News Summary
Newport Beach will host a special event, ‘John Wayne Week,’ at the Lido Theater, celebrating the legendary actor and his contribution to cinema. The week will feature screenings of his classic films while supporting the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, including events like ‘True Grit’ with fundraising activities. Attendees can enjoy gourmet food and cocktails, making it a great opportunity to honor Wayne’s legacy and fight against cancer. The Lido Theater, a key local venue, is the perfect backdrop for this celebration.
Newport Beach will host “John Wayne Week” from August 26 to August 29, 2023, at the Lido Theater, celebrating the life and legacy of iconic actor John Wayne while raising funds for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. Wayne, a prominent figure in Hollywood’s golden age, was known for his roles in Western and war films. He lived in Newport Beach, and the local airport is named after him.
The event will feature multiple screenings of Wayne’s classic films, beginning with “The Searchers” (1956) at 7 p.m. on August 26. The following day, “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962) will also screen at 7 p.m. On August 28, a special screening of “True Grit” will include fundraising efforts for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, with doors opening at 5 p.m., auctions starting at 6:30 p.m., and the film screening at 7 p.m. A ticket for the “True Grit” event includes an appetizer, cocktail, and admission to both the auction and the movie. The week concludes on August 29 with a showing of “Big Jake” at 7 p.m.
Proceeds from the “True Grit” screening will support the foundation established by Wayne’s family after his passing. Wayne, who successfully battled lung cancer in 1964, later died from stomach cancer in 1979. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation aims to honor his memory and assist families affected by cancer.
The Lido Theater, located at 3459 Via Lido in Newport Beach, recently underwent renovations to serve as a community hub for events like film screenings, concerts, and comedy shows. It promotes a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy the cinema experience, aligning with its mission to act as a community gift. The screening series is partnered with Lido Marina, Cannery Village, and River Jetty Restaurant Group, which oversees the theater’s operations.
Ethan Wayne, John Wayne’s youngest son, emphasized that the Lido Theater is an ideal location for this celebration, being a significant landmark in the area where his father lived and dined at local establishments like the Arches, which has since transformed into A Restaurant. Joseph McGinty Nichol, the director and producer behind the event, has maintained a long-standing friendship with the Wayne family and reflected on how John Wayne’s films have inspired his own work in filmmaking.
The event not only seeks to celebrate John Wayne’s contributions to cinema but also aims to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing battle against cancer. Interested attendees can purchase tickets online through the Lido Theater’s official website.
The community is encouraged to partake in this special week while supporting a worthy cause that resonates with many families in the area and across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Lido Theater to Host John Wayne Film Festival
- Google Search: John Wayne film festival
- CBS News: John Wayne Airport Launches New Family-Friendly TSA Line
- Wikipedia: John Wayne Airport
- Daily News: Air Canada Flight Attendant Strike Grounds Planes at LAX, John Wayne Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John Wayne
- Upgraded Points: John Wayne Orange County Airport
- Google Scholar: John Wayne Airport
- Private Jet Card Comparisons: JSX Gets New Home at Orange County John Wayne Airport
- Google News: John Wayne Airport

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