Selma’s Walton Theater to offer free showing for anniversary
Published 10:03 pm Thursday, January 10, 2013
The Selma Walton Theater is celebrating its year anniversary in a big way, free of cost. The theater will host a customer appreciation day Sunday, Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. and show “Blue Sky,” a 1994 film mostly shot in Selma.
“Our anniversary is the 13th but we’re actually going to celebrate the 20th,” said Sharon Diggs-Jackson who manages the theater alongside husband David.
The film takes place in 1950’s America and stars Tommy Lee Jones and Jessica Lange. The majority of the movie was filmed at Craig Field.
“Quite a few people from Selma were extras in it,” Jackson said. “We’ve invited a few of them so they can come and enjoy it.”
As a theater, Jackson said the Walton has come far in the past year and she looks forward to seeing what the next year has in store.
“We’re excited about 2013 and I think the event on the 20th will be special for a lot of people,” Jackson said. “We’re working on getting our sign up and making more improvements so we can provide more entertainment.”
Jackson also encouraged residents to attend “Lincoln,” showing at the theater Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“Selma as a city also has strong connections to the Lincoln family,” Jackson said. “Most of Mary Todd’s family were confederates so it was kind of a house divided. At one time I think there were four members of the Todd family who lived in Selma.”
The film chronicles President Lincoln through the turbulent times of the Civil War and the days leading up to the finalization of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“At one time White Cottage, which is right over near Sturdivant Hall, is where the sister Martha lived,” Jackson added, and encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the Walton this weekend.
“We’re just happy to be here and we’re excited to start our second year.”