That Thing You Do! Screening at The Avalon Theatre in Avalon, CA

A one-night screening of That Thing You Do! (1996) at The Avalon Theatre lands like a cinematic send-off on Santa Catalina Island. Located at The Avalon Theatre - 1 Casino Way, Avalon CA, the theatre stages a 1 hour 48 minute revival of Tom Hanks’s affectionate nineties ode to 1960s pop fame. The auditorium’s proscenium and single-screen projection make the viewing intimate: you’re close enough to feel the bobbed hair and jangling guitars in the front row.

Avalon itself — the small harbor town on Santa Catalina Island — frames the night. People arrive off the ferry and drift through the casino district toward the theatre, where original signage and marquee light the sidewalk. The screening prints open with 20th Century Fox credits and a RATED PG card; the house runs as a classic movie-night experience with accessible seating and assistive-listening devices available for patrons who need them.

What makes this outing special isn’t just the film. It’s the way a small island community folds a movie into the rhythm of local life. The Avalon Theatre offers low-capacity showings that allow for focused attention: no distractions, no stadium bustle, just a clear projection and the hush of a crowd leaning in. House rules are firm—photography and videography during the feature are strictly prohibited, and no outside food or beverages are allowed—so the presentation stays clean and cinematic. Admission is straightforward: General Admission $16.50, Child (2–11) $14.50, Senior (65+) $14.50, and Avalon Resident $12.50. Note that there are No Refunds or Exchanges.

Practical details matter on Catalina. Arrive early to secure a seat and give yourself time to stroll the main drag before the lights dim. Under-18s are admitted only when accompanied by an adult chaperone (21+), who must remain with the minors and present photo ID. The theatre enforces courteous behavior and may escort disruptive patrons.

This screening is a great fit for cinephiles who value atmosphere as much as the movie itself: families, couples, and solo travelers who want a cultural night after a day of hiking, snorkeling, or exploring Avalon Harbor. Expect a warm local crowd, clear sound, and the kind of communal laughter that feels rarer in multiplexes. Bring layers for the walk back to the waterfront and pocket cash or card for tickets. ADMIT ONE may be printed on your stub, but the real souvenir is the memory of a film played with care on an island stage — small, focused, and decidedly cinematic. Afterwards, pop into nearby cafés or catch live music at local bars—Avalon’s compact walkable core makes a post-film evening effortless, and returning to the ferry terminal under starlight feels like closing a well-loved record after the last chord, and staying local helps.