WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — The United Palace of Cultural Arts is debuting a new film series featuring movies selected by actor and director Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose musical "In the Heights" spotlighted life in upper Manhattan on Broadway.
"Sunday Movies with Lin-Manuel Miranda" kicks off on Jan. 12 with a screening of "The Muppets Take Manhattan," and will feature an introduction by Miranda, actor Lonny Price and "Avenue Q" star John Tartaglia.
The Palace will show a total of six films chosen by Miranda, all of which are set in New York City, including February's screening of "West Side Story" and June's viewing of "Ghostbusters."
Miranda and UPCA program Director Mike Fitelson crafted the idea for a film series after the UPCA hosted an anniversary performance of Miranda's "In the Heights" musical last winter. Miranda said in a statement that he has long wanted to show films in Washington Heights.
"Here's the truth: The United Palace Theater is the best-kept secret in New York," Miranda said. "We have this gorgeous, ornate theater in the heart of Washington Heights, the land I love. My hope is for people to come see the movies they love and fall in love with our greatest secret theater while they're here."
Tickets to the Jan. 12 screening can be purchased at the UPCA website for $10 or for $15 at the door. The doors will open at 4 p.m. and the screening will begin at 5:30 p.m. Moviegoers that dress up in gowns and tuxedos will receive a free bag of popcorn.
The full film schedule is as follows:
Jan. 12: "The Muppets Take Manhattan"
1984, 94 minutes
Feb. 23: "West Side Story"
1961, 152 minutes
Mar. 23: "Manhattan"
1979, 96 minutes
Apr. 27: "King Kong"
1933, 100 minutes
May 18: "The Warriors"
1979, 92 minutes
June 22: "Ghostbusters"
1984, 105 minutes
