Movies, Concerts and Shakepeare Plays in the Park Kick Off Friday

A line-up of music, cartoons and two Shakespeare plays will take center stage at a Rossmoor park starting Friday.

The Rossmoor Community Services District will kick off its summer concerts, movies and plays in the park series at dusk with the Dreamworks Animation's computer-animated picture, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.

Running June 21, July 6, 7, 12, 19, 26, and Aug. 16 and 23, the events at 3001 Rush Park are free and open to the public.

To see the full schedule, scroll to the end of this story.

“It’s a great environment for families, friends and neighbors to enjoy evenings out,” said Emily Gingras, RCSD recreation superintendent. “People usually picnic, so they can bring potluck style food and share it with their group if they’d like.”

The RCSD suggests lawn chairs, blankets, insect repellant and flashlights. They also ask that attendees not bring pets.

According to Gingras, RCSD began showing movies in 2001 and has put on concerts since at least the '90s.

“We’re celebrating over 10 years of movies in the park,” Gingras said.

Theater group Shakespeare by the Sea will perform two of Shakespearian plays: King John, a dramatized history of the life of King John of England, and All’s Well that Ends Well, a comedy.

In addition to Madagascar, the RCSD will also show Disney’s Wreck-it Ralph and Dreamwork Animation's the Lorax. Country rock band Robby Armstrong, dance hit band Retro Station and classic rock band Elm Street Band will all perform.

Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at all events. 

All movies begin at dusk. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. All plays begin at 7:30 p.m.

“Usually, they’re pretty crowded,” Gingras said. She advises people to show up early: For movies, around 7 p.m., for concerts, 6 p.m. and for the plays — which she said are the most popular — show up at 6 p.m.

For more information, call 562-430-3707.

THE COMPLETE ROSSMOOR CONCERT, MOVIE AND PLAY SUMMER SCHEDULE

Dusk, June 21

Movie: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

7:30 p.m., July 6

Play: Shakespeare’s King John

7:30 p.m., July 7

Play: Shakespeare’s All’s Well that Ends Well

6:30 p.m., July 12

Concert: Elm Street Band (Classic Rock)

Dusk, July 19

Movie: Wreck-It Ralph

6:30 p.m. July 26

Concert: Robby Armstrong (Country Rock)

Dusk, August 16

Movie: The Lorax

6:30 p.m. August 23

Concert: Retro Station (Dance Hits from the ‘60s On)

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