There is only one classic Batman and his name is Adam West. Growing up on a wheat ranch just outside of town, Adam West, was always proud of his beginnings in Walla Walla. Come celebrate the legacy of our hometown hero with a FREE screening of the critically-acclaimed documentary “Starring Adam West” at 7:00 p.m. at Gesa Power House Theatre.
A live Q & A panel with Director James Tooley and Producer Ralph Garman will immediately following the showing.
In June, the City of Walla Walla proclaimed September 19, 2017 as Adam West Day and there will be a full day of festivities in Walla Walla on the anniversary of Adam West’s birthday. A number of close friends and family members will be in attendance.
“This is a community joining together to honor someone who they love and that the residents of this city are quite proud of,” said Jonathan Grant, front office manager at the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center and a co-organizer of the event. “Frankly, it is something we should have done years ago, but I am excited that we are doing it now.”
Adam West was born in 1928 in Walla Walla as William West Anderson. He grew up in what was then a tiny southeastern Washington farming community, before moving to Seattle at age 15. After graduating from high school, though, he returned to Walla Walla and graduated from Whitman College.
In 1959, he changed his name to Adam West and began his acting career, famously portraying Batman in the 1960s television version of the comic book hero. Though he moved away from Walla Walla, he returned frequently throughout his life.
Free admission to the screening of “Starring Adam West” is limited and first come, first served. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Free photos with The Batmobile will be available in front of the theater courtesy of The Marcus Whitman Hotel.
Proceeds and donations from Adam West Day will go support cancer charities. For more information about Adam West Day, please visit. www.adamwestday.com.
ADAM WEST DAY ITINERARY
ALL DAY – (downtown) “The Adam West Experience”
Every business that has a batman sticker in the window will be offering a special promotion in honor of Adam West.
11:00AM – (Land Title Plaza- 1st & Main St) – Opening Ceremony with Special City Presentation
Meet Batman and take free photos with The Batmobile courtesy of The Marcus Whitman Hotel.
1:30PM – (Marcus Whitman Hotel – 6 West Rose) – “A Conversation with Ruben Procopio”
Hear the founder of Masked Avenger Studios, an award-winning artist, animator and sculptor, talk about his work on Batman Comics, Animated classics and how he was the personal sculptor of Adam West himself. Clips of Adam West’s work will be shown and there will be door prizes. Free photos with The Batmobile courtesy of The Marcus Whitman Hotel.
3:00PM – (Land Title Plaza – 1st & Main St) – Live Music with Debra Arlyn and Daniel Minteer
Kids activities, Batman mask giveaways and free photos with Batman and The Batmobile courtesy of The Marcus Whitman Hotel.
7:00PM – (Gesa Power House Theatre – 111 N. 6th Avenue) – “Starring Adam West”
A free screening of the critically-acclaimed documentary film with a live Q & A with Director James Tooley and Producer Ralph Garmin immediately following. Doors open at 6:00PM. Seats is limited and first-come, first served. Free photos with the Batmobile courtesy of McCurley Toyota of Walla Walla.
9:00PM (Parking lot directly across from Marcus Whitman Hotel) “Lighting of the Bat Signal”
Don’t miss this special event as we pay tribute to our home-town hero in the most fitting way possible – The Bat Signal.
After Party (Sapolil Cellars – 15 E. Main St.)
Come do the classic “Batusi” as you rock out to the cool sounds of Wide Stance (formerly the Hitmen). Door prizes. Funds raised will be going to Camp Rainbow Gold.
