in a beautiful experience.
The scene outside as the crowd ventured from the building was serene. Friends were hugging, pictures were being captured and wholesome conversations were being held, which left the night’s air feeling hopeful that this affectionate celebration could linger.
This Galentine’s Day event was a wonderful strategy to promote this local cinema for future movie lovers who adore that classic, old-time charm that people crave nowadays.
The Naro Expanded Cinema truly captivated the audience on Feb. 13 for this Gal’s Night special and left the audience holding on to feelings of love, elation and unity as they celebrated womanhood together within the community. Stay informed for various upcoming events happening at the Naro, like showings of the new “Wuthering Heights” as well as the timeless classic “My Man Godfrey” that is being hosted as an anniversary special for the theater on Feb. 23.
