DANVILLE, Il — (Chambana Today) — The name Dick Van Dyke became more than a household name back in the 1960’s. It didn’t take long for Van Dyke, to become a renowned personality all around the world from his TV sitcoms, to his endearing rolls in Disney films such as Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang.  A Danville native, who never forgot where he came from, has become a mainstay around the world for decades. He attended Danville High School, was in the drama club and also worked in local radio. He has a special day coming up in mid-December, and The Historic Fischer Theater is planning to celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s 100th Birthday with a two-day event in honor of Danville’s Hometown Hero. One of the entertainment industry’s most beloved stars is turning 100 in mid-December and the Fischer Theater is throwing a national party for one of Danville’s favorite sons.

The theater will be hosting the National premiere of the official Dick Van Dyke documentary, “Dick Van Dyke:100th Celebration at its Fischer Fest. with a screening, that kicks off the Dick Van Dyke Festival, celebrating the life and legacy of Dick Van Dyke on December 6th & 7th. with a documentary is a feature-length film from Emmy award winning filmmakers, Steve Boettcher and Michael Trinklein that honors Van Dyke and follows his unmatched career as an actor, singer, dancer and comedian extraordinaire — a true American treasure.

The film weaves together classic TV and film clips, heartfelt interviews with Van Dyke along with many of his co-stars. Included is a moving visit with Van Dyke to his hometown of Danville. Featured, is firsthand accounts of the man behind the performances and special words from other performers including, Betty White, Tim Conway, Carl Reiner, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam and Mary Tyler Moore.

This film is being shown in Danville one week before it’s national release to other theaters nationwide for 2 days only, during Van Dyke’s birthday weekend on December 13-14. With Danville being his hometown, the community is invited to join the celebration in advance. A special tribute, a giant canvas “Birthday card” will be available during the weekend, for everyone to stop by and add their signature. After the event, the canvas will be rolled up and mailed to Dick Van Dyke as his 100th Birthday present from Danville.

Boettcher, the film’s producer and director, said last week, that he felt that premiering the film at the Fischer was special because that’s where it all started began for Van Dyke. “This is where he sat and watched Laurel and Hardy, over and over. His Mother had to come here and fish him out of the Fischer, to get him back home. He would re-create everything he saw in his living room. All the pratfalls. all the dances, all the silly moves that he learned sitting here in these seats. And that was what he entertained the world with.” Boettcher said in an interview at the Fischer.

The two-day lineup includes:

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6th

  • 5-6:30 P.M. — Hors d’oeuvres, live art demonstration, entertainment, and more.
  • 6:30 P.M. — Surprise Announcements and the National Premiere of DICK VAN DYKE: 100th Celebration.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7th

  •      11 A.M. — Bye Bye Birdie
  •      2:30 P.M. — The Comic
  •      6:00 P.M. — Mary Poppins

Before each film on Sunday, Film Critic, Chuck Koplinski will discuss each film’s behind-the-scenes facts and interesting anecdotes and after each film, he will take questions from the audience.

Custom, commemorative tee shirts will be available for purchase. Dick Van Dyke photos and memorabilia will be on display. Local artist Katie Weston will create a live date stamped portrait of Van Dyke on Saturday evening, and member of the Danville Symphony Orchestra will provide entertainment for the event.

“Being selected to host the national premiere may be the most exciting event since the theater’s re-opening,” said Ashton Greer, Fischer Theater Director. “We are3 deeply grateful to Mr. Van Dyke and filmmaker Steve Boettcher and Michael Trinklein for choosing to launch this film in Danville. As a community, we love Dick Van Dyke and all he’s meant to people around the world. And we are thrilled to host a party to wish him the happiest of 100th Birthdays!”

COST FOR THE EVENT:

  • SATURDAY ONLY $32
  • SUNDAY ALL DAY PASS $25
  • SUNDAY SINGLE PASS $10
  • WEEKEND PASS: $52

For more information or to purchase tickets: www.fischertheatre.com.

Greer also announced a major $280,000 grant coming from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for further renovations that is expected to include the much-anticipated backstage area, for five new dressing rooms, updating the entire basement area and possibly re-vamping the old Orchestra pit area in front of the stage. These updates have been on Fischer Theater radar for some time, as stated in the past, not having those amenities, was holding back prospective larger performers from using the theater. Once funds become available, work will go out for bid and the Theater plans to hire a firm that specializes in historic preservation.