MOMENTS OF LOVE!

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The show on February 22 and 23, 2025, is called MOMENTS OF LOVE, but it would be just as fitting to title it LABOR OF LOVE! To all the actors, musicians, and performers who have given their time and talent to this production, we want to extend our deepest gratitude. This community is lucky to have you – and Fred and I are very fortunate to have you on our stage!

Who’s behind this production?
Gretchen Hewitt, Producer (pictured here)
Gretchen has performed in opera and oratorio in the states and abroad. She is also a composer. Gretchen has worked with children creating operas, and loves to create opportunities for people of all ages to perform. Gretchen says she is very happy being in Concrete!

Cheri Cook- Blodgett, Pianist
Cheri has been a pianist/accompanist since she was in grade school, and loves to work with vocalists, instrumentalists, choral and theatre groups. She retired from the Skagit Valley Chorale and Cantabile choral groups, but still enjoys playing with friends at the Hub Friday nights. She also likes supporting community productions at the Concrete Theatre.

What music can you expect to hear?
The songs are all about love, of course, and many will be familiar to you. For instance there’s “Stepsisters’ Lament” from Cinderella, and “Chim Chimeny” from Mary Poppins, and “It Ain’t Got That Swing” which features not only music but tap-dancing.

Who is in the cast?
Lots of people you probably know — and some that you’ll definitely want to get to know! (say hello after the show!):
Brad Bann
Emmalin Eldridge
Jesse Eldridge
Nan Fullmer
Nicole Goddard
Michael McLaskey
Tara Meyers
Jason Miller
Cherokee Pritchard
Amelia Reyes-Gomez
Andris Vezis

What makes this show special?
Besides the fact that it’s a fantastic collection of talent? We consider this the start of something very big – because this month is when we’re announcing some major changes at the historic Concrete Theatre! You might know it’s the oldest theatre in Skagit County; you might know it’s over 100 years old. And maybe you heard that we’ve received a grant to preserve this theatre. What you may not know is we’re embarking on a project that will bring more live entertainment — like Moments of Love – to the community.

In addition to movies, which we’ll continue to show, we want to present plays and poetry readings. We would like more musicals and we want more concerts. We want comedy nights and trivia nights and Shakespeare. We’d like to see kids learning about theatre, whether it’s being on stage or behind the scenes. There are so many ways we can use this unique venue to engage, enlighten, and entertain you! (Did you know there aren’t a lot of theaters that have a stage and a screen, and many independent venues like this one did not survive the pandemic.)

What’s ahead?
Over the course of this year, we’re remodeling the stage to make it bigger, getting rid of the ramps to make it safer for performers, and hanging curtains to make productions more professional. We’re also adding stage lighting. (That’s huge because this venue has never had working lights.) We’re also planning to fix the “green room,” which you may not even know we have, but those who’ve performed here can tell you about that sad situation.
There’s more, but you get the idea!
All of these changes are designed for one thing: To bring performing arts to Concrete. Please subscribe to our email updates so you can read the latest developments as we move forward.

Thanks for your continued support –
Valerie

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Mufasa: The Lion King

I’m extraordinarily pleased about showing this movie, PARTLY, because it’s coming out in limited release, which in Hollywood terms means not every theater can book it (basically means us “little theaters” in rural communities usually can’t get it till it’s been out a few weeks). PARTLY, because it reminds me of Africa and is utterly beautiful to watch on the big screen. PARTLY, because we love playing a really good movie on Christmas Day when people might want/need a break from the festivities (or dare we say our families?!), and this is a perfect fantasy to take our minds off to the jungle. We’d love it if you’d join us Wednesday, December 25 at 4:00 p.m. at the Concrete Theatre. – Valerie & Fred

Our May 2024 Highlights

Lots going on as everything comes to life in May

This month, we’re happy to have some great movies and events at the Concrete Theatre, Act One Ice Cream Parlor, and Act One Art Gallery!

May 3, 4, 5, we’re playing UNSUNG HERO in the theatre. Based on a true story and wonderfully produced, this movie tells the story of a family working through some overwhelming challenges — and managing to beat the odds. If you need something to feel uplifted about, this will do it. Great music, too.

On Saturday, May 11, we’ll be celebrating with you as Concrete turns 115. Please plan to be at Veterans’ Memorial Park at noon for free refreshments and some fun speeches and music. Then we’ll gather on Main Street for the official town photo! Whether you live in Concrete or wish you did, we hope to see you!

That same afternoon, May 11 at 4 p.m., Gretchen Hewitt will present a children’s opera in the theatre. This one has been written by the kids and promises to be very special! More details will be posted on social media and here on our website.

Our second movie of the month is FALL GUY — an action comedy that’s perfect for taking your mind off things! You know, there’s something very different about gathering with your friends or family to watch a movie… it’s just not the same as sitting home in your jammies! We’d love to see you in the theatre.

Later in May, we’re excited to bring you the new movie, IF (stands for Invisible Friends!). Come on, didn’t you have one when you were little? Where do you think they went? This movie will answer that for you!

In Act One Ice Cream Parlor, we welcome back Ashley Parker and Halley Zachman as our ice cream experts and creative baristas! Come in and try some of our newest flavors — there are always TWENTY to choose from.

And lastly, we can’t wait to invite you to the opening night of a new exhibit in Act One Art Gallery, as we feature artwork by Concrete High School students, under the guidance of Paul Rider. Watch for the announcement!

One more thing… the hanging baskets are back this month. (If you know you know)

We hope you’ll stop by for a visit this month — starting May 15, we’re open EVERY DAY, Noon to 6 p.m.

Wonka will leave a good taste in your mouth

“Wonka” is a prequel to the classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and tells the story of a young Willy Wonka and how he became the legendary candy maker we all know.

The casting for this movie is spot on, with Timothee Chalamet perfectly portraying the quirky, eccentric, and brilliant Willy Wonka. The supporting cast, including Keegan-Michael Key and Sally Hawkins, also deliver great performances and add great depth to the story.

Best to see Wonka on the Big Screen

The stunning visuals are best viewed on a theatre screen. The candy factory is a wonder to behold, with its vibrant colors and imaginative designs.

What I love most about “Wonka” is that it has a lot of heart. The film explores themes of family, friendship, and the importance of pursuing your dreams.

We love a feel-good movie, especially one appropriate for the whole family. “Wonka” is rated PG and runs for about 2 hours.

Parents & kids can love this movie.

According to one of our favorite sites, Common Sense Media, this movie is appropriate for kids eight and up. It’s described as “a whimsical, sweet prequel with some mild peril, fatphobic jokes.”

If you like a good adventure and appreciate a well-told story, “Wonka” is a good choice for a rainy February day!

How about some Chocolate Ice Cream?

Thinking of chocolate will naturally have you looking at our ice cream flavors! Of course, we have a creamy, rich chocolate flavor and some amazing chocolate blends. Check out Jumpin’ Jersey Cow, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Frozen Tundra!

The Magic of Live Performances: Why Theatrical Events are Valuable

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Live performances have been a part of human culture for thousands of years. From ancient Greek theater to modern-day Broadway shows, the art of live performance has been a constant source of entertainment, magic, and inspiration.

At the Concrete Theatre, live performances have been popular but challenging. They take time, energy, volunteers, funding, and dedication. This all came together with The Tale of the Black Ruby, a children’s opera written and directed by Gretchen Hewitt and performed by Concrete Elementary School students on January 28, 2024. (Photo)

 Live events like this are magical and important. Here’s why:

The Magic of Emotional Connection

One of the best things about live performances is the emotional connection between the performers and the audience. When you watch a live show, you feel part of something special. The energy in the room is electric, and you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement.

The Live Experience

No two live performances are ever exactly the same. Each show is a unique experience with its own set of surprises and unexpected moments. Whether it’s a missed line, a forgotten prop, or an impromptu dance number, these moments make live performances unforgettable.

The Magic of Community

Attending a live performance is not just about watching a show; it’s about being part of a community. You share the experience with others who have come together to enjoy the same thing. It’s a chance to connect with others and make new friends.

The Artistic Value

Live performances and theatrical events are a form of art. They showcase the creativity and talent of performers, writers, directors, and designers. They challenge our perceptions and push boundaries, making us think and feel differently.

In a world where so much of our entertainment is consumed through screens and headphones, live performances and theatrical events offer a refreshing change of pace. They remind us of the power of human connection and the magic of live art.

 And speaking of magic, if you were lucky enough to be here when the children’s opera was performed live, you may (or may not!) have noticed something quite unusual.

First, the opera itself was fantastic, written and directed by the talented Gretchen Hewitt. Second, the children were brilliant – singing, acting, and completely wowing the standing-room-only audience.

 And there was a small, almost imperceptible moment of magic you may not have caught. During the Q&A at the end of the performance, an audience member asked about the tree, a hand-crafted prop fashioned from construction paper and tape. And at that exact moment, a tree branch waved to all of us. Really.

 If you signed up to receive the videotape* of the performance, you can see the magic we’re talking about. We’ll leave it up to you, but we think you’ll agree the only explanation is that the whole afternoon was magical.

So, the next time you can attend a live performance, we hope you’ll seize the opportunity and soak up the experience. Watch for another performance coming soon.

* The Tale of the Black Ruby, performed on January 28, 2024 at the Concrete Theatre. A video of this performance is available from Puget Sound Video. You can download it for free, but donations are welcome. Order the video at the link below, and you’ll receive an email with the download link.

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The Boys in the Boat

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It was an amazing first weekend showing The Boys in the Boat on January 12-14. More than a really great story and well-produced film, it launched warm memories and funny surprises!

We met Bob Stanley’s former UW Rowing crew mates and their friends and family. Who would know more about Husky Rowing than these UW grads who were also “boys in the boat?”

Shown: Larry Johnson, Jim Edwards, and Bob Stanley shared their Husky Rowing experiences from the late 60s through the early 70s. It was great to hear them talk about how rowing changed their lives. Bob said, “We were so honored to have done that with each other for five years. Puts a fire in your heart that can never be extinguished.”

From our conversations before and after the movie, we also found out Anne Bussiere’s grandmother was a rower, and others in the audience were familiar with George Pocock’s boat-building skills.

Bonus — I even met a Peloton rowing teammate for the first time in real life! You may not fully appreciate the significance, so just nod and say, “That’s nice.”

We also talked to a crew of Arty Nakis’ friends, one of whom told us about Cliff Hurn’s rowing fame. Members of Cliff’s family live in the Concrete area.

Cliff Hurn article

MEDIA REVIEW

Excerpt, Cascadia Daily News
It’s not often you get to see a time-period Hollywood movie with so much local flavor. Pacific Northwesterners will be able to claim a piece of “The Boys in the Boat.”

The Depression-era, true story tells of an eight-man crew, plus a spunky coxswain, most of whom were desperate to make the team because of the steady meals and housing provided. The movie plot, like the book of the same name, centers on Sequim’s Joe Rantz, but two rowers had ties to Skagit and Whatcom counties — Don Hume of Anacortes and Gordy Adam of Everson.

SHOWTIMES

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT
Playing January 12-14 & 19-21
Fridays and Saturdays at 5 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m. with captions
Rated PG-13, 2 hours
Free posters from MGM while supplies last!

Thanks, everyone, for joining us and sharing so many great moments. We were happy to provide a place for all those conversations to happen.

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Movie in the Media – Part 2

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The Seattle Times:
George Clooney delivers a sweet adaptation

When we see a story onscreen that’s one of our own, it can be a little hard to get lost in it. George Clooney’s film adaptation of Daniel James Brown’s bestselling nonfiction book “The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics” — the movie’s wisely just called “The Boys in the Boat” — is a story set (though not filmed) in Seattle’s backyard and one that many of us have taken to our hearts.

Brown’s book, written with palpable awe and affection for the nine University of Washington student-athletes who overcame enormous hardship and long odds to succeed at an Olympics taking place in the shadow of the Third Reich, is special to many in the region and during the long wait for the movie (the book came out a decade ago), a lot of us have replayed the movie version that lives in our heads — which is, of course, perfect.

The original UW crew that won the Olympics in 1936

So let’s get the local gripes out of the way at the onset: Clooney’s film, shot in the U.K., uses some technical wizardry to suggest some local landmarks, to uneven effect.

A shot of 1936 Seattle’s Hooverville, a shantytown in what’s now Sodo, looks eerily right, with the Smith Tower looming in shadow; the Montlake Bridge is nicely rendered (though the backdrop behind it seems flip-flopped); and a constructed replica of the original ASUW Shell House looks nostalgically spot-on.

Conversely, Students attend classes in a building that has never been seen on the University of Washington campus, await a train in a station that’s nothing like the one here, and practice on a body of water that clearly is not the Montlake Cut. Of course, most viewers of the film won’t notice any of this, and there’s a certain pleasure in complaining about it; we are, after all, the ones who know.

> Read about more local connections

Other than that, how’s the movie? It’s good. It’s sweet. It’s very, very old-fashioned, full of swelling music and amber light (even a soup kitchen looks like an oil painting) and people making folksy speeches, and that feels right, both for the time period and the tone of the book.

Clooney and screenwriter Mark L. Smith have skillfully kept the story tight; we don’t learn much about most of the boys in that boat, other than Joe Rantz (Callum Turner), a quiet young man from Sequim who’s haunted by his past. Joe took hold of the book just as he holds this movie, and Turner plays him with a soft, gentle charisma. You can see why his vivacious girlfriend Joyce (charming Hadley Robinson) adores him, and why the crew coach (Joel Edgerton, who looks born to wear a fedora in a 1930s movie) is intrigued by him; there’s a story hidden inside this young man, and an uncanny strength.

We all know how this movie ends, and it’s to Clooney’s credit that there’s some suspense in the final race (including a nonfactual but fun last twist). “The Boys in the Boat” is ultimately a tribute to a time long gone, to the power of teamwork, and to the grace with which an oar dips into the water on a sun-dappled lake.

And while you might watch it wishing for a little more (why no final notes onscreen telling us what became of the boys?), it leaves you with an uncomplicated warmth that few films find these days. The rest of the story’s there in the pages of the book, just waiting for you.

BOYS IN THE BOAT

Playing January 12-14 & 19-21

Fridays and Saturdays at 5 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m. with captions
Rated PG-13, 2 hours

Free posters while supplies last.

On Saturday, January 13, we’re expecting three UW grads who were part of Washington Rowing when they were students in the late 60s. If you come to the show at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, you’ll meet:
Bob Stanley, team member 1966-69.
Jim Edwards, 1968 Olympic trial coxswain, and 1970 national champion coxswain.
Larry Johnson, 1970 national champion. His father rowed with the 1936 Olympic champion crew.

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The Boys in the Boat – In the Media

CASCADIA DAILY NEWS
Reporter Meri-Jo Borzilleri shares her thoughts.

It’s not often you get to see a time-period Hollywood movie with so much local flavor. Pacific Northwesterners will be able to claim a piece of “The Boys in the Boat.”

The Depression-era, true story tells of an eight-man crew, plus a spunky coxswain, most of whom were desperate to make the team because of the steady meals and housing provided. The movie plot, like the book of the same name, centers on Sequim’s Joe Rantz, but two rowers had ties to Skagit and Whatcom counties — Don Hume of Anacortes and Gordy Adam of Everson.

The movie is an inspiring story that was pretty much forgotten to history. Shot in amber light, it’s an old-fashioned sports film with all the attendant figures — a demanding, brooding coach in legendary Al Ulbrickson, played just right by actor Joel Edgerton; the boatbuilding philosopher and guru George Pocock (Peter Guinness); and Rantz (Callum Turner), whose hard-luck story of abandonment, along with his platinum blond hair, has him stand out on an ascendant junior varsity team that bonds over shared desperation and underdog status.

The rowing scenes are notable for their closeup and bird’s-eye camera views. Clooney pulls off a not-so-easy task, building suspense in a movie where the competition outcome is already known. The film was not shot on campus, but the UW old shell house looks like the real thing, inside and out, and care was taken in period clothing, hairstyles (a fortune must have been spent on gel), and dialogue verging on corny — though that was the language of the time. 

Still, it was hard not to get goosebumps when coxswain Bobby Moch exhorted his teammates with the cadence-directing command “As … ONE! As … ONE! As … ONE!” during the chaos of the Husky Clipper’s rally to gold.

READ ABOUT MORE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

BOYS IN THE BOAT

Playing January 12-14 & 19-21

Fridays and Saturdays at 5 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m. with captions
Rated PG-13, 2 hours

Free posters while supplies last.

On Saturday, January 13, we’re expecting three UW grads who were part of Washington Rowing when they were students in the late 60s. If you come to the show at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, you’ll meet:
Bob Stanley, team member 1966-69.
Jim Edwards, 1968 olympic trial coxswain and 1970 national champion coxswain.
Larry Johnson, 1970 national champion. His father rowed with the 1936 Olympic champion crew.


Why Wisconsin Ice Cream?

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Some people think we’re crazy — ice cream all the way from Wisconsin?

In 2020, just as the pandemic was unfolding, we purchased the building next door to the Concrete Theatre. If you’re a longtime audience member, you may remember when we only had that tiny lobby (which is now Freddie’s Bar serving beer and wine) and how you had to stand outside waiting to get in! We always wanted more room, and Fred has always wanted to own an ice cream parlor!

Finally, the space next door came up for sale, and we quickly started remodeling that historic building (circa 1915). It had been neglected for years, so it took several months just to haul trash and clean up. With the help of a cadre of good friends and expert helpers, we were able to create the only ice cream parlor for many miles around.

We first had to decide what ice cream to serve. We wanted it to be unique — something that you couldn’t readily find anywhere else. But more than all else, we wanted our ice cream to be loved by our existing fan base. We wanted a treat that was high-quality and super tasty!

We began with road trips.

For months, we drove around the state, sampling every brand of ice cream we came upon. Seriously, we ate a LOT of ice cream in 2021. And then, we put 4 of our favorite brands to the real test: we invited small groups in for ice cream education and taste testing.

Taste tests were fun and educational.

Did you know there’s a special way to taste-test the flavor and quality of an ice cream? Did you know that not all ice cream is created the same way? Did you know the amount of heat that’s used in processing affects the results? We didn’t. But we did a lot of research, shared what we learned, and let our customers choose.

It was unanimous.

In every testing session, the verdict was the same: Cedar Crest, ice cream crated by a small family farm in Wisconsin, won.

Want to know more about our ice cream? You’re encouraged to try it… and you can also send us your questions!

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The Noise about Sound of Freedom

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The movie, Sound of Freedom, has received a lot of media attention since its release. A quick web search of this title will bring up all sorts of opinions, accusations, bashing, defenses, and hyperbole.

Had we known it would become such a divisive film that further separates the right from the left, the conspiracy believers from the conspiracy deniers, and so on, we may have reconsidered booking this. Not because we believe in censuring what you can view but because we don’t want to be the flashpoint for so much anger and inflammatory social media hype. During the pandemic, we received plenty of that backlash (along with hate mail and death threats). It was upsetting and disappointing and made us seriously question why we owned a movie theatre in the first place.

This movie is about human trafficking, specifically of children. It’s about the most horrible aspects of child sexual abuse you could imagine. It makes your skin crawl and your eyes burn. It may or may not be related to conspiracy theories. It may or may not be a vehicle to attract believers of such conspiracies. We’re playing the movie and letting you decide.

Child sexual abuse is real, just as human trafficking is real, and just as there are people in this world whose acts are evil and beyond the scope of normal, natural human beings. This movie portrays that and the way it plays out in foreign countries, most notably in this film, Honduras.

However, child sexual abuse is just as likely (statistically, much more likely) to be taking place in the homes of people you may know. That’s not to say the abuse is any more vile or unimaginable. Any abuse of a child is unforgivable. That child can be damaged for life (unlike the way these abused children are portrayed in this movie, laughing and singing within hours of being released from their torturers).

Why did we choose to show this movie? Because it stars someone that many local people know and went to school with. Because a lot of people let us know they were interested in watching it. Because we don’t like to shy away from hard topics if a film might educate or raise awareness.

Are we sorry to have booked The Sound of Freedom? Only if our audience members believe we have an agenda or if people walk out feeling we’ve exposed them to propaganda.

If you see the film and are upset, horrified, shocked, baffled, or simply curious, we strongly encourage you to research the issue (using credible, unbiased sources).

If you’re motivated to help protect children from sexual abuse or trafficking, please do not rely on a movie studio to point you in the best direction. (news flash: their main goal is to sell movie tickets). Talk to a local expert, or volunteer for a local agency that’s designed to help kids in abusive situations, like Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Agency. If you suspect a child is being abused, do not hesitate to call 911 or the local Child Protective Service.

And if you’re angry about us showing this movie at the Concrete Theatre, please keep in mind that over the last 13 years, we have shown all kinds of films, some good, some bad, some you hated or were offended by, others that your neighbors hated or offended by. Your tolerance, maturity, and respect for others are deeply appreciated.

“Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too.”
― Voltaire

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