From visionary anime auteur Masaaki Yuasa comes a joyously hallucinogenic but family-friendly take on the classic fairy tale about a little mermaid who comes ashore to join a middle-school rock band and propel them to fame. Kai is talented but adrift, spending his days sulking in a small fishing village after his family moves from Tokyo. His only joy is uploading songs he writes to the internet. When his classmates invite him to play keyboard in their band, their practice sessions bring an unexpected guest: Lu, a young mermaid whose fins turn to feet when she hears the beats, and whose singing causes humans to compulsively dance – whether they want to or not. Crybaby Matinee this Thursday, February 28 at 11 am.
From the thrill of unexpected romance to a heartbreaking reconciliation that comes too late – Verdi’s La Traviata is one of the most popular of all operas. Alfredo falls in love in with the courtesan Violetta in glamorous Paris society, but underneath the surface run darker undercurrents, leading to a tragic ending. The opera’s wealth of melodies includes the famous Brindisi and the exuberant ‘Sempre libera’ – both showing the lyricism of Italian opera at its most immediately appealing. Richard Eyre’s production for The Royal Opera brings out all the emotional colour, from the giddy discovery of love, through painful confrontation to the inevitable conclusion. Lavish period sets and costumes enhance the reality of a moving story based on true life. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.  Wednesday, February 27 at 7 pm or Saturday, March 2 at 2:45 pm.
WRITE WHEN YOU GET WORK is a thorny romantic comedy set in New York City at a private school for girls and in the world outside its exclusive walls. Jonny Collins is still in love with Ruth Duffy, and he has been since they were kids. But Ruth has slipped away from him, away from their corner of the Bronx under the Throgs Neck Bridge. She has landed on the lower rungs of the Upper East Side in a job and a small apartment. Then Jonny spots her, and locked doors and windows can’t prevent him from breaking back into her life. She can barely stand the sight of him and yet she can hardly breathe without him. Love and money. Crime and happiness. The fizz among strangers. And the bonds between us.

Director Stacy Cochran will be present for a post-film Q/A. Stacy made her feature debut MY NEW GUN starring Diane Lane and James LeGros. It premiered in Director's Fortnight at Cannes and earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best First Feature. Subsequent projects as writer-director include BOYS starring Winona Ryder, RICHARD LESTER! about the director, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, and DROP BACK TEN which premiered in Dramatic Competition at Sundance. Currently, Stacy is writing the screenplay for A Year on Ice, a fictionalized thriller set during the NHL season of 1969, adapted from veteran New York Times sports-reporter Gerald Eskenazi’s book of the same name. Friday, March 1 at 7 pm.
With her deadpan delivery and dark observations, the inscrutable Dina Hashem exploded onto the New York Comedy scene after winning her first appearance on Comedy Central’s ROAST BATTLE. Subsequently, Dina has been named one of Team Coco/TBS’s “Comics to Watch” for this year’s New York Comedy Festival and recently made her late night debut on CONAN.

Raised in a traditional Muslim Arab American family in New Jersey, Dina attended Rutgers University, where she won First Place at the New Jersey Comedy Festival. She’s also appeared on Wyatt Cenac’s NIGHT TRAIN for Seeso and has performed at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, the Boston Comedy Festival, in addition to performing regularly at shows like UCB’s long-running WHIPLASH. Dina’s writing has been featured Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and TV Land. Follow her @dinahashem_

LeClerc Andre is having a breakout year as a featured New Face at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. He also made his network television debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Make sure to check out his podcast EFF’N UP with Co-Host Khalid Rahmaan. Saturday, March 2 at 8:00 pm.
Shmuel (Géza Röhrig), a Hasidic cantor in Upstate New York, distraught by the untimely death of his wife, struggles to find religious solace, while secretly obsessing over how her body will decay. As a clandestine partnership develops with Albert (Matthew Broderick), a local community college biology professor, the two embark on a darkly comic and increasingly literal undertaking into the underworld. TO DUST was directed by Shawn Snyder and opens this Sunday, March 3!
Award-winning filmmaker Thomas Piper's FIVE SEASONS: The Gardens of Piet Oudols immerses viewers in Oudolf’s work and takes us inside his creative process, from his beautifully abstract sketches, to theories on beauty, to the ecological implications of his ideas. Intimate discussions take place through all fours seasons in Piet’s own gardens at Hummelo, and on visits to his signature public works in New York, Chicago, and the Netherlands, as well as to the far-flung locations that inspire his genius, including desert wildflowers in West Texas and post-industrial forests in Pennsylvania.

This film is a part of Hopewell Theater's ongoing The Art of Living Well series featuring inspiring films, speakers and interactive discussions exploring ways of cultivating serenity, meaning and a deeper connection to one’s self and the world. Tuesday, March 5 at 7 pm
Last Chance!
AT ETERNITY'S GATE closes Thursday!
Famed but tormented artist Vincent van Gogh spends his final years in Arles, France, painting masterworks of the natural world that surrounds him.
AND DON'T MISS:
MOVIES, COMEDY, & LIVE MUSIC
COMING SOON
AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA
The Art of Living Well series
Co-presented with  Princeton Center for Yoga & Health.   Rama Ramanathan  will introduce the film and lead a post-film discussion after the film. 

AWAKE: The Life of Yogananda is an unconventional biography about the Hindu Swami who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s. Paramahansa Yogananda authored the spiritual classic “Autobiography of a Yogi,” which has sold millions of copies worldwide and is a go-to book for seekers, philosophers and yoga enthusiasts today. (Apparently, it was the only book that Steve Jobs had on his iPad.) By personalizing his own quest for enlightenment and sharing his struggles along the path, Yogananda made ancient Vedic teachings accessible to a modern audience, attracting many followers and inspiring the millions who practice yoga today. Tuesday, March 19 at 7 pm

All screenings are at 7 pm. Upcoming films in The Art of Living Well series:

Tuesday, April 2
THE GARDENER

Tuesday, April 16
CALL OF THE FOREST:
THE FORGOTTEN WISOM OF TREES

Tuesday, April 30
INQUIRING NUNS
LOVING VINCENT
On 27th July 1890 a gaunt figure stumbled down a drowsy high street at twilight in the small French country town of Auvers.
The man was carrying nothing; his hands clasped to a fresh bullet wound leaking blood from his belly. This was Vincent van Gogh, then a little known artist; now the most famous artist in the world. His tragic death has long been known, what has remained a mystery is how and why he came to be shot. Loving Vincent tells that story. This feature-length film was made using painted animation, the first film of its kind. Opens Sunday, March 10! Special double feature with LOVING VINCENT: THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM on Tuesday, March 12 and Wednesday, March 13.
LOVING VINCENT:
THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM
A 60 minute documentary detailing the 10-year journey it took two passionate filmmakers, Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman, to achieve their Impossible Dream, creating the world's first fully painted feature length animated film comprised of over 65,000 hand painted frames – LOVING VINCENT. Drawing on the life and inspiration of Vincent van Gogh, LOVING VINCENT was much more than a labor of love... Find out all the trials and tribulations in the making of the film and ultimately its critical as well as audience success with over US $42million in box-office and an Oscar nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BAFTA nomination and 14 additional Film Festival Awards. Opens Sunday, March 10! Special double feature with LOVING VINCENT: THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM on Tuesday, March 12 and Wednesday, March 13.
CatVideoFest
Each year, CatVideoFest curates a compilation reel of the latest, best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and, of course, classic internet powerhouses. Screening events take place all over the world in a host of venues and raise money for cats in need, often through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to identify how best to serve cats in the area. The all-new edition will begin in February of 2019 and Oscilloscope plans to bring CatVideoFest to hundreds of theaters around the globe where patrons can enjoy the shared experience of communal joy that these videos bring out. What better way for us humans to come together than by watching cats?

CatVideoFest is committed to raising awareness and money for cats in need around the world. A percentage of the proceeds from this screening will go to SAVE in Skillman. Founded in 1941, SAVE is an independent non-profit animal shelter dedicated to protecting the health and welfare of homeless companion animals in the greater Princeton area. Two chances to catch this family friendly program: a Crybaby Matinee at 11 am on Thursday, March 7 or a Family Matinee at 4:30 pm on Saturday, March 9.
Surrealism & Shiraz:
Salvador Dali: In Search of Immortality
Produced by the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation, this inspiring documentary proposes an exhaustive artistic journey through the life and work of Salvador Dalí, and also of Gala, his muse and collaborator. It begins in 1929 as he joined the surrealist group and met Gala, and advances until the year of the artist’s death in 1989.

Come early to color Dalí inspired coloring pages (coloring pages and coloring tools provided). At 6:30pm, a guided game of Exquisite Corpse will occur. Exquisite corpse is a game invented by the Surrealists by which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence. The film will screen at 7pm. Bring your own bottle highly encouraged! Saturday, March 9 at 7 pm
Films That Made Music:
 THE COMMITMENTS
Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), a self-proclaimed promoter, decides to organize an R&B group to fill the musical void in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. The band comes together but ends up consisting entirely of white musicians who have little experience with the genre. Even though their raw talent and lofty aspirations gain the group notoriety, the pitfalls of fame began to tear at their newfound friendships as they prepare for their big show. Based on the novel by Roddy Doyle. Friday, March 15 at 7 pm. Special Corned Beef meal from The Peasant Grill available; more info on website.

All screenings are at 7 pm. Upcoming films in Films That Made Music series:

Thursday, March 21
STOP MAKING SENSE

Thursday, April 18
THE LAST WALTZ

Thursday, May 30
PURPLE RAIN
Family Matinee:
THE SECRET OF KELLS
From the creators of the Academy Award®-nominated The Secret of Kells comes a breathtakingly gorgeous, hand-drawn masterpiece. Based on the Irish legend of the Selkies, Song of the Sea tells the story of the last seal-child, Saoirse, and her brother Ben, who go on an epic journey to save the world of magic and discover the secrets of their past. Pursued by the owl witch Macha and a host of ancient and mythical creatures, Saoirse and Ben race against time to awaken Saoirse’s powers and keep the spirit world from disappearing forever. As enthralling for adults as it is for children young and old, Song of the Sea is a wonder of magical storytelling and visual splendor that is destined to become a classic. St. Patrick's Day weekend celebration - Corned Beef Meal from The Peasant Grill available at purchase. Saturday, March 16 at 3 pm.

Sunday, March 17 at 4:30 pm
SONG OF THE SEA
St. Patrick's Day weekend celebration - Corned Beef Meal from The Peasant Grill available for purchase

Saturday, March 23 at 4:30 pm
TITO AND THE BIRDS

Saturday, April 20 at 2:30 pm
THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER
Philomena
Based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, PHILOMENA focuses on the efforts of Philomena Lee (Judy Dench), mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock - something her Irish-Catholic community didn't have the highest opinion of - and given away for adoption in the United States. In following church doctrine, she was forced to sign a contract that wouldn't allow for any sort of inquiry into the son's whereabouts. After starting a family years later in England and, for the most part, moving on with her life, Lee meets Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), a BBC reporter with whom she decides to discover her long-lost son.  Sunday, March 17 at 6:45 pm. Special Corned Beef meal from The Peasant Grill available; more info on website.
Crybaby Matinees
Crybaby Matinees take place every Thursday at 11 am, though not all films will be programmed in advance.
Upcoming dates in the series:
Mar 7: CATVIDEOFEST
Mar 14: Film TBD
April 4: Film TBD
April 11: Film TBD
COMEDY, FAMILY FUN CONCERTS, & BRUNCH CLUBS COMING SOON
This Really Happened... Storytelling at HT
Join us for our ongoing series This Really Happened... featuring some of the most hilarious and moving storytellers on stage. With a rotating cast of storytellers, the show is always fresh. Audience members can also claim a spot in the show and share a "two-minute tale" at the open-mic at the end of each show, for up to six audience members. Hosted by Joey Novick , each show will be one hour long with no intermission, followed by the open mic segment of “two-minute tales." Upcoming dates in the series include March 8, April 5, and May 3. The cast for the March show includes Anita Flores, Marc Abbott, Marjorie Fineberg Winther, Jennifer Glick.
 Friday, March 8 at 8 pm.

Family Fun Concert:
Jumpin' Jamie
Jumpin' Jamie plays "kindie rock" for all ages! Until recently, Jumpin’ Jamie has been best known as the Dinosaur Troubadour at Field Station: Dinosaurs (Leonia, NJ), But with the release of his debut album, “Kookie,” the pop rocker dives head first into the kindie scene with this bold, confident, and undeniably fun collection. "Kookie": Jumpin' Jamie's debut album"Kookie" features 12 songs produced by 5 different producers including Marty Beller and Danny Weinkauf from Grammy Award winning band They Might Be Giants and over 40 special guests including Peter Tork from The Monkees. 
Saturday, March 9 at 12 pm
Brunch Club featuring the Alex Hiele Paris Jazz Combo
Join us for a delicious and entertaining brunch with a performance by the Alex Hiele Paris Jazz Combo. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with an array of delectable food items while listening to the uplifting tunes! The menu for the Sunday, March 10 brunch will include a buffet of spinach, tomato, feta, basil pesto frittata, french toast, chicken française, bacon, home fries, and garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

A performance only ticket is available. To purchase, select mezzanine seats at check out or call our box office at 609-466-1964 for assistance. 
Sunday, March 10 at 11 am.

Mark you calendars for future Brunch Clubs:

with cellist Dan Kassel
Sunday, April 10 at 11 am

Mother’s Day Brunch ft. live music by O'Neill & Martin
Sunday, May 12 at 11 am
Dangerous When Wet:
Booze, Sex, and My Mother with Jamie Brickhouse
After sold-out performances in New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, Jamie Brickhouse (voices on Beavis and Butthead, 4-time Moth champion, performer on WGBH/PBS-TV) brings his multi award-winning, critically-acclaimed solo show Dangerous When Wet: Booze, Sex, and My Mother to the Hopewell Theater. Directed by Obie Award-winning David Drake (The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me) and based on his critically-acclaimed memoir, it is his alcoholic odyssey from small-town sissy to louche Manhattanite that’s wickedly intoxicating as he hits bottom and discovers he can’t escape the all-consuming love of his mother Mama Jean. A Texan Elizabeth Taylor with the split personality of Auntie Mame and Mama Rose, she never has a thought she doesn’t speak. Darkly comic, it’s a show for anyone who’s had a mother, is a mother, the recovery set, GLBTQ folks (and those who love them), fans of David Sedaris, and anyone who loves a compelling story told with heart, humor and poignancy. Friday, March 22 at 8 pm.
The C Word
with Dwayne Dunlevy
Dwayne Dunlevy began a career in comedy at 17 years old as a way to overcome stage fright. After winning his first ever contest at Pratt University in Brooklyn, NY Dwayne embarked on a four-year comedy career. Eventually, cabaret and theatre entertainment became his focus along with community theater and event hosting. In 2007 Dwayne fell into a job as the Entertainment Producer of a cabaret theater called Harlan's Cabaret in what was then The Nevermore Hotel in New Hope. Over three years he booked talent as well as overseeing the sound, lighting, and marketing of the shows. Dwayne met and worked with world-class performers the likes of Ann Hampton Callaway, Marylin Mae, Andrea Mcardle, and Coco Peru. He began writing his own shows and producing them at Harlan's cabaret to rave reviews. His one-man shows Neurotica and Insayne with Dwayne and The "C" Word premiered to sold-out audiences. 
Saturday, April 6 at 8 pm
Show Up, Kids: Interactive Family Friendly Improv
Following sold out runs in NYC, LA, and the UK, Peter Michael Marino's critically acclaimed "Show Up, Kids!” makes its Hopewell premiere! When the main attraction doesn’t show up, Pete enlists the kids to help create a comedy show from set to sound, plot to props, and costumes to characters. What could possibly go wrong? This entirely unique, improvised family show for kids 3-10 years old puts a comedic twist on the traditional kids’ show.

★★★★★ “A fantastic performance! Marino handles the unpredictability of working with children in an improvised environment with great skill and grace!” Backstage on the Fringe

Saturday, April 13 at 12 pm
LIVE MUSIC COMING SOON
Mike Tramp of White Lion & John Corabi of Mötley Crüe & Ratt
Special Acoustic Performance
Thursday, March 14 7:30pm
Mick Moloney and the Green Fields of America
Supergroup group led by musician & musicologist Mick Moloney
Saturday, March 16 8 pm
XPN Welcomes The Allman Betts Band
Ft. Devon Allman & Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers Band legends Gregg Allman & Dickey Betts
Sunday, March 31 7:30 pm
The Secret Sisters
Alabama-born, Grammy nominated Americana singing/songwriting sisters
Sunday, April 7 7:30 pm
Nellie McKay
British-American singer-songwriter & Broadway performer
Saturday, April 13 8pm
XPN Welcomes Chris Smither
"Weathered singing and unhurried picking" - Rolling Stone
Saturday, April 20 8pm
Max Weinberg's Jukebox
Get ready to party! Audience members pick the set list in real time! Meet and Greet tix available.
Thursday, April 25 7:30 pm
Sam Reider and the Human Hands
Virtuoso jazz and bluegrass musicians from Brooklyn, NY
Friday, May 10 8:00 pm
XPN Welcomes The Felice Brothers
American folk rock/country rock band from the Catskills
Sunday, May 12 7:30 pm
Damien Jurado
with Anna St. Louis
Singer/Songwriter touring new album In The Shape Of A Storm
Wednesday, May 22 7:30 pm
Carbon Leaf
Blending rock, folk, Celtic, bluegrass and Americana traditions into a high-energy style
Thursday, June 6 7:30 pm
Sarah Dash: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
 Sarah Dash shares stories from her friendship with Aretha Franklin and sings songs from Aretha's songbook.  
On sale to HT members now!
Saturday, June 15 8:00 pm
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet Celebrates Dave Brubeck's Centennial
Sons of Cool Jazz great Dave Brubeck bring their unique inventiveness to HT
Saturday, July 20 8:00 pm
Steve Forbert and the New Renditions
Respected singer/songwriter with new book and album
On sale to HT members now!
Saturday, September 14 8:00 pm
Jonah Tolchin
Artfully occupies the gulf between old-school tradition and contemporary appropriation
Saturday, October 12 8 pm
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Live music that spans the sonic spectrum. Indie, foreign and classic cinema. Satisfying snacks and personable people. Here at Hopewell Theater, they all come together. Join us for an upcoming event . Or join us for real and become a member to receive special perks and privileges. Either way, you’re in for a selectively eclectic experience.