Hoping to "lift the spirits" of residents in his hometown of Long Beach, which was devastated by Hurricane Sandy, Billy Crystal is inviting them to a private screening of his new comedy film at the Lynbrook movie theater.
The Emmy and Tony-award-winning actor, known for his roles in "When Harry Met Sally" and "City Slickers," stars alongside Bette Midler in "Parental Guidance," which officially opens Christmas Day. However, Long Beachers can enjoy a special advanced screening of the comedy on Monday, Dec. 10, free popcorn and refreshments, and a chance to meet Crystal in person.
The flick will be showing on six screens at the United Artists Lynbrook Theatre 6 (321 Merrick Road), which has a capacity of 1,400, at staggered times throughout the day.
RSVP with your name and number of tickets (four tickets per family) to the following email: parentalguidancersvp@fox.com. This invitation is intended for Long Beach residents only. Shuttle buses will be provided to/from the theater from Long Beach. Shuttle bus and event details will be available upon RSVP.
Crystal, 64, told Newsday [paid link] that he intends bus the Long Beach residents to the theatre and greet every one of them as they enter the cinema.
Not only does Crystal have fond memories of Long Beach, the boardwalk especially, from his past, but some of his family still live in the city by the sea. Opening up to Newsday, he stated:
"It was just heartbreaking and you felt helpless, looking at it on TV ... You can mend buildings, but rebuilding people's confidence and their mood, and putting a smile on their face is what I do."
Crystal will also be performing in "12-12-12: Concert for Sandy Relief" benefit on Dec. 12 at Madison Square Garden.
This story was updated at 12:38 p.m. on Dec. 5.
