The Jane Pickens Theater kicks off August with a diverse array of films and events

The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) is kicking off August with a diverse array of films and events that spotlight film classics, renowned authors, award-winning theater productions, and local businesses.

“We are thrilled to present a vibrant lineup of films and events at The Jane Pickens Theater! From classic films and captivating theater to engaging events featuring authors and local wine tastings, each program promises a unique and memorable experience. We hope that you will join us in celebrating the magic of cinema,” said Alex Whitney, General Manager at The JPT.

Lady Sings the Blues with author Paul Alexander (Thursday, August 1 at 6:00 PM)

This special event, presented by The JPT and Newport bookstore Charter Books, highlights the legacy of jazz singer Billie Holiday. Author Paul Alexander will be in person with his new biography, Bitter Crop: The Heartache And Triumph Of Billie Holiday’s Last Year. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase Paul’s book. Paul will also introduce the film Lady Sings the Blues and conduct a Q&A following the film.

In Lady Sings the Blues, Pop superstar Diana Ross portrays legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in a powerful biographical drama. Beginning with Holiday’s traumatic youth, the film depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay (Billy Dee Williams), her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday’s brightest moments is the vocalist’s severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life. For tickets and more information on Lady Sings the Blues, click here.

Casablanca (Sunday, August 4, 2:00 PM)

Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), who owns a nightclub in Casablanca, discovers his old flame, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), is in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). Laszlo is a famed rebel, and with Germans on his tail, Ilsa knows Rick can help them get out of the country. For tickets and more information on Casablanca, click here.

Present Laughter from National Theater Live (Sunday, August 11, 2:00 PM)

National Theatre Live brings the finest British theater to cinemas around the globe, offering audiences the chance to experience some of the most acclaimed and popular West End plays in their local theaters. Throughout the year, The JPT features a curated series of National Theatre Live productions, allowing guests to enjoy these performances in Newport.

Present Laughter is a multi-award-winning production and provocative comedy by Noël Coward featuring Andrew Scott (Vanya, Fleabag). Present Laughter follows star actor Garry Essendine as he prepares to embark on an overseas tour when his colorful life is in danger of spiraling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic, and soul-searching. Filmed live from The Old Vic in London during a sold out run in 2019, Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical) directs this giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire, and loneliness. For tickets and more information on Present Laughter, click here.

Sideways with local wine tasting (Wednesday, August 14. Doors & wine tasting at 6:30 PM, and screening will begin at 7:30 PM)

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Sideways from director Alexander Payne back at The JPT for the first time since its release. Sideways follows struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti) as he takes his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), on a trip to wine country for a last single-guy bonding experience. While Miles wants to relax and enjoy the wine, Jack is in search of a fling before his wedding. Soon Jack is sleeping with Stephanie (Sandra Oh), while her friend Maya (Virginia Madsen) connects with Miles. When Miles lets slip that Jack is getting married, both women are furious, sending the trip into disarray. The event will include a pre-film wine tasting by lwine vendors Newport Wine Cellars, J Lohr and Newport Vineyards. For tickets and more information on Sideways, click here.