Dude, they’re reading ‘The Big Lebowski’

Shot in Youngstown is a new film society in the Mahoning Valley for those who make – or just love – movies.

For its first public event, the group is doing something a bit out of the ordinary.

At 5 p.m. Sunday at West Side Bowl, SIY will present a reading of the classic cult comedy film “The Big Lebowski.”

It will be the first of a bimonthly script-reading series that will move around to different bars and restaurants. Sunday’s event at West Side Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, will be in the downstairs room.

Because the place is also a bowling alley, it fits in well with the film’s characters, who had an obsession with the game. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is encouraged to keep the series going.

Guests should also feel free to come dressed as their favorite “Big Lebowski” character – the Dude, Walter, etc.

The series’ goal will always be the same: just for fun.

For those who have never witnessed a play reading, it’s just what it sounds like. The script is read by actors in the style and cadence of the characters in the movie.

The first installment will feature some of the area’s best actors, including Todd Hancock, Brandy Johanntges and Jim Fogarty.

“We’re trying to build Shot In Youngstown, and we will be doing more and more events,” said Johnny Chechitelli, a local filmmaker and a founder of the group.

“We have a filmmakers-only meeting next week and have plans for movie watch parties, genre marathon nights and film competitions and festivals. But it all starts on the page, so what better way than to kick things off with a ‘Big Lebowski’ live script read? Come on out, get a White Russian at the bar and be prepared to shout out your favorite quotes from The Dude, Walter and Donny. And afterwards, go bowling.”

Chechitelli said table reads are regularly done in Hollywood before audiences as a new way for fans to experience a movie. “It’s also good for actors and writers to hear it read out loud,” he said.

Toward that goal, two short scripts by local screenwriters – Jennifer Ruth and David Solomon – will be read after “The Big Lebowski.”

Chechitelli & Co. are already looking ahead to future scripts for the series. “We have ‘Goodfellas’ in mind, and I can’t wait to do that one,” he said.

ANOTHER ROCKING WEEKEND ON TAP

Michael Stanley and the Resonators and Donnie Iris and the Cruisers were supposed to be the kickoff concert at the new Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre in June, but they got rained out.

The makeup date is Saturday, and the weather should be perfect.

It’s been a few years since I’ve seen either band, and much longer than that since they were in their prime.

But both were massive draws in their respective home markets – Cleveland and Pittsburgh (and all points in between) – back in the day.

They obviously still retain a ton of respect. Fewer than 200 tickets remain for Saturday’s show; go to ticketmaster.com or the Covelli Centre box office to purchase.

The Stanley-Iris concert isn’t all that’s going on this weekend.

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival is tonight through Sunday near downtown Youngstown. On Saturday, the first of two WaterFire Sharon festivals this summer will take place.

Farther away, there is also the Wine and Walleye Festival Friday through Sunday on Bridge Street in Ashtabula, and Harry Potter-themed extravaganzas Saturday in Kent and all weekend in Volant, Pa.

And the Columbiana County Fair in Lisbon opens Monday.

Guy D’Astolfo covers entertainment for The Vindicator.