'Pure Michigan' Screen To Debut Dec. 6 At Manistee's Vogue Theatre

MANISTEE (WWJ) -- The "Pure Michigan" screen dedicated on Nov. 19 by Michigan's economic development CEO Mike Finney will debut the official reopening of Manistee's Vogue Theatre on Dec. 6, capping nearly three years of work to restore the 75 year-old venue.

On Friday, Dec. 6, a "Sneak Peak" fundraiser for Vogue operations will be held featuring a premier of a first run film on the "Pure Michigan" screen. The film was specially selected by Academy Award-winning film producer Michael Moore. The grand opening of the Vogue is set for Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. and is open to the general public for a brief presentation and theater tours. Movies at no charge will be shown Dec. 7 and 8 on a first come, first serve basis.

"The name of the film, like the incredible interior of the newly restored Vogue, are Manistee's best kept secrets," said Steve Brower, chair of the Vogue Capital Campaign and Treasurer for the Board of the Historic Vogue Theatre of Manistee, the nonprofit that owns the property. "We think that everyone will be delighted by both in unveiling the results of the largest citizen-driven, volunteer-led project in Manistee's history."

"This is a great day for northern Michigan and for people who love the movies," said Michael Moore, a founding board member of the new Vogue Theatre. "On behalf of the thousands of people who made the same thing happen in Traverse City with the State and Bijou theaters, I applaud the people of Manistee for making this dream come true. You can bet that a lot of us will be heading south down US-31 on December 6th to celebrate the Vogue's opening and to catch the 'Sneak Peek' movie that I've secured from a major Hollywood studio for this gala event."

Reservations for the 7 p.m. Dec. 6 "Sneak Peak" can be made by going to www.voguetheatremanistee.org or mynorth.com, where two options are available. One, priced at $365 per person, includes the film as well as a gourmet, distinctive dining experience at Manistee's new Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar, along with an afterglow at the Blue Fish after the film and a limited edition "Grand Opening" jacket. The second option costs $150 per person includes everything except the dinner that begins at 5 p.m. Tickets for both options are limited.