Ten years after the prominent historical drama series concluded, the Crawley family is set for a new chapter on the silver screen. The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center will host an early screening gala for the new film, Downton Abbey: The Grande Finale, on Sept. 10. The event will benefit Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio.
Tickets to the gala grant fans early access to an evening with the aristocratic family as they navigate the 1930s. Donors to Rhode Island PBS will be thanked with a ticket to the screening, concessions, and an annual membership to the station that includes a PBS Passport subscription.
Alex Whitney, general manager of the Jane Pickens Theater, said the JPT is thrilled to support local public broadcasting.
“In a time where public broadcasting is under attack, The JPT is thrilled to support our local station and offer a special pre-release for Downton Abbey fans,” Whitney said in a press release. “We’ll take any chance to throw a grand party in Newport, especially revolving around a period drama. Julian Fellowes’s The Gilded Age proved to be a tremendous draw for Newport last summer, and we’re honored to build on that success with the final film in this period drama series.”
The JPT’s early screening offers a chance to see the film ahead of the rest of the country. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the screening at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress in post-Edwardian attire for a chance to win a Downton Abbey-themed prize package.
The film, which has a 123-minute runtime, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. The beloved cast of characters must navigate how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, embrace change and welcome a new chapter. Regular screenings of the film will continue for two weeks, from Sept. 12 to Sept. 24.
Gold-level donors who make a $75 contribution will receive one ticket, an alcoholic beverage, popcorn and a soft drink. Silver-level donors who contribute $60 will receive one ticket, a regular beverage and popcorn.
Downton Abbey: The Grande Finale stars Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Penelope Wilton, and Phyllis Logan.
The JPT, located at 49 Touro St., has been showing films since the silent days of the 1920s. To learn more about upcoming shows and events at The JPT, visit janepickens.com/shows.
