A night out at the theater

Movie magic has returned to Homer, with the successful grand reopening gala of The Porcupine last Friday and the theater’s first weekend of offerings on the big screen.

More than 200 people, dressed for the occasion in colorful “Homer formal” wear, mixed and mingled in the newly renovated, velvet-draped theater, enjoying live music by Homer’s own Cosmic Creature Club. Stilt walkers from SeaLegs Stilt Troupe greeted guests at the door and provided further entertainment as they danced with ribbons and hoops alongside the Club’s smooth jazz.

Refreshments were provided in the lobby, including popcorn and candy provided by The Porcupine and charcuterie platters from Alasandro’s Market. Event staff also had alcoholic beverages available for purchase, with all proceeds from sales donated to the Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic.

Co-owner Susannah Webster thanked those in attendance for their support of The Porcupine and for making the theater’s renewal a reality.

“Every single one of you either saw the vision early on and donated generously … or you showed up to volunteer,” she said. “I know that we’re going to be OK … and this is going to be a successful adventure because of everybody here tonight.”

Webster invited the community to come take part in “all the really amazing, awesome things” the Porcupine has planned this month, and to reach out with ideas for other events that the theater might host.

“Tell us how you envision this space to be used, because it really is our space, and it’s a space that Homer deserves,” she said.

The Porcupine played three movies back to back on Saturday, with the first two films sold out entirely and a “good crowd showing” for the third, “Swiss Army Man,” a 2016 movie starring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe.

Sunday featured two films, including — appropriately — “Groundhog Day” and a documentary which Webster said they showed to a small but highly appreciative crowd.

“They really enjoyed it — they were talking about the documentary as they left the theater,” she said, adding that such scenarios are why the Porcupine’s membership model is important.

“This way, we can show (many more) different movies, and we don’t have to bank on crowds for every single one,” she said.

Check out screenings, planned live events and showtimes at porcupinetheater.com/.