The Southampton Playhouse announced today it will host a 20th anniversary screening of “Romance & Cigarettes,” the critically acclaimed musical dramedy from Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer John Turturro, on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30pm. The film, which was written and directed by Turturro, will be screened in a rare 35mm print— a first for the Playhouse. Following the screening, Southampton Playhouse Artistic Director Eric Kohn will moderate a conversation with Turturro and Emmy Award-nominated Aida Turturro, who also stars in the film.

“I’m thrilled to have ‘Romance & Cigarettes’ return to the big screen the way it was meant to be seen,” said Turturro. “I was fortunate to work with an extraordinary cast who gave themselves over completely. This film was a labor of love, exploring the imagination of the working class through the transporting power of music. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate its 20th anniversary than sharing it with an audience once again,” said Turturro.

A multi-hyphenate artist, Turturro has captivated audiences for decades with iconic performances in films such as “Barton Fink,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “The Big Lebowski,” while also making his mark behind the camera with distinctive directorial projects like “Mac,” “Fading Gigolo,” and “The Jesus Rolls.” He currently stars as Irving Bailiff in Apple TV+’s acclaimed series “Severance,” a role that recently earned him his second Emmy nomination for the series. Turturro previously won an Emmy for “Monk” and has also been recognized for his work in “The Night Of” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” cementing his place as one of the most versatile and celebrated actors of his generation.

“We are thrilled to welcome John Turturro to the Southampton Playhouse,” said artistic director Eric Kohn. “We are committing to celebrating original filmmaking that pushes the medium in new directions. Twenty years ago, ‘Romance & Cigarettes’ redefined what a romance musical could be, and we are excited to bring this film back to the big screen. This screening not only celebrates the legacy of the film, but also honors John’s enduring artistic vision— he is a singular talent whose contributions to cinema as a director, writer, and performer continue to resonate.”

Critical Praise for “Romance & Cigarettes:”

“audacious originality, startling sexuality, heartfelt emotions and an anarchic liberty […] Four stars and both of my thumbs way up!” – Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times

“It’s the most original picture by an American director I’ve seen this year, and also the most delightful” – Andrew O’Hehir, Salon

“More raw vitality pumping through ‘Romance & Cigarettes’ than in a dozen perky high school musicals” – Stephen Holden, New York Times

“Turturro’s energetic, stylish musical about love, sex and death is such an outrageous film that it’s almost impossible not to adore it” – Geoff Andrew, Time Out London

“Romance & Cigarettes” is a down-and-dirty musical love story. Nick (James Gandolfini) is a New York ironworker married to Kitty (Susan Sarandon), a strong but gentle woman with whom he has three grown daughters. He is secretly carrying on a torrid affair with the flame-haired Tula (Kate Winslet). When his wife catches him and Tula wants a commitment, Nick finds himself a prisoner of his primal urges. A good man at heart, he must find his way back to his family before he runs out of chances. Drawing on inspirations as diverse as “Charles Bukowski and The Honeymooners,” this romantic adventure features songs that are anthems of our time–from James Brown, Janis Joplin, Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Bruce Springsteen, and more–which illuminate the characters’ hopes and dreams. When pushed to their breaking points (and beyond), these conflicted characters break into song, singing along–sometimes lip-synching, sometimes in full voice–with the music lodged in their subconscious. The film also stars Bobby Cannavale, Steve Buscemi, Amy Sedaris, Christopher Walken, Mary-Louise Parker, and Aida Turturro.

For more information and to buy tickets, please visit https://southamptonplayhouse.com/

About the Southampton Playhouse
The Southampton Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the community of Southampton and beyond with first-rate cinema, live events, and more. Our four screens include a state-of-the-art IMAX theater, 35mm projection, and a flexible space for parties and performance arts, while our lounge area and bookstore provide additional opportunities to enjoy our unique cultural environment. These resources allow us to create a constant dialogue between the past and preston of the moving image as well as its relationship to society as a whole.

As a historic theater that first opened its doors in 1932, the Playhouse embodies the resilience of the theatrical experience and its ability to inspire audiences for generations. Our programming is designed to appeal to all sensibilities, blending the latest blockbusters with new and exciting discoveries from around the world, alongside eclectic repertory programs that probe the depths of film history. We are committed to providing interactive resources for audiences in many forms, from post-screening Q&As to workshops, lectures, and other bespoke experiences. In our weekly newsletter, The Playhouse Post, our artistic director Eric Kohn blends cultural journalism with film history and industry insights to contextualize our program. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates on showtimes and other upcoming events.