Movies reel in families

The asphalt had just begun to cool Monday as moviegoers took their seats on the plaza of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the first day of Costa Mesa’s third annual Free Movie Mondays series. The four-week event was scheduled to start at 8 p.m. with a screening of ““Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”

But by 6 p.m., clusters of people had already made their way to the terrace, blankets and chairs in hand, to stake out a spot. The plaza soon teemed with eager families, couples and groups of friends. The primary viewing area filled up fast, and the new arrivers settled for more distant seats on the lawn. Officials estimated that by the end credits, about 2,800 people had shown up.

All for an old movie they could easily get on DVD. It’s clear this isn’t about getting to see a free movie. It’s about hanging out with friends and neighbors.

“Every year, we get more and more people,” said Judy Morr, executive vice president of the center. “And the attendance generally grows over the course of the summer.”

The opening scene began rolling after brief opening remarks by Matt Holzman of Santa Monica’s KCRW-FM (89.9). The station had partnered with the Orange County Performing Arts Center to sponsor the event.

“When they asked us to pick a movie I knew exactly which one I wanted to see: ‘Willy Wonka,’” Holzman said.

Holzman got his wish later that night when the giant projector broadcasted the movie onto the side of Segerstrom Hall. Some were reminded of the time they first saw the film.

“I saw ‘Willy Wonka’ in the theaters as a kid in 1971,” Holzman said.

“Ever since then, it has been one of my favorite movies, and this is the first time I have seen it on a big screen since I was 9.”

Many parents brought their children to see the classic film.

“I brought my daughter, my son and my son’s friend,” said Rick Reed of Anaheim. “The event brings different communities together.”

Kimberly Simcox, a visiting resident from England, agreed.

“It was cool to see on a big screen with a massive group of people.”

Community-building was one of the main goals of the event, Morr said.

“People feel welcome to bring their kids, their diners, their lawn chairs, their blankets ... It’s like a picnic at the beach, only here.”

The summer’s budget woes almost jeopardized the yearly event, Morr said.

“This has been a challenging year for us, but we have a wonderful group of community members who support the center, and we worked very hard at it,” she said.

Newport Beach officials will also offer an outdoor movie screening July 24 at Corona del Mar High School.

The entry charge is $4 for adults, and $3 for children younger than 18; food will be provided.

The pool will be open prior to the movie screening, which begins after sunset. Festivities begin at 6 p.m.

The movie series at the Orange County Performing Arts Center will also continue next week with a screening of the musical “Annie.”

The night will feature an Annie look-alike contest, and prizes will include passes to the Orange County Fair and tickets to see the movie onstage January in Los Angeles.

Morr looks forward to seeing more community faces at next week’s movie.

“It’s our way of inviting people to come experience the center on this beautiful plaza,” she said.

If You Go

Where: 600 Town Center Drive

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

When: The movies start about 8 p.m., but the plaza opens to moviegoers at 5:30 p.m. — come early! Seating fills up well before the start of the movie.

To Bring: Light refreshments are available for purchase, but if you’re hungry you should bring your own food. There aren’t any chairs or benches, so bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on.

Information: For more information, go call (714) 556-2121 or go to OCPAC.org.