The magnificent Virginia Theatre in Champaign-Urbana.
I mean, really. It is such a pleasure to see movies here. Especially since every show is packed, every seat full.
There is nothing like the sound of 1,500 people listening.
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You are in my old stomping grounds! I graduated from U of I, how I love that campus!
I never went to the Virginia Theatre, and believe me, I am kicking myself now.
“There is nothing like the sound of 1,500 people listening.”
So, so true! I had so many lovely moments at the TCM Film Festival in 2013-but watching those movies with audiences? It was indescribable. Sometimes I would turn around during the film so I could see the light from the film playing off the faces of the people, they were so intent-it actually gave me chills to be a part of it.
Maureen – you went here? It is such a gorgeous campus!! I grew up in a university town that reminds me a lot of U of I – the statues, the big stone buildings, the quad – it’s wonderful! Also, the weather is practically summery now so all of the flowers are exploding!
Next time you come back to visit (if you ever do) – definitely go check out the Virginia. They just unveiled a statue of Roger Ebert two days ago, and it is going to sit outside the theatre. Awesome stuff. But I know live bands play there, and comedy touring acts – it’s an incredible venue.
Totally agree about the feeling of being in a rapt audience like that – I turned around at one point during He Who Gets Slapped (a brilliant 1924 film starring Lon Chaney) – and saw all of the lit-up faces, staring up at the screen, and I got total goosebumps.
Class of 1984! I haven’t been back in so long-but I never got over the beauty of that campus, the quad-all those gorgeous old buildings. I used to find out of the way places to study, and imagine all the students who were there before me. It is a wonderful place.
Next time I go back to visit family in Illinois, I will definitely go back to campus, I would love my husband and daughter to see where I went to school. The Virginia will be on my list of places to visit.
Glad you are having such a wonderful time!