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Nine years ago, inspired by their own experiences and identifying a need for it in their own town, two Greenwich women created the Morning Movie Club – a group that meets once monthly to enjoy the latest blockbusters.
L-R: Kerry Anderson and Michelle Howe, founders of the Morning Movie Club. Contributed
Founded by Kerry Anderson and Michelle Howe, the group congregates one Tuesday per month from September to April. Members can enjoy a first-run movie at 10 a.m. sharp – without any previews.
“We started the club to provide a service because movie theaters are empty on Tuesdays,” Howe said. “People get a choice of two first-run movies, no previews. You’re in and out of the theater to have lunch with your friends, go to a doctor’s appointment or pick up your kids at school.”
Back when the group was based in Greenwich, the club held partnerships with many local businesses such as Green & Tonic.
However, these partnerships ended with the collapse of movie theaters following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We got shut down because of the pandemic when the movie theaters closed,” Howe said. “Greenwich has had no movie theaters since basically 2020. We were basically shut down from 2022 until last September, when the Playhouse Theater opened.”
Last summer, with the reopening of the Playhouse in New Canaan, the group was able to resume its operation.
“I think it’s beautiful,” Howe said of the Elm Street movie theater. “I love the way they renovated it. I think it’s very clever that you can get something to eat or get something to drink and I also think a lot of people in New Canaan, based on what I’ve seen, don’t know about it – it’s a shame because we don’t have anything like that in Greenwich. It’s such a gem.”
This year marks the club’s second year in New Canaan.
“This year, I am looking forward to getting more people to go to the movies because I think so many people are streaming everything at home,” she said. “I think there are some great movies coming out and it’s just fun. It’s fun to get everybody together.”
She added: “It’s also kind of nice to see a whole new town that we don’t live in.”
For a one-time fee of $199, club members have a choice of two, first-line movies once every month.
When the club was still in Greenwich, it boasted a membership of 500. After the pandemic, the club had 150 members, and this year, there are already 100 people signed up.
“Usually, we solicit during the summer and some people join and then some people wait. There’s usually a rush, which is exactly what we had last year.”
Club members come from all age groups, according to Howe.
“We have everything from young moms to retired people,” she said. “Some people come in groups. Some people like to meet up with friends and some people come alone.”
For those interested in joining the Morning Movie Club, visit their website or Instagram page.