Movies Make a Big-Time Return to the Mann This Summer

PHILADELPHIA (July 14, 2021) - This summer, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts will provide safe family fun for all ages with immersive Movies @ the Mann experiences. Three beloved films will be featured under the summer stars in high-definition on a 40-foot, main stage screen and two lawn screens, as Philadelphia orchestras play the scores live. The Mann’s annual Party in the Park gala returns this summer, as well, with a very special screening of an iconic movie classic.

The Movies @ the Mann series kicks off on Saturday, July 24 with the world premiere of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story In Concert, accompanied by The Philadelphia Orchestra – the first film of the Toy Story franchise and a perennial family favorite.

On Aug. 8, the 10th annual BlackStar Film Festival comes to the Mann for its final full day of in-person screenings. Known as “Black Sundance,” BlackStar is the region’s largest film festival dedicated to Black, Brown and Indigenous filmmakers.

The Mann Center Festival Orchestra will accompany the classic E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Aug. 18), which will also serve as the centerpiece of the Mann’s family-friendly gala, Party in the Park. As part of the festivities during the gala dinner at the top of the hill, the Mann will recognize three of Philadelphia’s outstanding citizens who went above and beyond to help others during the pandemic. This year’s honorees are Satell Institute President Ed Satell, an advocate for musical education and partner with the Mann in the Satell Institute-Nonprofit Partners Youth Enrichment Series (YES); Founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium and named one of Forbes’ 2021 50 Over 50, Dr. Ala Stanford; and the Mann’s longstanding corporate sponsor PECO.

The series will conclude with the East Coast premiere of the blockbuster Marvel Studios’ Black Panther In Concert (September 25), accompanied by the Mann Center Festival Orchestra.

“Movies @ the Mann are a beloved summer tradition here, and we’re thrilled to be bringing them back. They are a special opportunity to blend the richness of live orchestral music with the iconic and inspiring stories that movie audiences of all ages just love,” said Catherine M. Cahill, president and CEO of the Mann. “This series is perfect for family outings, date nights, and anyone looking for a safe, outdoor way to spend a summer evening – there is something for everyone! We are also delighted to be integrating our annual Party in the Park with Movies @ the Mann and to be honoring the fabulous Ed Satell and Dr. Ala Stanford for all of their efforts on behalf of so many in Philadelphia throughout the pandemic as well as our long-time supporter, PECO.”

All of the Mann’s movie nights are part of the Mann’s Summer Picnic Series – patrons are invited to pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn. In addition, parking at the Mann is free all summer.

Below is the complete Movies @ the Mann series line-up:

Saturday, July 24 at 8 p.m.: Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story In Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra

Movies @ the Mann returns this summer with the world premiere of Disney and Pixar's Toy Story In Concert, featuring a screening of the groundbreaking complete film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Randy Newman’s musical score performed live to the film by none other than The Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Toy Story films are beloved worldwide for their compelling characters, extraordinary storytelling, stunning visuals, and the music of Randy Newman. The composer and songwriter is behind signature songs including “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” “Strange Things” and “I Will Go Sailing No More.”

Sunday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m.: BlackStar at the Mann

BlackStar Film Festival is an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of the African diaspora and global communities of color — showcasing films by Black, Brown, and Indigenous people from around the world. The festival will take place virtually August 4–8, 2021, with select in-person screenings in Philadelphia, and include narrative features and shorts, documentary features and shorts, and experimental films. Join us at the Mann on the final day of the festival, August 8, 2021, for a full day of in-person screenings in our TD Pavilion.

Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m.: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial In Concert with the Mann Center Festival Orchestra

Movies @ the Mann continues with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial In Concert. Director Steven Spielberg's heartwarming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. On August 18, experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure in the beloved movie that captivated audiences around the world, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score performed live by the Mann Center Festival Orchestra.

Saturday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.: Marvel Studios’ Black Panther In Concert with the Mann Center Festival Orchestra

In 2018, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther quickly became a global sensation and cultural phenomenon, showing a new dimension of what Super Hero films could be. Rolling Stone raved, “The film lights up the screen with a full-throttle blast of action and fun. That’s to be expected. But what sneaks up and floors you is the film’s racial conscience and profound, astonishing beauty.” Now you can relive the excitement of T’Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger all while the Mann Center Festival Orchestra performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score live to picture.

For a full list of events, or to purchase tickets, visit manncenter.org/events. To purchase a Party in the Park ticket, click here.