The Kimball Theatre

Located in Merchants Square, the Kimball Theatre is home to current films and live performances. On any given day, you might see a Colonial Williamsburg interpreter portray Patrick Henry or enjoy a jazz ensemble of talented students from the College of William and Mary. Perhaps the Peninsula's Jewish Film Festival is in town, or maybe you'll see players performing an 18th-century Grand Medley of Entertainments. Whatever your tastes, the Kimball Theatre is at the center of Williamsburg's community activities. Creative programming alliances with the College of William and Mary, community organizations, and Colonial Williamsburg link our past with the present.

Today at the Kimball Theatre:

Young @ Heart

July 20, 2008 6:45 PM

Fri., July 11–Sun., July 20
shows at 6:45 and 8:45 p.m.
Rated: PG

The Young@Heart Chorus from Northampton, Mass., has earned an international reputation for their unique interpretations of songs by Sonic Youth, the Ramones, and the Clash. The chorus is comprised of 22 senior citizens whose average age is 80. Under director Bob Cilman they’ve gained a degree of fame for their a cappella renditions of well-known rock-and-roll tunes. Filmmaker Stephen Walker spent several weeks with the chorus members as they rehearsed for their annual concert in Northampton. They may be senior citizens, but their zest for life, commitment to the chorus, and determination to learn new songs and put on a great show make them both remarkable and ageless—and truly inspiring. Winner of the Audience Award at the 2008 Atlanta Film Festival. July 12, 14–20 screening room. 107 mins.

Note by Note

July 20, 2008 7:00 PM

Sunday, July 20–Tuesday, July 22

Sunday, July 20 one show only at 7 p.m. Introduction and discussion with film editor
Purcell Carson.

Mon. and Tues., July 21 and 22 shows at 7 and 9 p.m.

Purcell Carson is a documentary editor and director based in New York. She worked with director Ben Niles for eight months crafting the story of one grand piano. She will be on hand to answer questions about the film and discuss the editing process at the July 20 screening only. Purcell was raised in Williamsburg.

This feature-length independent documentary follows the creation of Steinway concert grand #L1037. It explores the relationship between musician and instrument, chronicles the manufacturing process, and investigates what makes each Steinway unique. Watch the evolution of L1037 from forest floor to concert hall. Meet the craftsmen and -women who shape L1037’s personality. Steinway pianos are the most thoroughly handcrafted instruments in the world. From the factory floor in Queens to Steinway Hall in Manhattan, each piano’s journey is complex— spanning 12 months, 12,000 parts, 450 craftsmen, and countless hours of fine-tuned labor. July 21-22 screening room. 81 mins. Not rated.

Crystal Concert

July 21, 2008 11:30 AM

Dean Shostak performs an exciting concert featuring music and stories of Benjamin Franklin’s glass armonica. This multimedia concert also includes spectacular new and antique glass instruments such as the glass grand harmonicon, glass violin, glass handbells, and glass bowed psaltery.

Performances at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Tickets $7.

More Kimball Theatre Programs >