WEBSITE LIVE, TICKETS ON-SALE FOR FUTURE ARCLIGHT CINEMAS IN BETHESDA

Get ready for an "interstellar" opening of the future ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The 16-screen cineplex's website has gone live, and tickets for actual movies are available for purchase. According to the ticket page, the first screening open to the public will be a showing of Christopher Nolan's eagerly-awaited space opera, Interstellar. The film will be shown in 35mm at 8:00 and 11:00 PM on Tuesday, November 4, based on the ticket purchase screen.

If accurate, this is interesting. Interstellar opens November 7. But Paramount Pictures announced last week that the film would screen early at select theaters, beginning November 5. However, I've read reports online of some theaters getting it Tuesday, November 4, as the ArcLight website is showing. November 4 also happens to be Election Day, by the way. In any case, it sounds like Interstellar's premiere weekend will be the theater's, as well.

Here's another minor, but important, detail you might want to keep in mind when purchasing tickets at ArcLight: I noticed the company has a policy kind of like one of my professors in college, who used to lock the classroom door at the start of class. If you are late for the movie, "no one will be seated after the feature film begins," the ticket purchase page warns.

As part of the build-up to the Grand Opening, ArcLight is collaborating with YouTube beauty guru Kandee Johnson to recreate iconic characters and moments from celebrated films. Johnson started with Natalie Portman's Nina Sayers from 2010's Black Swan. You can watch her transformation on her YouTube channel.

Expect to see this, and other images, around Bethesda in the coming weeks.

" BELLE " DIRECTOR TO APPEAR AT BETHESDA ROW CINEMA ON SUNDAY

Belle, a historical drama opening today at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema, is generating a lot of buzz among movie critics. The film was inspired by an intriguing painting that led its director to research the history behind it. Based on a true story, the movie gives viewers a glimpse into the issue of slavery from a British perspective, and what impact a free black woman with aristocratic lineage may have had in a society where emancipation had not yet occurred.

Director Amma Asante will answer audience questions after the 1:30 PM showing this Sunday (May 11) at Bethesda Row Cinema, something I would like to see happen more frequently at the theater. So take advantage of the opportunity, long before Oscar buzz begins in earnest. You can order tickets for the 1:30 screening online now. To get some background, you can read Asante's letter to filmgoers, posted on Landmark Theatres' website.

Belle stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Dido Elizabeth Belle, and also features Tom Wilkinson and Sarah Gadon.

Belle (PG)

Running time: 103 minutes

Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema

7235 Woodmont Avenue

Photo courtesy Twentieth Century Fox

KON-TIKI MOVIE REVIEW - BETHESDA ROW CINEMA

Kon-Tiki opens today in the Washington, D.C. area, exclusively at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

The Norwegian film is based on the true story of Thor Heyerdahl, an adventurous ethnographer who set out - literally - to prove Polynesia was settled by South American natives. Believing they used a raft, Heyerdahl attempted to duplicate their journey in 1947.

Directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg bring a Scandinavian simplicity and straightforwardness to the adventure - too simple, at times.

After an opening that gives you a sense of Heyerdahl's lifelong tendency to take risks, and maybe enjoy the attention that results, the movie races over 20 years into the future. One gets the sense that significant parts of this film ended up on the cutting-room floor.

There is little metaphor or symbolic imagery. Heyerdahl often has a eureka moment based not on his research, but on convenient, offhand remarks by other characters. While an effective plot device, it reduces the complexity of the protagonist.

And it's hard to sympathize with Heyerdahl, in this portrayal. Why is a married father leaving his family to sail on a "suicide" mission?

Taking a raft on the high seas - with a crew including an engineer-refrigerator salesman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Conan O'Brien sidekick Andy Richter - brings predictable results. What could possibly go wrong? What you might imagine often does in this movie. Filmgoers with shark phobias would be wise to skip this story.

The cast does a competent, effective job, and the natural scenery is spectacular. This won't end up on your personal Top 10 list. But you can be sure it will end up on a lot of high school and college course required-viewing lists.

If you enjoy adventures on the high-seas or historical films, Kon-Tiki is definitely worth your time. But the lack of depth will leave fans of directors like Christopher Nolan and Guillermo del Toro with little to debate afterward.

Rating: ***

PG-13
118 minutes

JESSICA ALBA TO BE IN FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW MAY 17, 2013

Jessica Alba is coming to Bethesda Row. The actress will appear on Bethesda Lane on May 17, during the annual Front Row at Bethesda Row fashion event May 16-18, 2013.

Alba will sign copies of her book, The Honest Life, outside of Redwood Restaurant and Bar.

Not only is Alba the biggest celebrity ever to appear at the event, but something else is different, too:

There are actually VIP tickets going on sale Monday at 10 AM, online at Gilt City DC.

According to BrandLink DC, the agency that makes this event get bigger and better every year,your ticket will get you into The Tents (this year's fashion-themed movie), into the VIP party, and - most importantly for Bethesda Fashionistas - into the seats below the catwalk for the fashion show.

Stay tuned for more Front Row at Bethesda Row details!

BETHESDA THEATRE 75TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS

Just before Clark Gable appeared as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, he had the Bethesda Theatre on his mind. Yes, our Bethesda Theatre, right here on Wisconsin Avenue.

On the occasion of its grand opening, the legendary actor sent the following message from Hollywood:

"Congratulations. May the Boro Theatre prove the bright spot of your entire circuit." - Clark Gable

(It was initially called the Boro Theatre.) Today, it is known as the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club.

The club has assembled the quotes of Mr. Gable and his contemporaries Gary Cooper, Spencer Tracy, and Shirley Temple recorded on that date, May 17, 1938.

Why?

BB&J is throwing a big 75th Anniversary party for the beloved Streamline art deco theatre it now calls home.

And there'll be a celebrity guest - in person, this time: Branford Marsalis.

You can purchase tickets (at BethesdaBluesJazz.com or 240-330-4500) for this special event, which will be held - appropriately - on May 17, 2013.

For ticket prices, and a schedule for the evening, click to enlarge the invitation below.

One interesting piece of trivia, which I only found out in recent years: The Bethesda Theatre was built by Sidney Lust, who also built the drive-in theater on Route 1 in Beltsville. The drive-in had a fantastic wall design that faced the road, but - criminally - was torn down. I can remember passing it on the way to the Laurel Drive-in in the 1980s.

The Bethesda Theatre, named to the national list of historic sites, is here to stay, however. Clark Gable would be pleased.

BETHESDA ROW CINEMA RENOVATION: NO EXPENSE SPARED, SAYS LANDMARK THEATRES CEO

The CEO and President of Landmark Theatres is excited about the renovations at the Bethesda Row Cinema - and wants you to know you should be, too.

Ted Mundorff says you'll notice the difference before you even reach the front doors.  “From the minute you approach the theatre and see our stunning new marquee," Mundorff said Tuesday, "our hope is that our guests notice the attention to detail in every facet of the theatre, and share our excitement as we begin a new chapter at the Bethesda Row."

Mundorff assures Bethesda cinephiles, "we have spared no expense to give our patrons the best movie-going experience in town."

The box office is now fully-automated, but there are no additional charges to order your tickets online, and print them out at home.

All seating is now reserved. New, luxury theaters at Westfield Montgomery Mall and Pike and Rose have promised reserved seating, but Bethesda Row Cinema will be the first area theater to actually offer it. It will be interesting to see how it works out. Reserved seating will require extra attention to cleaning, as patrons will be locked in to a specific seat. Should that seat have food and drinks, etc. spilled on it, for example, you will not be able to just move over one seat.

On the technical side, the new Bethesda Row Cinema will have Real 3D projection, new wall-to-wall screens, and all-new sound systems.

The centerpiece of the redesign, is the new bar/concession area with relaxing seating, modern design, and new menu offerings. Adult beverages will include local craft beers and movie-themed cocktails.

When the theater reopens next Friday, May 3, new films will include Academy Award nominee Kon-Tiki and arthouse movies with stars like Pierce Brosnan and Kate Hudson.

Given that The Great Gatsby is #3 on my personal Top 5 Novels of All Time list, I'm looking forward to the new movie adaptation, opening May 10 at Bethesda Row Cinema.

MAGGIE ROSE BETHESDA CONCERT TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club has posted its concert schedule, and the Maggie Rose dates (March 8-9) are now available for purchase.

LINCOLN BETHESDA ROW CINEMA EXCLUSIVE! TICKET LINKS AND SHOWTIMES

Steven Spielberg's epic Lincoln opens today in the Washington, D.C. area, exclusively at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.  Honest rexaminations of Lincoln's term can spur even Lincoln fans like myself to ponder his actions in office.  Some things he did certainly stretched the rules and principles of the Constitution.  But was that a time and a cause for which the ends truly justified the means?  Now there's a conversation starter for after-movie conversations over hot meals at Bethesda Row restaurants!

But first you need your tickets!

Click the showtime to order, these are sure to sell out tonight!

7:00 PM

8:00 PM

9:00 PM

9:30 PM

10:15 PM

LED ZEPPELIN CELEBRATION DAY WEDNESDAY AT BETHESDA ROW CINEMA!

"LED ZEPPELIN

WEDNESDAYS!"

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

If only the legendary Anton Fig were here to give that the proper audio announcement.

Led Zeppelin fans, you are in for a treat at Bethesda Row Cinema this Wednesday night:  the long awaited and much-discussed concert film of the band's 2007 concert at London's O2 Arena is showing in hi-definition digital, with audio you simply haven't heard on your old CDs at home.

There will be two screenings Wednesday night, at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM.

You could have dinner nearby, or enjoy the many options on the theater's hot concessions menu, including chicken fingers and the original Phillips Crab Pretzel.

Some interesting facts about the movie:

This was the first, only, and possibly last full-length Led Zeppelin concert since 1980.

20 million fans attempted to order tickets, but only 18,000 were able to obtain one!

Director Dick Carruthers used 14 cameras, capturing not only every angle, but incredible close-ups of Jimmy Page's fretwork.  If you ever wondered, "how did he play that," your question might be answered Wednesday night.

Have the best seat in the house Wednesday night at Bethesda Row:  tickets are $12.50.  Click on your preferred showtime to order:  6:30 PM or 9:00 PM

JOSÉ ANDRÉS TO HOST FRIENDS OF JAMES BEARD BENEFIT DINNER IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA

THEATER PERFORMANCE

FOLLOWED BY

DINNER AT

JALEO BETHESDA:

TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Bethesda Row's world-famous chef, Jose Andres, will host the Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner in downtown Bethesda on Sunday, October 28, 2012.

This blockbuster event includes a 5-star dinner prepared by Andres himself, and an all-star team of chefs, including Michael Costa of Zaytinya, Ruben Garcia of minibar, and a host of others from various Jaleo locations.

The evening will begin with a theater performance, at Bethesda's Round House Theatre at 3:00 PM.  Actor Nick Olcott will portray "America's First Foodie," James Beard, in the new production of I Love to Eat.

You can buy tickets separately to attend a performance of the play, which opens this Wednesday.

But only this special event follows the play with a dining experience planned by a James Beard Award winner!  Attendees will head to Jaleo Bethesda following the performance.

It goes without saying, but order tickets now!

Tickets are $225 a person, and are not available online.

To order tickets, call the Round House box office at 240-644-1100 weekdays, noon-5 PM.  Ask for Julie or Donna.

Round House performance: 3:00 PM
Dinner at Jaleo Bethesda:  5:00 PM

Buen provecho.

BETHESDA BAR ASKING PATRONS TO SOLVE A MURDER MYSTERY IN SEPTEMBER

DISPLACED THEATER

COMPANY PROMISES

"A WHOLE NEW

CRIME SCENE IN

BETHESDA"

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Whodunnit?  That's what Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle is hoping Bethesda barhoppers can answer.

Every Friday and Saturday, beginning September 14, the popular Bethesda pub will host a murder mystery dinner theatre production.  If this sounds like the shows you may have heard of, or attended, at the Blair Mansion, well... these are those shows.

Blair Mansion has closed, and the theatre company behind the mysteries is now decamping to downtown Bethesda.  And promising to bring "fear, mayhem and mystery" with them.  Come to think of it, that kind of sums up the parking experience in downtown Bethesda...

Shows will be held in the private dining room at Flanagan's.  Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM, and the show will start at 7:30.   The first show will be "Drop Dead, Gorgeous!," and a new show will be introduced every six weeks.  Organizers say the material is rated "PG-13" as an advisory to family patrons.

This is a new phenomenon for Bethesda; I can't recall a murder mystery dinner theatre here in my lifetime.

Tickets will be $47.50 each, and include the show, a buffet dinner, and taxes.  Beverages and gratuities will cost extra.  Order tickets online or by calling 443-422-3810.

The tickets are a little pricey, in my opinion, but you are getting dinner.  And it's definitely something new and different you can't find in DC, Clarendon, Rockville or Silver Spring.

Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle, 4844 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda.

REDWOOD OKTOBERFEST 2012 WEBSITE GOES LIVE

If you're the kind of person who is already ironing his or her lederhosen for Oktoberfest, this message is for you.

Redwood on Bethesda Lane also believes it's never too early to think about Oktoberfest.  Last night, their 2012 Oktoberfest website went live online.

Save the date for September 22, when Bethesda Row is filled with beer lovers, and Bethesda Lane becomes a giant bier garden!

From 1-8 PM, more than 10 of the best breweries will be pouring your favorite beers, and Bethesda Row's great restaurants will be serving their best food to go with it.  Luke's Lobster, American Tap Room, Vapiano and Cafe Deluxe will be among the participants.

Volunteers are needed; email amanda@redwoodbethesda to offer your services.

For now, check out the website, and get ready to order tickets.