Rialto Reanimated For Addams Family Premiere In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ - The Rialto Theater reopened its doors Thursday for a one-night special screening of "The Addams Family," MGM's new animated comedy.

As part of its AddamsFest celebration, the Town has partnered with MGM to bring the event to the Westfield community. Rialto Theater owner Jesse Sayegh also played an instrumental role in this special evening.

"We have had an ongoing collaborative relationship with MGM for more than a year as they took a great interest in Charles Addams' hometown during their promotional efforts for this film," said Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle.

The sudden shuttering of the Rialto Theater, which had been a staple in downtown since 1922, was caused by a dispute between tenant and landlord, according to Brindle.

During the timespan when the certainty of the Rialto's availability for the screening was in question, the Town received offers from other venues in Westfield to screen the film, including the Presbyterian Church, the James Ward Mansion, and the Board of Education, officials said.

"Jesse and Doreen Sayegh are tremendous community partners, and were fully on board to host this screening prior to the unexpected closure of their property," said Councilwoman Dawn Mackey, AddamsFest Chairperson. "They remained committed to resolving all related issues in order to re-open their iconic theater for the evening, a true showing of their dedication to Westfield."

Guests who attended won tickets as part of the "Rialto Rising" contest, which has entrants submit a letter-sized sheet of paper to convey what the Rialto means to them.

The entry could be a photo, an illustration, or a brief written sentiment; entries were not judged on merit, but instead were entered in a random drawing – with all submissions used as a Rialto Rising exhibit in the lobby to demonstrate the theater's significance to Westfield.

Starring an all-star voice cast led by Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll, Bette Midler, Allison Janney, Elsie Fisher and Snoop Dogg playing IT, "The Addams Family" will be released by United Artists nationwide on Oct. 11.

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