Past Event: Moonlight & Movies | Desperately Seeking Susan

When: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 6:30pm

This event has passed.

A still from Desperately Seeking Susan. Madonna is lying on her stomach on a couch while looking at a map and holding a pink telephone.
© 1985 Orion Pictures Corporation

Join us for an outdoor screening of Susan Seidelman's 1985 comedy-drama, Desperately Seeking Susan, starring Rosanna Arquette and Madonna. Arquette plays Roberta Glass, a bored New Jersey housewife who becomes obsessed with romantic messages between two people, one of them being Susan Thomas (played by Madonna), in the personals section of a newspaper. Then after getting amnesia, Glass believes she is Susan and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Matthew Rettenmund, author of Encyclopedia Madonnica, will introduce the movie. 

Before the screening, enjoy an '80s Happy Hour with DJ Illexxandra and compete in a Madonna-inspired costume contest! The top three contestants will win prizes. 

Event Timeline:
6:30 pm - '80s Happy Hour on the South Terrace with DJ Illexxandra. Come dressed in your best Madonna-inspired outfits! Drinks & snacks available for purchase. New York, New Music: 1980-1986 open for viewing (3rd Floor)
7:30 pm - Introduction by Matthew Rettenmund, author of Encyclopedia Madonnica
7:45 pm - Screening of Desperately Seeking Susan (104 mins)
9:30 pm - Film ends, Museum closes.  

DJ Illexxandra

About the DJ
DJ/producer Illexxandra is a staple of the Brooklyn underground, drawing from soundsystem culture, global bass, future sounds, funk, and classic club styles. She plays regularly for Hot Rabbit and has performed landmark New York LGBTQ events including the Brooklyn Museum's Pride parties and Everybooty at BAM. Illexxandra was the DJ on the Stonewall/Heritage of Pride float in the 2016 and 2017 NYC Pride March. She is a resident DJ at the infamous Rubulad party and was a resident at the Night Fever disco exhibit at the Museum of Sex.

About the Speaker:
Matthew Rettenmund blogs at BoyCulture.com. He is the author of Encyclopedia Madonnica (new edition coming in September) and MLVC60, a collection of Madonna magazine covers. He is also the author of the novel Boy Culture, which spawned a movie and sequel series.

Event Logistics (subject to change based on NYC regulations):

  • In case of rain, this event will move indoors into Ronay Menschel Hall (Ground Floor).  
  • Please contact programs@mcny.org with any questions or ticketing issues.
  • All sales are final; refunds not permitted. Exchanges and credit for future programs only. Programs and dates may be subject to change. 

Watch the Trailer:
 

Supporters

Moonlight & Movies is made possible in part by Sophia and Peter J. Volandes.

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