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Photos: Drive-in theater debuts in Westport

Jarret Liotta

After eight years of work, the lights finally went down Friday night when the Remarkable Theater premiered its first-ever drive-in movie at the Baldwin Lot. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was the first night's offering on the big screen, with "Caddyshack" showing Saturday night. Next weekend will be "Do The Right Thing" on Friday and "Scream" on Saturday.

"This is the most exciting night," said Remarkable Theater President Marina Derman. "It's the start of something really, really great."

"The movies are the last reasonably priced thing that people can do together," said Tirola, who said he remembers when Westport had five movie theaters, including four downtown. "It feels great that we're doing something for the community to bring people together after this long shutdown." If all goes well, the group hopes to return to the Board of Selectmen for approval of more shows throughout the summer.

Viewers atop their car at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn. Around 50 vehicles and hundreds of fans came out Friday night, which was also a fundraiser for the Westport Woman's Club. That organization, which traditionally hosts the Yankee Doodle Fair each June on the same spot but had to cancel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is still trying to generate funds for its scholarship program.
Jarret Liotta / Jarret Liotta

Viewers atop their car at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn.

Around 50 vehicles and hundreds of fans came out Friday night, which was also a fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club. That organization, which traditionally hosts the Yankee Doodle Fair each June on the same spot but had to cancel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is still trying to generate funds for its scholarship program.

“We’re grateful to the Remarkable Theater for making this possible,” said Christina McVaney, the club president.

 

Getting a better seat are, from left, Jeff Hellinger of Weston, Sydney, and Deborah at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn.
Jarret Liotta / Jarret Liotta

Getting a better seat are, from left, Jeff Hellinger of Weston, Sydney, and Deborah at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn.

“Hopefully this is really the beginning, to start bringing movies back to downtown Westport,” said Doug Tirola, creative director for the nonprofit. The group not only aims to open a brick-and-mortar theater downtown, but as part of its mission intends to employ people with disabilities through the project.

For more information, visit remarkabletheater.org.

Paige Toglia of Westport, front center, joins the D'Ana family of Westport, including, from left, Oliver, Charlotte, Joe, and Alicia at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn.
Jarret Liotta / Jarret Liotta

Paige Toglia of Westport, front center, joins the D'Ana family of Westport, including, from left, Oliver, Charlotte, Joe, and Alicia at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn.

Film friends, from left, Grace Kendra and Maise Busz, both of Wilton, and Sophia Mercado of Westport at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn.
Jarret Liotta / Jarret Liotta

Film friends, from left, Grace Kendra and Maise Busz, both of Wilton, and Sophia Mercado of Westport at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn.

A family of volunteers, including, from left, Maya Treisman, mom Margi Jacobson, and Jojo Treisman, 14, of Westport at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn.
Jarret Liotta / Jarret Liotta

A family of volunteers, including, from left, Maya Treisman, mom Margi Jacobson, and Jojo Treisman, 14, of Westport at the drive-in premiere of the new Remarkable Theater on Friday, June 27, 2020, in Westport, Conn.