Beloved stage and screen icon Dick Van Dyke is being honored by his hometown of Danvillein celebration of his upcoming 100th birthday.
Van Dyke, who was raised in Danville and started his career in the town as a local radio DJ on WDAN, became a household name for starring in the CBS sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show in the early 1960s, and went on to great acclaim in movie musicals Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Throughout his illustrious career, Van Dyke has been received a Grammy Award, six Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, a Disney Legends Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors.
FischerFest: The Life and Legacy of Dick Van Dyke will run from Dec. 6-7,and will host the national premiere of the official Dick Van Dyke documentary, Dick Van Dyke: 100 Celebration. This screening will kick off the festival, followed by a full day of his classic films, interactive art activities, and a community birthday tribute. The film will then go on to be distributed nationwide for two days only, starting Dec. 13, the day of Van Dyke’s birthday.
The festival’s location, Fischer Theatre, has a storied history in its own right. Originally built in 1884 as the Grand Opera House, the venue initially showcased live theatrical performances, but by 1899 began incorporating movie screenings as well. Ownership transferred to Mr. Louis F. Fischer in 1912, leading to a change in name and a number of major renovations and investments. The theatre eventually closed its doors in 1981, but a fundraising effort from the community, volunteers, and donors that began in 1983 provided the capitol to restore the theatre and allow it to resume operations as an active performing arts center.
The setting of the festival is fitting for more than just being Dick Van Dyke’s hometown – the actor himself was one of the major donors responsible for raising funds for the theatre’s revival.
To learn more about the festival and how you can get tickets, visit here.
