“Across the Universe”

It’s hard to pick a starting point with the movie magic that unfolds in “Across the Universe,” the next big-screen offering at the historic 7th Street Theatre.

The 2007 movie uses 32 songs from The Beatles, woven together to tell a love story set against the turbulent backdrop of the ‘60s sociocultural revolution and the Vietnam War. It offers a sometimes kaleidoscopic, whirlwind remembrance of many iconic aspects of the era, viewed through a theatrical lens that can be at times funny, sad, whimsical, gritty, exhilarating, and even epic.

The rich and wildly imaginative visuals throughout the film come via director Julie Taymor, who won a pair of Broadway’s Tony Awards in 1998 for directing and costuming the smash hit stage musical version of Disney’s “The Lion King.”

Evan Rachel Wood and Jim Sturgess head an appealing young cast, and the film is studded with cameos including Joe Cocker and Bono. All of the actors do their own singing and, following extensive studio rehearsals, most of the songs were performed live on the various film sets.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. showings. Tickets will be available at the door. Advance tickets are available at Harbor Drug in Hoquiam, City Drug in Aberdeen and at  online at brownpapertickets.com.