Chicago's The New 400 Theater releases Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' but crowd numbers are mediocre
Shamontiel thinking she's "bad" (R.I.P. MJ)
I kept hearing the buzz about Michael Jackson's "This Is It," and initially I was not going to see the film. It seemed like a way for other people to get rich instead of honoring the King of Pop's final footage after 10 years of being silent. But The New 400 Theater (located at 6746 N. Sheridan in Chicago's Rogers Park) had the film, and oftentimes I have to go to more expensive and bigger theaters to see the mainstream films. Free popcorn Tuesdays. Evening films are only $7.50, and the first release was tonight at 11:00 p.m. How could I miss out on a deal like that?
I bought my ticket as soon as the theater opened today at 4:30 p.m. to beat the crowd and left an hour early to get a good parking spot in the Rogers Park area, where parking spots after 7:00 p.m. are almost pointless. I got my free popcorn and munched on it in my car before "This Is It" started, but when I went back inside, there was only a small crowd. I thought that was so strange because friends and family were telling me "This Was It" was sold out at theaters around them. I figured I was going to have to fight for a seat, but there were full rows with no one in them. What gives? Did others have the same suspicious beliefs I originally did about not supporting a film trying to get rich off of MJ's legacy, were you as surprised as I was that the film made it to The New 400 Theater, or did you just not want to go on a weeknight?
Out of 150 seats, only 40 tickets were sold for opening night, according to the ticket booth operator I talked to. I expected to see Michael Jackson fanatics everywhere, but there was only one girl in the crowd who was that amped--she wore a silver Michael Jackson glove and squealed about being "such a big fan."
If you're interested in seeing "This Is It," for the next two weeks, it will be at The New 400 Theater. Showtimes are Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. Matinee prices (before 6:00 p.m.) are $5 and after 6:00 p.m., the prices are $6.50 for students with ID and $7.50 for adults. Seniors (65 and older) and children (under 11) pay $5. Although I've never used it, there is $2 parking at the garage located at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Arthur Road.
If you've seen it elsewhere, was the theater you went to packed or a medium crowd like Tuesday night at The New 400 Theater? Did you wear your Michael Jackson gear or see anyone with it on? Was it worth all the hype?
Click "Movie Review: 'This Is It' Explores Michael Jackson's Feel for Music and Dance" to read my review of the film.
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red said:
Went to see "This is it" on Wednesday - more shows had been added. Originally when I went on line the show setting said 11:00 p.m. shows only and later I discovered that lots of shows had been added. There were not that many people in the show but I enjoyed it. Have to remember this was a Wednesday night. I plan on going to see it again this weekend - will see how packed the shows are then - It was fantastic all MJ fans should see this one.. Loved every minute of it. Thank the producers for giving us the opportunity to see Michael perform is magic one more time.
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