New Star Wars film premiere brings costumed characters to drive-in
CENTER TWP — Not long ago, at a drive-in movie theater not so far away, 9-year-old Jonathan Beers had the opportunity to meet his heroes — or villains — before enjoying a movie with his dad.
Stormtroopers descended upon the Starlight Drive-In in Center Township on Friday, May 22, for the premiere of “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” the latest Star Wars movie drawing both fans and newcomers to the franchise with its adventure.
Before the movie, Jonathan got his chance to meet two stormtroopers and a TIE Fighter pilot and to swing a lightsaber before buying concessions.
“It was really cool,” Jonathan said.
His father, Andrew Beers, said Jonathan was so excited to meet the stormtroopers when he learned they would be at the drive-in. Since their initial plans for the night were rained out, the movie was the perfect backup plan.
The costumed actors are members of the Starkiller Garrison, a cosplay group in Western Pennsylvania that is part of the broader 501st Legion, a worldwide group of Star Wars costume enthusiasts.
“Lucasfilm Ltd. allowed us to go to any of the premieres without any other needing of permissions, so the idea was to go to the Butler area, and this came up as one of the premiere places to go,” explained Corry Morneweck, who dressed as stormtrooper TK-66822.
The volunteer group lives by the mantra “bad guys doing good” and also works with organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation for visits to children’s hospitals. It also attends parades, community functions and Star Wars sporting events sanctioned by Lucasfilm.
“I just mesh my two loves of doing community work and cosplaying into one healthy hobby that allows me to go ahead and dress up like I want to,” Morneweck said.
He said children and parents are always excited when they see him dressed up since interest in Star Wars usually spreads throughout the family.
“(Children) are usually really thrilled, but from time to time, the parents are absolutely more thrilled,” Morneweck said. “Especially the dads.”
The Starkiller Garrison usually makes one to two appearances per year in Butler, according to Shayne Garcia-Bish, the captain of the guard on the command staff. The most recent appearances of the 138-member organization have been at the KRG Toy Show at the Clearview Mall and at Butler County Symphony Orchestra concerts when, the group plays pieces by John Williams, the composer for several Star Wars films.
“The Starlight Drive-In is creating an atmosphere of magic for Star Wars fans of all ages,” Garcia-Bish said.
Beth Manson, the owner of Starlight Drive-In, said the theater hasn’t invited costumed characters to premieres before, but she loved seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces and wants to do it again.
