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Duane Allen premieres movie at PJC

Published or Revised January 17, 2017

Duane Allen movie
Cunningham native and Paris Junior College Distinguished Alumnus Duane Allen has chosen PJC’s Ray Karrer Theater for the first pre-release showing of a new Christmas-themed movie he stars in. The world premiere of the faith-based Christmas movie will be shown Sunday, November 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets for the movie are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children 12 and under. This unique event coincides with the sold-out Oak Ridge Boys performance the same evening at Love Civic Center benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Paris. This is also Allen’s 50th year with “The Mighty Oaks.” Allen will attend the showing, along with a few cast members and the writer/director of the movie. “This is a very special production and will not be available this year anywhere in the country except in pre-release venues like PJC,” said Mark Nicolosi, Nashville-based writer and director of the film. “Those who attend will have the opportunity to make recommendations for the movie’s title. Following the showing, guests will be provided an email and social media information to share suggested titles.” The movie is expected for home release by Fall 2017. “We are honored to have the first pre-release event on the campus of PJC and on the same stage where Duane Allen performed in his early career,” said Derald Bulls, PJC’s Director of Institutional Advancement/Alumni Affairs. Allen is a 1962 graduate of PJC and was named a Distinguished Alumnus. Allen and the Oak Ridge Boys have received accolades throughout the music industry and have been named to The Country Music Hall of Fame, Texas Music Hall of Fame and won Grammy, CMA, AMA, Billboard and honors from coast to coast. The movie is a “feel-good” Christmas story that allows viewers to experience the real meaning and the magic of Christmas. It is based on the scripture, Matthew 25:40: “What you've done unto one of the least of these my brethren, you've done unto me.” The film follows the journey of a young mother and her 7-year-old daughter, who are homeless. When a storefront Santa encounters the girl in a small town diner, he gets a valuable lesson in forgiveness. The mother, an artist, finds her escape from reality in painting. She refers to her canvases as remnants of her memories. Her art becomes a ticket to a new life for her and her daughter. A short meet and greet with Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys has been added for ticket holders to the pre-release premiere of the Christmas movie he is starring in. Tickets are available at the PJC Business office, located at the east end of the Administration Building, 2400 Clarksville Street. Check, cash or credit cards are accepted at this location. Those wishing to reserve and pay by credit card by phone may call 903-782-0232. Tickets purchased by phone will be held at the theater’s will-call window beginning at 12 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, 8 West Plaza, will also have tickets available by cash or check. Joining Allen in the cast are performing country artist, Tayla Lynn, granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn; Emma Faith; G. Michael Nicolosi; Grammy-nominated Deborah Allen; Janet Ivey; Candy LaFlora; Melvin Mitchell; and Ricky Lee Phelps, the previous lead singer for the Kentucky Headhunters, as the voice of the radio preacher. Serving as Executive Producer/Co-Producer of the film is Matt McQueen. The soundtrack features songs by The Oak Ridge Boys, Deborah Allen, George Canyon, Pam Tillis, Ricky Lee Phelps, Tayla Lynn, Regie Hamm and more. A portion of the viewings proceeds are being donated to PJC by Allen and the production company.