Bardavon theater offers a classic film experience

Rachel Pittinger Guest Writer

For those students looking to explore the arts world outside the Vassar gates, the Bardavon theater is a great place to start. The historic theater was built in 1869, and hosts everything from concerts to shows to Vassar’s own Repertory Dance Theatre every year. The Bardavon will also begin its annual film series in November, providing an exciting and reasonably priced opportunity to enjoy high-quality films.

The Bardavon, dubbed the oldest continuously operating opera house in New York, has been in Poughkeepsie since 1869. It has hosted a wide spectrum of classic artists and literary figures, from Mark Twain to Frank Sinatra. It was originally named the Collingwood Opera House, and has a history of hosting live performances from artists in all media, including orchestras, plays, dance and musical performances.

According to the theater’s Web site, the Bardavon was transformed into a “movie palace” in 1923, and went on to feature guest artists of all varieties. Today, the Bardavon maintains its status as one of the most reputable opera houses in the area.

Continuing in this classic tradition, the annual film series will begin its 10th consecutive year this year, showcasing some of the most renowned films of the 20th Century. Donna Verteramo, Evening House Manager and Assistant to the Executive Director, described the importance of the tradition: “We wanted the Bardavon to be even more accessible to the public, and showing films at the Bardavon had been a large part of Poughkeepsie’s history.”

Although Verteramo is primarily in charge of picking the films and organizing the series, she also receives input from the rest of the Bardavon staff to ensure that the selections bring “something for everyone…think classic with a capital ‘C,’” she said. Furthermore, she strives to select films that are of the highest quality possible.

“I always try to book only films that distributors have good prints of. For example, we are screening From Here to Eternity, a film I wanted to show many years ago, but at the time, there was only one mediocre print in circulation, so I held off,” said Verteramo. “A few years ago, they remastered and made new prints, so I am really happy to open this film season with it on Veterans Day.”

Friday night showings are only $5 per ticket, and it is possible to purchase tickets in advance.

This year alone, in addition to the film series, the Bardavon will house the Hudson Valley Philharmonic performances, feature musical artist Lou Reed and satirist David Sedaris, and put on the usual melange of dance productions. In addition to that 1953 classic premiering on Nov. 11, other films will include Grease on Dec. 1, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” on Jan. 26, Raging Bull on Feb. 2, Hitchcock’s Rear Window on Feb. 23, Seven Year Itch on March 23, and Casablanca on April 13 as the finale of the 2006-2007 film series.