It’s not too late to join in for those who might enjoy a bit of a throwback activity this weekend – in more ways than one.
Tickets are still available for Saturday night’s “Drive-in” double feature movie night at the Lafon Performing Arts Center in Luling, beginning at dusk – approximately 6 p.m. – and estimated to conclude at 9:30 p.m. On the viewing slate are The Land Before Time and E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial.
Proceeds from concessions and the pre-order dinner menu will be used to support the Hahnville and Destrehan High School theatre departments. Concessions include popcorn, hot cocoa, chips, candy, water and soda.
As noted, attendees can pre-order dinner any time prior to 7 p.m. Friday night, the deadline to place orders. Those interested may choose from a spaghetti and meatball dinner ($15) or a Subway box ($10). Outside food items are not allowed, but a food permit can be ordered during ticket checkout if one wishes to bring their own food and beverages – proceeds from the food permit will go toward the DHS and HHS theatre programs as well.
All tickets for the event must be purchased in advance – no walk-up sales – and tickets can be printed or scanned from one’s phone. Cost is $30.
The center will have two 40 foot inflatable movie screens set up outside on the lawn facing the Lafon Center, with the audience vehicles facing outward.
Each drive-in is themed, and Saturday’s event is a callback to the 1980s. Event-goers are encouraged to arrive dressed in their best 80s attire. Previous events have been holiday themed, including Halloween and Christmas double-headers.
Saturday’s event was originally set to take place in early February but was rescheduled.
The drive-in events were established last year in order to utilize the Lafon Center for community events during a time COVID-restrictions have sidelined much of the facility’s traditional and scheduled fare.
The Land Before Time brings viewers back millions of years ago to the age where dinosaurs ruled the earth. The animated 1988 film was produced by Don Bluth, George Lucas. Steven Spielberg and follows a group of young dinosaur friends – Littlefoot, Cera, Ducky, Petrie and Spike – who go on an adventure to find the Great Valley, an oasis during a time of famine. Guided by the spirit of Littlefoot’s mother, they navigate many twists and turns – and an encounter with one angry Tyrannosaurus Rex, or a “Sharptooth” as the dino-children call it.
The film was very successful, grossing $84.4 million, and spawned a franchise: The Land Before Time led to 13 direct-to-video sequels, each of them musicals.
There are no dinosaurs in E.T., but one very iconic alien who is front and center in the 1982 film produced and directed by Steven Spielberg, who based the movie’s concept on an imaginary friend he created following the divorce of his parents in his childhood. E.T. stands as one of the famed director’s most beloved and well-known films. It won multiple Oscars and is often mentioned among the greatest films of all time.
The plot follows a 10-year-old boy named Elliott who finds a strange visitor in his family’s tool shed. The alien runs away, but Elliott brings him back – using Reece’s Pieces to attract the alien – and stays home from school with his new friend. The two form an instant bond, though the creature speaks little at first. Dubbing himself “E.T.,” he and Elliott attempt keep the former’s presence a secret until he be able to find a way to return back home, but they will have to evade authorities on the way.
Tickets can be purchased at lafonartscenter.org/calendar.
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