Carmel’s Films in the Forest Presents: a “Mrs. DeLish” Bastille Celebration Under the Stars

Welcome to our first local review, courtesy of contributing writer and recent MIIS grad, Tamatha Roman! Want us to feature your favorites? Send your Carmel stories and photos to Editor@hotelmarketingstrategies.com.

On a starry summer’s night, in the quiet Carmel woods, “Beetlejuice,” a la Michael Keaton, makes his revival on the big screen.

‘Tis a Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., far later than normal operating hours in Monterey County, and here I am surrounded by rowdy college students, children in colorful pajamas, and pet-friendly locals (yes, even at a theater).

But this isn’t just any theater; it’s Carmel’s Forest Theater. ”The oldest outdoor community theater west of the Rockies” projects classic and modern movies onto a big inflatable screen, which is flanked on either side by ambient, toasty fire pits. The movies are sponsored by the Forest Theater Guild and run all summer as part of the “Films in the Forest” event, taking place between play productions of “Treasure Island” (June) and “Alice in Wonderland” (July). Thus, the giant tea cup and mushroom onstage.

My friends and I arrived early, not really knowing what to expect. Maybe a dirt floor to spread our blankets on? A field? Not the case! The Forest Theater has stadium seating, with benches, a stocked concession stand, raffle drawings, and an enthusiastic crowd (clapping during the good parts!?).

Perhaps what was truly the “icing on the cake” was the fact that it was June 14th — Bastille Day — a French national holiday! In celebration of it, a local theater volunteer was kind enough to share a French culinary spread, with everything from imported cheese to sparkling champagne. For free.

Prizes in the form of Mrs. DeLish’s cupcakes, a local treat, were given out before showtime to those who were knowledgeable enough to know the history of this momentous day. Thankfully for me, I at least knew the country that was in question and got the first cupcake. Well worth the effort. And luckily for everyone else, Mrs. DeLish’s cupcakes were available at the fully-stocked concession stand.

Movie time came and went, as did the sandworms, and I left with a smile. All in all, cannot wait to go again. It always makes me angry when I discover the local gems a little too late in the game. Therefore, don’t miss out! Movies end July 29th!

Tamatha’s Top 6 Films in the Forest Tips:

1. Directions: Take the Ocean Avenue exit off of Highway 1. At Junipero Street, make a sharp left onto Mountain View Road (you’ll see the signs for the Forest Theater as you turn). Head down Mountain View for awhile into the forest and you will eventually see the entrance for the theater on the left. Guadalupe Street is too far.
2. Admission is $6… but free for children under 10 years old.
3. Movies start at dusk and last for no more than two hours. However… ARRIVE EARLY. The theater opens for business at 6:30 p.m. Yes, that does imply two-point-something hours of sitting around. However, with the right food, beverages (alcohol is permitted), and seat cushion, you’d be surprised how fast darkness falls. Plus, parking at the actual theater is limited… so arriving early saves you a walk through the gnarly backroads of Carmel.
4. Dress warmly. This is Carmel after all. I’d advise a blanket… maybe even a sleeping bag if you dare. Or colorful pajamas?
5. Feel good about going. After all, profits benefit the Forest Theater Guild and The Michel Willey Youth Scholarship Fund!
6. During weekends in July, check out the Forest Theater’s production of “Alice in Wonderland.” If the onstage set is an indicator of the actual performance, then I have a feeling it’ll be pretty good.

For a list of movie showtimes and ticket information for “Alice in Wonderland,” check out http://www.foresttheaterguild.org/.

About the Author:

Tamatha Roman is an English-as-a-second-language teacher, recent MIIS graduate, avid “couch-surfing” host, world traveler, and a frequent VisitCarmel.com research-mission companion.

Check out more of Tam’s adventuresome contributions:

Vacation Karaoke: Because Nobody Knows Your Name

Four Ways to Watch: The Peninsula’s Best Movie Theaters

We Found the Carmel Nightlife, Baby

The MIIS Talent Show: Video Highlights

Carmel, California’s Elusive Public Restrooms