The Oriental Theatre, now under the stewardship of Milwaukee Film, isn't even open yet, but its early announcements are already kicking butt – from the repairs currently in the works (bathrooms for all!) to its first slate of film bookings (New Spike Lee! "Barry Lyndon" in flipping 35mm!).
Today, however, the new theater may have announced its most butt-kicking booking yet: a special screening of the kung fu classic "The 36th Chamber of Shaolin" at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, complete with Wu-Tang Clan producer-extraordinaire RZA providing a live score alongside the film.
The showing marks the movie tour's only Midwest stop – recent locations include Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami – as well as the only remaining screening left on its schedule.
"RZA and Wu-Tang Clan’s connection to 'The 36th Chamber of Shaolin' is a perfect example of the transformative power of film that Milwaukee Film hopes to inspire in our community," said Jonathan Jackson, CEO and artistic director of Milwaukee Film, in a press release. "We are thrilled to welcome such an influential artist to the Oriental Theatre for what is sure to be an incredible and memorable live cinematic experience."
A key influence on RZA and the aesthetic vision of the Wu-Tang Clan – it's only part of the inspiration for the group's debut studio album – "The 36th Chamber of Shaolin" follows legendary Shaolin martial arts San Te as he learns kung fu in order to bring down the suffocating grip of the Manchu government with a flurry of fists.
Tickets for Milwaukee Film members will go on sale beginning Wednesday, July 18, at 9 a.m. at the Oriental Theatre's website, while advance tickets will become available to the public starting Wednesday, July 25. Admission will cost $36 for Milwaukee Film members, $45 for advance tickets and $55 at the door (pending availability).
Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for more updates on the Oriental Theatre, both on screen and off. And we look forward to seeing you at the movies on Aug. 10.
As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.
When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.
