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THE MIDLAND THEATRE NAMED OFFICIAL OHIO GOES TO THE MOVIES VENUE



THE MIDLAND THEATRE NAMED OFFICIAL OHIO GOES TO THE MOVIES VENUE, TO HOST FREE SCREENING OF CREEPSHOW


Newark’s historic 1928 theatre joins statewide America 250 celebration; horror cult classic starring Hal Holbrook screens free July 17; registration opens May 12


NEWARK, Ohio ([DATE], 2026) -- The Midland Theatre has been named an Official Venue for Ohio Goes to the Movies™, a Signature Event of America 250-Ohio celebrating Ohio’s remarkable contributions to American film, and the theatre is marking the occasion with a free screening of one of horror’s most beloved cult classics.


Creepshow (1982) will screen for free on July 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM at The Midland Theatre, 36 North Park Place, Newark. Registration is free and required; space is limited. Registration opens May 12 at 10:00 AM at midlandtheatre.org/midlandmovies.


The selection of Creepshow is personal. The 1982 horror anthology, directed by George Romero from a screenplay by Stephen King, features Hal Holbrook in one of its five chilling segments. Holbrook, a Denison University alumnus and a celebrated actor in American history, is commemorated outside The Midland’s front doors with a bronze statue on a park bench honoring his legendary portrayal of Mark Twain on Broadway. He sits there year-round, patient as ever, waiting for someone to join him. This July, we’re giving him the perfect occasion. Guests are encouraged to pull up a seat, snap a selfie, and tag The Midland on social media before heading inside.


By July, Summerween will be in full swing, and Creepshow was born for it. Stephen King’s love letter to the E.C. horror comics of his childhood, brought to life by George Romero with five stories that are equal parts terrifying and hilarious. Lurid, gorgeous, gloriously over the top, and exactly what the trailer promised: the most fun you will ever have being scared.

As an Official Venue for Ohio Goes to the Movies™, The Midland joins a statewide network of historic theatres honoring Ohio’s contributions to American filmmaking across all 88 counties in recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The Creepshow screening kicks off The Midland’s full Summer Movie Series, running July 17 through August 16 with ten classic films at just $7 per ticket. Seniors always attend free.


“The Midland was born as a movie house, and every summer we get to honor that,” said Maryann Crist, Executive Director of The Midland Theatre. “We host over 80 events a year, but this is our chance to do what this building was made for: get a crowd together, turn the lights down, and share something on the big screen. Creepshow is outrageous fun. It is the kind of film that makes a room full of strangers feel like old friends by the end of the night. We cannot wait to share it.”


Registration for the free Creepshow screening opens May 12 at 10:00 AM at midlandtheatre.org/midlandmovies. Space is limited.

 

About Ohio Goes to the Movies™

Ohio Goes to the Movies™ is a Signature Event of America 250-Ohio, celebrating Ohio’s remarkable contributions to American filmmaking by bringing classic films to historic theatres across all 88 counties of the Buckeye State.

 

About The Midland Theatre

The Midland Theatre, Newark’s cultural cornerstone since 1928, stands as a testament to the enduring power of live performance and community connection. Located at 36 North Park Place in Newark, Ohio, this historic Spanish Revival theatre has been enriching the lives of audiences for nearly a century. Originally opening its doors on December 20, 1928, The Midland served as Newark’s premier entertainment destination for 50 years before closing in 1978. Following an $8.5 million restoration by The Longaberger Company completed in 2000, The Midland reopened as a vibrant performing arts venue operated by the Newark Midland Theatre Association, a local volunteer non-profit organization. Today, The Midland continues its mission of making high-quality live performance accessible to the entire community through its “Arts for All” philosophy.


The Midland Theatre is supported by the Ohio Arts Council with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.


The Midland Theatre

36 North Park Place | Newark, OH 43055

Facebook: @TheMidlandTheatre | Instagram: @midlandtheatre

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