MUNCIE, Ind. — AMC 12 opens its entire theatre for an early showing of a movie set to release on Christmas. In connection with Ball State, a main character of the movie visited the theatre to connect with the Muncie community.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman returned to Muncie, this time inviting the city out for a night of Song Sung Blue. Ball State teamed up with Jackman's production team to have an exclusive event like this for the first time.
“I think it was a reflection of what somebody as real famous as Hugh Jackman thinks about our university, thinks about the quality of our culture, thinks about the passionate talents of our students. That he wants to come here and promote the film today,” said President Mearns.
Lines to enter were pouring down the sidewalk of AMC with BSU students, staff, faculty, Muncie Community Schools and more community members. Being able to preview a movie earlier than its release and meeting one of the main characters is a dream for some.
Tacoma Archuleta, a teacher at Muncie Central High School, is elated to be part of something new for Muncie.“It's awesome,” said Archuleta. “Muncie to some of us still feels like a small place –it's like ‘oh wow a big Hollywood actor is here,’”
This isn’t Jackman’s first or last time visiting Muncie, thanks to all the hospitality and strength of the community, which is what his movie is all about.
Shuffling between theatres, Jackman made sure to engage and acknowledge everyone present. He fulfilled his purpose in community engagement by showing love to students, workers and staff.
Contact Kahmara Munn with comments at kahmara.munn@bsu.edu.
