‘Christmas Vacation’ star Chevy Chase comes to F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre for screening on Dec. 17
From a press release:
It was announced today that legendary comedian Chevy Chase is coming to the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, Dec. 17 for a screening of one of his best-known films, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
This unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and laughs will celebrate the timeless classic with a special showing at 5 p.m., followed by a live, in-person conversation and Q&A with Chase and his wife of over 40 years, Jayni.
They will share their behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes about the making of this beloved movie that has become a Christmas tradition. But the laughter doesn’t stop there as they take questions from the audience, giving attendees the chance to have their questions answered and hear firsthand accounts from the 79-year-old actor himself. An original member of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” cast, he was the trailblazer who turned “SNL” success into Hollywood mega-stardom. “Caddyshack,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Fletch,” and “Three Amigos” all contributed to making Chevy Chase a worldwide household name.
For those looking for an extra-special experience, a limited number of VIP tickets will be available, which include a personal post-show photo opportunity with Chase, a true legend of comedy and film.
Diehard fans and those who simply love the holidays should mark their calendars, put on their ugly sweaters, and prepare to meet Clark Griswold for “the hap-hap-happiest Christmas.”
Doors at the Kirby Center (71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre) open at 3:30 p.m., and the show starts at 5 p.m.
Tickets, which are $40, $66, and $100, plus applicable fees, go on sale this Friday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. at the Kirby Center box office, online at kirbycenter.org and ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 570-826-1100. A Kirby Member pre-sale begins on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m.
VIP packages are $150 and $250, plus fees, and include a premium seat and a post-show photo-op with Chase following the Q&A.
A film synopsis reads: “As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and children as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hillbilly cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark’s employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.”
The F.M. Kirby Center is a historic Art Deco/Moderne-style performing arts center located in downtown Wilkes-Barre. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.