Let's watch The Testament of Ann Lee at the Music Box, then dinner TBD

Reminder - $1 will be collected from each person at the event to cover Meetup website costs.

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When was the last time you saw an original historical musical on screen? Now here's your chance.

The Testament of Ann Lee is a musical drama directed by Mona Fastvold, who co-wrote the screenplay with Brady Corbet; this partnership was also featured in last year's acclaimed epic The Brutalist.

The film stars Amanda Seyfried in the titular role--the founder of the Shakers religious sect in the 18th century.

Ann Lee, the irrepressible leader of this devotional sect, preached gender and social equality and was revered by her followers.

Spanning England and America, Ann rises from obscurity to forge a radical religious movement. Haunted by personal tragedy yet driven by an unshakable belief in gender equality, communal living and ecstatic devotion, she gathers devoted followers who come to see her as the female embodiment of Christ.

As persecution intensifies, Ann fights to protect both her followers and the incipient utopia they have begun to create.

The Testament of Ann Lee captures the ecstasy and agony of her quest to build this utopia, featuring more than a dozen traditional Shaker hymns reimagined as rapturous movements with choreography by Celia Rowlson-Hall (Vox Lux) and original songs and score by Academy Award winner Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist).

The supporting cast includes Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson and Christopher Abbott.

The Testament of Ann Lee had its world premiere in the main competition of last September's Venice International Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion.

Seyfried is a strong hopeful in a crowded Best Actress race. She has garnered nominations for the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice awards.

Please note: There is a special premium ticket price of $21.50 for this special engagement that will be shown in 70mm.

Showtime is 2:15 pm. Let's meet a half hour before then in the lounge and then get seats together.

After the movie we can grab a bite nearby.

Hope to see you there.