The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – On June 4, fans of the Disney hit movie, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” are in for a treat if they venture to the 3 p.m. showing at the Historic Masonic Theatre, located at 510 Main Street in downtown Clifton Forge. Recently, Justin Reiter, executive director of the theater, announced he had secured actress Amy O’Neill as an added incentive. O’Neill can best be remembered for her role as Amy Szalinski, the eldest child of her on-screen parents, played by Rick Moranis and the late Marcia Ann Strassman, in the 1989 classic.
O’Neill will arrive at the pay-what-you-can establishment prior to the showing of “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” with a full itinerary in hand. After the credits roll, she will join Reiter onstage for a question-and-answer session with the audience. She will then migrate to the basement to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures.
The down-to-earth actress was all too willing to conduct a phone interview discussing her thoughts on the upcoming event and answer a few burning questions like: “What was that giant oatmeal cookie made of?” “What about the Lego scene with co-star Thomas Brown?” and “How do you feel about participating in an event where you are connecting so personally with fans?”
O’Neill first addressed the latter question, speaking fondly of a recent event where she says, “I had the opportunity … to meet fans and talk to them about who they are, who I am and how the movie impacted them. To me, it feels like we share something special.” She continued to gush over fans, the large crowds and talk openly about their positive influence on her.
Her demeanor remained poised and consistent as she patiently awaited the next question: “What were the actors really eating when they dug into that giant cookie?” After a brief giggle, O’Neill answered, “They had built the cookie … and they left a bucket-sized part that was not part of the sculpture and filled it in with cookie.” As for the filling, she disclosed it was made of “a very sweet, whipped cream” that “tasted delicious!” It seems Disney has not yet found the secret to baking Gulliver-sized oatmeal cookies. It was simply a taste of movie magic.
The lighthearted interview continued as O’Neill touched on the Lego scene where her character has a heart-to-heart with Little Russ, played by Thomas Brown. O’Neill stated, “This is a pivotal moment for both Amy and the audience. While the audience is getting their first glimpse at her vulnerability, Amy is left with the realization that she, like all of us, is flawed. At the same time, her tenacity drives her to change these things about herself she doesn’t like.” This is a change that can be seen in the character of Szalinski right up until the end of the movie.
Seating for “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” will be on a first-come, first-served basis, while general admission remains pay-what-you-can. To make a gift to the Historic Masonic Theatre and help contribute to more events like this, contact Reiter at 540-862-5655 or visit https://historicmasonictheatre.com/support/donate/.
