WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Tony Award-winning poet and actor Lemon Andersen will introduce a screening of the 1979 classic "The Warriors" at the United Palace of Cultural Arts on Sunday.
Andersen, 39, will perform a monologue and talk to viewers about the history of the movie before the 5:30 p.m. screening, which is part of Lin Manuel Miranda's ongoing film series at the 175th Street theater.
Andersen, a Brooklyn native, is best known for his years on the television show "Def Poetry" and its Broadway spinoff, for which Andersen won a Tony Award in 2003. He has appeared in movies such as "Inside Man" and "The Soloist," and performed a spoken-word TED talk in 2011.
UPCA Executive Director Mike Fitelson described Andersen as a big fan of the cult classic movie, which follows a NYC gang trying to make it to their home base of Coney Island despite a death warrant from the rest of the city's gangs.
"The past few guests have been someone in the movie or someone steeped in academic knowledge, but this time Lin wanted someone who was gaga-in-love with the movie and the time period and the way the movie connects the audiences," Fitelson said.
IMDB credits Andersen as a voice actor in the 2005 video game of "The Warriors."
The UPCA has previously offered free swag to guests who show up to the screenings dressed in tuxedos — but this time it will be leather-clad guests who get a free snack.
"If you come in your 'Warriors' gear or you show your leather, you'll walk away with a free bag of popcorn," Fitelson said.
Fitelson also announced plans to continue the UPCA's film series beyond June's screening of "Manhattan." The theater will show the 1955 musical comedy "Guys and Dolls" in July before taking a hiatus in August, and then the monthly screenings will resume thorough the end of the year.
"We’ll continue the same sort of format that we’ve had success with," Fitelson said.
Doors to the May 18 screening of "The Warriors" open at 4 p.m., with the film beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $10 online or $15 at the door.
