I went to this shindig in 2008 so I can authoritatively tell you that the annual Portland, OR “Can’t Stop the Serenity” event is all kinds of shiny. It may be difficult to believe that a TV show that lasted only half a season with a follow up feature film has inspired an annual worldwide event that raises thousands of dollars each year for charity, but the gorram proof is waiting for you on June 26th at the Clinton Street Theater in Portland. Here’s all the details from the most jing cai group in this neck of the ‘verse, the PDX Browncoats:
PDX Browncoats are proud to present the 5th annual Can’t Stop the Serenity screening of Joss Whedon’s sci-fi classic, Serenity, to benefit Equality Now and the Oregon Food Bank. Attendees will be able to see Serenity on the big screen not once, but twice. Break out your favorite Whedon-verse costume and join us for a costume contest before the second showing. Like last year, we will show one regular screening of the movie as well as give the fans a chance to talk back at our Serenity: Special Hell screening. Here’s your opportunity to tell Captain Mal what you really think of his plan, to warn Jayne he should take the grenades, and to shout out your favorite lines. But that’s only the beginning!
We are thrilled to announce that for the first time ever, this year’s screening will include Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-Long Blog. You’ve seen it on the internet; you’ve seen it on the stage, you’ve read the comics. Now see it 3 stories high! Sit down with 300 of your closest friends and sing along with the internet musical sensation! See Captain Hammer’s hammer, learn how Dr. Horrible got his red coat, sing out loud as Penny realizes that dreams coming true may not be all they’re cracked up to be.
Year five is also about the fans. Not only are we showing Serenity…twice, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-Long Blog, and the River Tam Sessions, but Portland is one of only seven cities screening the fan-created film, Browncoats: Redemption! This high quality independent movie, filmed on a RED ONE digital camera, is set three months after the events on Miranda. Captain Laura Matthews and the crew of Redemption are unintentionally thrown into a situation that some view as the potential catalyst for the second unified rise of the Independents against the Alliance, since Unification Day. Unless you’ll be at Dragon*Con in Atlanta, GA this September, this will be your only opportunity to see Browncoats: Redemption before its world premiere. Keep an eye out for cameos from some familiar faces!
In addition to the screenings, join us for events around the city starting June 15th with a Whedon-flavored trivia night at Vendetta (4306 N Williams Ave). Trivia Night is hosted by Things from Another World and promises to tax the knowledge of even the most devout Whedon fan. On Saturday June 19th come get down at the Dunes (1909 NE MLK) with DJs Echoik and Frequency. Bring a can of food for a dollar off admission (http://undonepdx.wordpress.com/).
Equality Now works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world through the mobilization of public pressure. Oregon Food Bank recovers food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources and distributes that food to 20 regional food banks across Oregon. Proceeds from all Portland Can’t Stop the Serenity events will be donated to Equality Now. All food donations received will be donated to the Oregon Food Bank.
For a schedule of events and how to buy tickets, visit serenitynow.pdxbrowncoats.com. For more information on sponsorship or publicity, contact Anna Snyder at pr@pdxbrowncoats.com.
