Calendar

FILM - EVERY LITTLE STEP (PG-13) 96 MINS.

The journey of “A Chorus Line.”  This documentary, a must-see for would-be hoofers and anyone who’s endured the rigors of an audition, chronicles the arduous process of selecting dancers -- from more than 3,000 hopefuls -- for the 2006 Broadway revival of A Chorus Line. The dancers featured here are real people struggling for a spot in the cast of one of the most popular musicals of all time. The film is as much about the creation of the original show back in 1975 and the genius of the late Michael Bennett, who masterminded it, as it is about the newer version. In the end, we find out who gets the job – and who doesn’t.

Friday, July 3 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 4 at 3:30 (matinee) and 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 5 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee); Monday, July 6 at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, July 7 at 7 p.m.

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INDIE FILM – OSCAR’S THEME (Unrated)

Oscar’s Theme, an indie feature-length film about sex, drugs and electronics, is being presented by local filmmaker Don Gonzales who is screening his experimental film Friday, July 10 at 9 p.m. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., several other local filmmakers will screen their work at The State (titles will be added in the next few days) so, be sure and come to The State to support the work of the area’s film arts community.

Gonzales’ film is about Oscar, a schizophrenic disc jockey who not only loves his turntables, they keep him sane. When a couple of crystal meth addicts invade his home and rob Oscar of his turntables, he slips into his dark alter ego, Oscar 85, and goes on a killing spree, murdering everyone he thinks has ties to the robbers. Throughout, Oscar stays high on ecstasy, deals with delusions and tries to fight the condemning voices in his head in this “electronica-music fueled action/comedy.”

Friday, July 10, 2009

FILM – GOODBYE SOLO (R) 1 Hr., 31 Min.

On the lonely roads of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, two men forge an improbable friendship that will change both of their lives forever. Solo is a Senegalese cab driver working to provide a better life for his young family. William is a Southern good ol' boy with a lifetime of regrets. One man's American dream is just beginning, while the other's is quickly winding down. But despite their differences, both men soon realize they need each other more than either is willing to admit. Through this unlikely but unforgettable friendship, Goodbye Solo deftly explores the passing of a generation as well as the rapidly changing face of America.

Saturday, July 11 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee); Sunday, July 12 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee); Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 18 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee); Monday, July 20 at 7 p.m.

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FILM – GOMORRAH (Unrated) 2 Hrs, 15 Min. Italian with English subtitles

An inside look at Italy's modern-day crime families. Director Matteo Garrone’s epic, mesmerizing tour-de-force about Naples’ infamous Camorra was a critical sensation at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival where it won the Grand Prize. A sweeping drama with documentary-like realism, Gomorrah explores the mafia’s vice-like hold on all aspects of life in the regions of Napes and Caserta.  “The best movie I’ve seen at this year’s (Cannes) festival, as well as a furious and brilliant engagement with the times in which we live.”  -- The New York Times.

Saturday, July 11 at 7 p.m.; Monday, July 13 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 18 at 7 p.m.

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CLASSIC FILM – BLACK ORPHEUS (PG) 1 Hr., 37 Min.

Also titled Orfeu Negro, this 1959 classic was inspired by the Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice. French director Marcel Camus adapted the story to Rio de Janeiro at the time of Carnaval and set his romantic comedy/drama to the fabulous music of Luiz Bonfa and Antonio Carlos Jobim, one of the most influential popular composers of the 20^th century and a force behind the creation of the bossa nova style. Orfeu, played by the handsome Bruno Mello, is a tram conductor who has promised to marry Mira. When he falls in love instead with beautiful Eurydice (Marpessa Dawn), it sets off a tragic chain of events as the two realize their love was doomed from start.

Tuesday, July 14 at 6 p.m.

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EVENT - THIRD THURSDAY GALLERY & ART WALK

Join your neighbors and friends for the monthly Art Walk, an opportunity to explore historic downtown Modesto and visit the art galleries, restaurants and retail shops there, all of which exhibit art on this one night only. You'll also enjoy live music and refreshments as you stroll from place to place. Pick up an Art Walk map while you're downtown and follow it to the more than 15 locations where local artists have their work on display – and for sale!  As always, The State will feature a local musician, the work of several artists including potters, photographers, and painters, along with refreshments and a tour if you haven’t been to The State since its renovation.

Thursday, July 16 from 5 to 9 p.m.

FREE EVENT!

CLASSIC FILM -- AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (APPROVED) 113 MINS.

The screen’s most spectacular musical! The Modesto Film Society resumes its 2009 calendar of classics this month with An American In Paris, starring the incomparable Gene Kelly and the lovely Leslie Caron – two of the greatest dancers in Hollywood history. After the film was made in 1951 by director Vincente Minnelli, it went on to win six Oscars, a Golden Globe and a Grand Prize (best picture) nomination at the Cannes Film Festival in 1952.  One of the most beloved musicals of all time, An American In Paris features some of the most memorable song and dance numbers of the 20^th century, set to the music of George and Ira Gershwin, including “It’s Very Clear” and “I Got Rhythm.” The closing ballet, superbly choreographed to the title music, is truly unforgettable.

Sunday, July 19 at 3:30 p.m.

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CLASSIC FILM – SUMMERTIME (Unrated) 1 Hr., 40 Min.

It Happens to Hepburn - It Happens in Venice! In David Lean’s visually enchanting Summertime, Katharine Hepburn plays a lonely American spinster whose dream of romance finally becomes a bittersweet reality when she meets a handsome—but married—Italian man (Rossano Brazzi) while vacationing in Venice. In 1955, the film garnered Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Director nominations for Hepburn and Lean, respectively. Thanks to the film’s magical portrayal of Venice, the number of tourists traveling there doubled after the film’s release.

Tuesday, July 21 at 6 p.m.

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FILM – ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL

At 14, Toronto school friends Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner made a pact to rock together forever. After forming the band “Anvil,” they went on to become the “demi-gods of Canadian metal,” and in 1982 released “Metal on Metal,” an album that influenced a generation, including bands from Metallica to Slayer and Anthrax – all of which went on to sell millions of records. Anvil, on the other hand, slipped straight into obscurity. Almost 30 years later, Lips and Robb are still chasing their dream. Anvil! The Story of Anvil, their autobiography, follows the ups and down of their career and their volatile friendship (which has spanned almost four decades). The film also reveals their dedication and unadulterated passion for their music, and carries us along on their last-ditch quest for fame and fortune.

Friday, July 24 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 25 at 7 p.m.; Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee)

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FILM – SHALL WE KISS? (Unrated) 1 Hr., 36 Min. French with English subtitles

True love is a complicated affair. Shall We Kiss? is a contemporary meditation on the wages of infidelity. When Gabriel (Michael Cohen) and Emilie (Julie Gayet) meet by chance, he offers her a ride; it turns into a pleasant dinner with romantic overtones. But when he attempts a goodnight kiss, she admonishes him that this might have unexpected consequences and tells him stories about friends who complicated their lives with sex. The film is a story within a story and both are delightfully spun. Director Emmanuel Mouret has delivered a skillfully executed and masterfully crafted film that is also charming, wry, smart and touching.

Saturday, July 25 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee); Sunday, July 26 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee); Monday, July 27 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.

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SUMMER CLASSIC FILM – STAR WARS IV: A NEW HOPE (PG) 2 Hrs.

When we asked ardent Star Wars fans which episode to bring to The State’s Big Screen, the resounding reply was A New Hope – judged by some to be one of the best films of all time! Join us – and hundreds of other Star Wars nerds – for George Lucas’ 1977, Oscar-winning epic that drops you into the middle of an intergalactic war between an empire and a rebellion that’s raged for years and left the universe in ruins.  Be sure and come dressed as your favorite cast member, many of whom are considered to be among the greatest characters of all time:  Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), a Jedi on the run from the evil empire; Han Solo (Harrison Ford), a smuggler and thief who helps rescue Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher); and Darth Vader (the voice of James Earl Jones), one of the Silver Screen’s badest, bad guys ever.

Tuesday, July 28 at 6 p.m.

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CONCERT – MATT NATHANSON AND ANDREW MCMAHON OF JACK’S MANNEQUIN

The B92-Nine Summer Concert Series picks up again in August with popular singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist Matt Nathanson (http://www.mattnathanson.com) along with Andrew McMahon from Jack’s Mannequin (http://www.myspace.com/jacksmannequin). Andrew is going solo for this concert but his band recently charted with “The Resolution” and their next single is scheduled to hit the radio in June so, by the time of the show, Jack’s Mannequin should be two solid hits strong. Also on the bill are up-and-comers Vedera (http://www.myspace.com/vedera) and the very talented Angel Taylor. Meiko wasn’t able to make this date, but this is still guaranteed to be a rockin’ show!

Friday, June 26, 2009  Rescheduled for Sunday, August 2, 2009

Doors at 6 p.m.; show at 7 p.m.

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CLOSED FOR ANNUAL CLEANING, REPAIRS AND RESTORATION

The State will be closed for 11 days at the beginning of August to give the staff time to clean, make repairs and care for the theater’s historic architectural elements. Please check The State’s website for August events and films, including classics every Tuesday. We look forward to seeing you Friday, Aug. 14, when The State reopens with a 35mm, first-run indie film at 7 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 3 through Thursday, Aug. 13 and reopening Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.

EVENT – RODNEY CROWELL IN CONCERT

EVENT – MODESTO REEL FOOD FILM FESTIVAL

If you love good, elegantly presented food and innovative film, buy your tickets now to the Third Annual Modesto Reel Food Film Festival. Before you dig into a smorgasbord of delectable, hand-selected short films, partake of the sumptuous comestibles spread before you when the 2009 festival opens with a dessert reception at 2 p.m. Indulge your sweet tooth and your desire for intelligent and meaningful entertainment in this annual event sponsored by The State Theatre, the Modesto Film Society and the Modesto Art Museum. The festival, which combines delectable treats for both eye and tooth, is one of only a handful of such festivals worldwide. Come to the Modesto Reel Food Film Festival and enjoy an afternoon of fine food, new and old friends and exceptional film.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

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EVENT – JESSE COOK, WORLD MUSIC GUITAR SENSATION, RETURNING TO THE STATE

You asked so The State is bringing him back! That’s right. Flamenco guitar virtuoso Jesse Cook and his four-piece band are returning for one night of their mesmerizing blend of rumba flamenco, African percussion, classical cello and Cajun accordion. A student of musical traditions and a passionate guitarist, Cook’s stints in France and Spain infused his playing with exotic, Gypsy and Moorish rhythms that are sultry, spellbinding – and perfect. In addition to headlining concerts and festivals, Cook has opened for such legends as B.B. King, Ray Charles and Diana Krall and toured with Irish band The Chieftains. His latest album, Frontiers, was nominated for the 2008 World Music Album of the Year and his video, One Night at the Metropolis, was nominated for Music DVD of the Year. Plus, Cook is on Obama’s Playlist!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

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EVENT- TOMMY CASTRO BAND IN CONCERT