BRIGHT BULB SCREENINGS, Free Double Features Every Second Thursday of the Month
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The Rotunda (4014 Walnut, Philly) Thursday June 13th, 2024! 7PM!
Yam On! An All-Ages Theatrical Music Extravaganza!
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POPEYE (1980, directed by Robert Altman, 114 min., U.S.)
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Yam On! Creator Steven Erdman (aka Lard Dog) is a cartoon character come-to-life who descends from planet Belopio on a Giant Pretzel to take your family on a musical journey of absurdism, frivolity, and unbridled joy. The utterly quirky cast of characters invites you into their unique audio-visual universe, complete with catchy songs, interactive props, multi-media graphics, and a pretzel toss—plus guest star appearance by famed puppeteer Richard Michael Gomez!
Having performed on renowned stages around the globe, including Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and the Strawberry Festival in China, Erdman has earned international acclaim for his extravagant, multi-media theatrical productions. Come play along and slurp the noodle of life, for Life’s A Real Dream.
"All about the power of imagination”
—THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Cloaks messages of love in absurdist pop songs”
—PASTE MAGAZINE
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Robert Altman's audacious, one-of-a-kind movie musical/comic book film makes for a perfect compliment to Erdman's theatrical/musical vision.
Director Altman, at the end of his run of bravura big studio productions (NASHVILLE, MASH, McCABE & MRS. MILLER), would go on location of the isle of Malta where Italian artisans would construct the weather-worn and fully-functional fishing village of Sweethaven as POPEYE's backdrop. The casting couldn't be more inspired, with BREAKING AWAY's Paul Dooley as the burger-loving Wimpy, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH's Ray Walston as crabby Poopdeck Pappy, and Robin Williams & Shelley Duvall, seemingly born to play the iconic characters of Popeye and his love Olive Oyl. Cult pop star Harry Nilsson's songs perfectly capture the mood of gleeful whimsy.
A modest hit upon release, POPEYE's unique handmade charm has transcended generations, with fan Paul Thomas Anderson featuring the film's song “He Needs Me” in PUNCH DRUNK LOVE and Carly Rae Jepsen interpolating the same song into her 2019 hit “Everything He Needs.”
“You wonder how on earth Altman did it; equally often, you feel you are watching a wacky masterpiece, the like of which you've never seen before.”
- Geoff Andrew, Time Out
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THE ROTUNDA
www.therotunda.org