Vashon Theatre re-opens with Hanks epic

In accordance with Gov. Inslee’s easing of restrictions in his “Healthy Washington” plan, Vashon’s historic movie theatre will be back in business, starting on Feb. 12, with a one-week booking of the Tom Hank’s movie, “News of the World.”

According to the rules, the theater will operate at 25% capacity, with plenty of room in the cavernous auditorium for movie lovers to space out and achieve distance from other households.

There will be one public screening each evening, but islanders can also now rent the theater for private screenings of their favorite films, and also buy space on the theater’s marquee — prime real estate for well-wishes to family and friends.

The theater will also still offer take-out of buttery popcorn and other classic concession stand treats.

In order for the theater to streamline entry into the theater, all tickets, concessions and take-out orders must be pre-ordered at vashontheatre.com. Patrons will be immediately seated upon checking in at the theater, with their concessions delivered hot to them in their seats.

According to Eileen Wolcott, theater owner, the air inside the theater will be flushed out with giant exhaust fans, and strict cleaning protocols will be in place. Masks are required, of course, except when movie-goers are eating.

‘Savage/Love’ is local theater Valentine

Vashon Repertory Theatre (VRT) will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a one-time-only performance of “Savage/Love” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, on vashoncenterforthearts.org/vca/tv.

The show is a collection of monologues, poems and other performance pieces by Joseph Chaikin and Sam Shepard, all themed around the puzzles and vagaries of romantic love. Because of its flexibility, it has been performed in many different ways since its 1979 debut at New York’s Public Theatre. VRT’s virtual production follows in this long tradition of adapting the play to its times.

The show’s cast includes local actors and acting couples including Kevin Joyce and Martha Enson, David Godsey and Janet McAlpin, Bill Moyer and Ester Edelman, and Mik Kuhlman. The show is co-directed by Charlotte Tiencken and Elizabeth Klob, and will feature original music by Kat Eggleston and original choreography by Klob.

To find out more and get tickets, visit vashonrepertorytheatre.org.