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06/08/2007Putting on the ritzBellaire prepares for North American debut of Michael Moore's latest film
Bellaire Theater owners Leonard and Elaine Dawson prepare for the June 16 premiere of "Sicko." BELLAIRE — Elaine Dawson has owned the Bellaire Theater with her husband, Leonard Dawson, for 28 years, and she's never seen such an attraction. On May 26, Michael Moore announced that his newest film, "Sicko,” will make its North American debut June 16 in the little theater in Bellaire, a town of roughly 1,000 people. It goes into wide release at theaters in the U.S. June 29. "It's unbelievable,” said Dawson, who was born and raised in Bellaire. "We're getting to show it before New York.” The Antrim County Democratic Party will host the event, offering a premiere brunch at 10:30 a.m. and party at 3 p.m. at Lulu's Bistro. There are two showings — at 1 and 4:30 p.m. — and each will accommodate 430 patrons. "It's been fun,” Antrim County Democratic Party chairperson Jim McKimmey said. "We've had a lot of contact about the event.” Sally Hannert and Bev Isenbarger, co-chairs of the finance committee, have directed the event planning following the announcement and said interest has been overwhelming. Hannert's received calls from places like Grand Rapids, Detroit, Lansing, Chicago, Cincinnati and even Ontario. One woman living in Florida called to say she's coming after her daughter saw the story about the premiere on the front page of her newspaper in Lawrence, Kan. "This should bring quite a bit of business to Bellaire,” Hannert said. "It's not every day you have 800 people come into your town.” Before any member of the county party even had a chance to open the mail following Memorial Day, the afternoon premiere party had approximately a dozen seats left out of the allotted 120. It has since sold out. Hannert said Moore decided to hold an additional brunch, which is limited to 120 people, before the first showing to accommodate those who didn't get a chance to reserve a spot for the afternoon party. That has also sold out. "He's offering himself,” Hannert said. "He's dealt with the distributor, and been able to offer the movie to Bellaire. He could have easily said no, but he didn't.” The process of premiering "Sicko” in Bellaire began in the winter when Kathleen Glynn, vice chairperson of the Antrim County Democratic Party and one of the "Sicko” executive producers, mentioned the possibility of Moore, her husband, showing it there. Hannert didn't believe it at the time. "I was like, 'Yeah, right, you're kidding me,' ” she said. "Then I was dumbfounded when I heard it was true. (Moore and Glynn) were so generous to do this. We'll make more with this event than 1,000 bake sales.” In just a week, Hannert and Isenbarger, along with help from other Antrim County Democratic Party members, ironed out the plans for the Bellaire premiere. Isenbarger has been in communication with the Dawsons, and both of the finance committee chairs have discussed the anticipated traffic with the police department. They've also visited the village offices and sent notices to local citizens. The Dawsons will handle the concessions, and the proceeds from the ticket and premiere party sales will benefit the Antrim County Democratic Party. Hannert said 10 percent of the profits will be donated to an Antrim-based charity. The local political party will also supply security personnel and event staff for the showings. An influx of out-of-towners doesn't pose any particular problem for Bellaire Chief of Police Brad Rowe. He said his force should spend more energy on parking than crowd control. Most attendees will have to use municipal lots and parks downtown with a bit of walking involved, Rowe added. "As long as people are open to the fact they probably won't get to park in front of the movie theater, we should be fine,” Rowe said. The Antrim County Democratic Party expects both showings to sell out. Movie tickets are going for $40. More information is at www.antrimdems.org.
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