Stambaugh to screen ‘Downton’ preview

October 25, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

“Downton Abbey” fans can watch a sneak preview of the first hour of the two-hour first episode of Season 4 at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave.

Western Reserve Public Media and Stambaugh Auditorium are co-sponsoring the event, which is free and open to the public. Tickets are available by calling the Stambaugh Auditorium box office at 330-259-0555 or at stambaughauditorium.com. Free parking is available in the adjacent parking lot.

Season 4 of the acclaimed program, which will premiere Jan. 5 on Western Reserve PBS (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1), finds the aristocrats coping with last season’s shocking finale. Change is in the air as three generations of the Crawley family have conflicting interests in the estate.

Actor Paul Giamatti will make an appearance alongside the ensemble cast, which includes Dame Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Joanne Froggatt and guest star Shirley MacLaine.

“This is an opportunity for our ‘Downton Abbey’ fans who simply can’t wait until Jan. 5 to experience the first hour of the premiere episode together,” said Toni Kayumi, communications officer at Western Reserve.