There are numerous anniversary shows, events and films coming to the Historic Howell Theater at 315 E. Grand River Ave. in 2026.
The two-screen independent moviehouse has been a working theater since 1928. Tyler DePerro, owner and operator, completed a facelift in 2014 — including new digital projectors, screens and surround sound, as well as two stages and a cafe “vibe” in the lobby for community activities, according to the business’ website.
For your planning pleasure, here’s the venue’s current calendar for 2026:
Of note, all summaries are from the Historic Howell Theater — admission prices vary.
‘Michael’
“The story of pop superstar Michael Jackson — from his extraordinary early days … to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuels a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.’
‘Animal Farm’
“Animal Farm serves as a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the corrupting influence of power. It illustrates how noble ideals can be subverted by those in authority, leading to oppression and inequality.”
IMPROV! CTH (Community Theatre of Howell)
Join the Improv Troupe from CTH for “another hysterical show.” This program isn’t appropriate for small children, and parental discretion is advised.
‘Wayne’s World’ (1992)
“A big screen spin-off of the (famous skit from Saturday Night Live). Rob Lowe plays a producer that wants to take the public access ‘Wayne’s World’ to the world of commercial television.”
‘Steal This Story, Please!’ presented by Livingston County Democrats
“The story of iconic independent journalist Amy Goodman, whose personal story, warm and radical spirit, and utterly fearless work as a journalist are interwoven with the monumental events she’s covered over the years. The film highlights the critical role of journalism in shaping our understanding of the world — and in compelling action.”
‘Legally Blonde’ 25th Anniversary
“Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is a California blonde with couture clothes (mostly pink), fabulous friends and the hottest boyfriend on campus. So, when Warner Huntington III suddenly dumps her and heads to Harvard Law School, Elle takes matters into her own manicured hands.”
‘Anything That Moves’ presented by Pest Control Film Collective
“An avant-gutter psychedelic dream … an erotically charged, blood-soaked thriller set in the sticky corridors of Chicago.”
‘Grease’ (1978)
“Experience the friendships, romances and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s. Welcome to the singing and dancing world of ‘Grease,’ the most successful movie musical of all time.”
‘Carolina Caroline’
“Desperate to escape her small (town), Caroline Daniels runs away with a charismatic con man who takes her on a romantic crime spree through the American South.”
‘A Hard Day’s Night’ (1964)
“Over two days in the life of The Beatles, the band (members) struggle to keep themselves and Paul McCartney’s mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live TV performance.”
‘Magic Mike’ (2012)
“By day, Mike (Channing Tatum) makes ends meet any way he can — handyman jobs, detailing cars or designing furniture. But at nighttime … he’s the hot headliner in an all-male revue.”
‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2’ with Bill Moseley and Caroline Williams
“Chainsaw-wielding maniac Leatherface (Bill Johnson) is up to his cannibalistic ways once again, along with the rest of his twisted clan, including the equally disturbed Chop-Top (Bill Moseley). This time, the masked killer has set his sights on pretty disc jockey Vanita Stretch Brock (Caroline Williams), who teams up with lawman Lefty Enright (Dennis Hopper) to battle the psychopath and his family deep within their lair, a macabre abandoned amusement park.”
The event takes place Aug 22, with a timeline of opportunities:
‘Romeo and Juliet’ (1996)
“In this version (of the popular story), the Capulets and the Montagues are two rival gangs. Juliet (Claire Danes) is attending a costume ball thrown by her parents. Her father Fulgencio Capulet (Paul Sorvino) has arranged her marriage to the boorish Paris (Paul Rudd) as part of a strategic investment plan. Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) attends the masked ball.”
‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980)
“Jake Blues rejoins his brother Elwood after being released from prison, but the duo has just days to reunite their old band and save the Catholic home where the two were raised, outrunning the police as they tear through Chicago.”
‘The Last Waltz’ (1978)
“Seventeen years after joining forces as the backing band for rockabilly cult hero Ronnie Hawkins … rockers The Band call it quits with a lavish farewell show at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom on Nov. 25, 1976. Filmed by Martin Scorsese, this documentary features standout performances by rock legends such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell and Muddy Waters, as well as interviews tracing the group’s history and discussing road life.”
‘American Pop’ (1981)
“This animated trek across the musical landscape of the 1900s begins with young immigrant Zalmie (Jeffrey Lippa) arriving in New York City. He’s addicted to show business, but an accident ruins his voice. He marries a stripper (Lisa Jane Persky) and their son, Benny (Richard Singer), becomes a jazz pianist.”
For more information or to buy tickets, visit historichowelltheater.com.
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Howell Theater planning star-studded anniversary for Texas Chainsaw
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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