May alternative film events in Wichita: Drag queens, evil lords and mama bears

There’s still time to enjoy the quieter, cozier screenings of classic and off-the beaten-path movie before the summer blockbusters invade the giant multiplexes. Here’s a look at what’s coming in May (dates, titles and prices are subject to change; check websites for updates):

ORPHEUM THEATRE

200 N. Broadway, https://wichitaorpheum.com/

Anniversary Film Series: “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” (1995) – Three drag queens (Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo — you read that right) travel cross-country to a national drag competition until their car breaks down, leaving them stranded in a small town where drag queens aren’t exactly the norm. Showing at 7 p.m. on May 15. Tickets are $8, $7 for students, seniors and military.

EMILY BONAVIA TALLGRASS FILM CENTER

120 E. First St. (Unit 113), https://tallgrassfilm.org/tallgrass-film-center/

Pridegrass Year Round: “Mama Bears” (2022) – This documentary is an intimate exploration of two self-proclaimed “mama bears” – conservative, Christian mothers who have become fierce advocates for LGBTQ+ people – and a young lesbian whose struggle for self-acceptance exemplifies why the mama bears movement is so vital. Showing at 7 p.m. Friday, May 2. Tickets are $12 plus taxes and fees.

Spektrum Muzik presents “Dazed and Confused” (1993) – Richard Linklater’s classic follows the rowdy adventures of Austin, Texas, high school students celebrating the last day of school in May 1976. 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. $12 plus taxes and fees.

“Spaceballs” (1987) – Mel Brooks’ hilarious spoof on “Star Wars” follows a star pilot-for-hire and his trusty sidekick (half man/half dog) who must come to the rescue of a princess and save Planet Druidia. 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. $8 plus taxes and fees.

Reverie Impact Cinema: “The Farewell” (2019) – A Chinese family discovers their grandmother has only a short while left to live and decides to keep her in the dark, scheduling a wedding to gather before she dies. Presented by Reverie Roasters, with this month’s non-profit partner East High School’s Asian Cultural Dance Club (ACDC) for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. ACDC’s mission is “to promote the Asian culture through dance in the Wichita community.” 7 p.m. on May 8. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Tallgrass Celebrates Mom: “Baby Mama” (2008) – A successful, single businesswoman who dreams of having a baby discovers she is infertile and hires a working class woman to be her unlikely surrogate. Starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. 7 p.m. on May 9. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Knitflix & Chill: “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” (2005) – Four teenage best friends hatch a plan to stay connected with one another as their lives start off in different directions: they pass around a pair of secondhand jeans that fits each of their bodies perfectly. Bring your knitting, crocheting, or any mess-free craft to participate. Wine (for purchase) and yarn supplies available. 3 p.m. on May 10. $15 plus taxes and fees.

Tallgrass Celebrates Mom: “Babes” (2024) – Lifelong friends Eden and Dawn – one single and wanting a baby, the other already a mother – navigate challenges to their bond when Eden pursues pregnancy alone after a one-night stand. 7 p.m. on May 10. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Tallgrass Celebrates Mom: “Terms of Endearment” (1983) – Widow Aurora Greenway (Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine) juggles her own struggles with a new romantic interest while trying to sort out the emotional problems of her daughter (Debra Winger) who’s married to a philandering husband. 4 p.m. on May 11. $8 plus taxes and fees.

“Nickel Boys” (2024) – This Oscar nominee for best picture chronicles the powerful friendship between two young Black teenagers navigating the harrowing trials of reform school together in Florida. 7 p.m. May 16. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Harmons and Hollywood presents: “The Maltese Falcon” (1941) – John Huston’s classic follows San Francisco private detective Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) as he takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette. 7 p.m. on May 17. $12 plus taxes and fees.

The Record Ship presents: “The Sparks Brothers” (2021) – Edgar Wright (“Shaun of the Dead”) directs this music documentary about celebrated quirky indie band Sparks. 4 p.m. on May 18. $8 plus taxes and fees.

“The Joy Luck Club” (1993) – Through a series of flashbacks, four Chinese women born in America and their respective mothers born in China explore their pasts. 7 p.m. on May 23. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Gate Record Store presents: “Taxi Driver” (1976) – Robert De Niro stars in his iconic role as a mentally unstable veteran who works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action. 7 p.m. on May 24. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Sunday Scaries: “Psycho” (1960) – A secretary on the run for embezzlement takes refuge at a secluded California motel owned by a repressed man and his overbearing mother. 4 p.m. on May 25. $8 plus taxes and fees.

RIVERFLIX FRIDAYS AT EXPLORATION PLACE

300 N McLean Blvd., https://exploration.org/

Screenings take place at the museum’s amphitheater outside. Blankets or cushions are encouraged. Wagons, strollers, scooters, and lawn chairs are not permitted in the seating area.

There will be food and beverage available for purchase from the Snack Lab and food trucks. Alcohol is not permitted. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the movie starting at approximately sunset. Free admission to the film, regular admission for the museum.

“Inside Out 2” (2024) – This sequel features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. As she tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced. May 2.

“Lilo & Stitch” (2002) – A young and parentless girl adopts a dog from the local pound, completely unaware that it’s a supposedly dangerous scientific experiment that’s taken refuge on Earth and is now hiding from its creator and those who see it as a menace. May 9.

“Minions” (2015) – Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a supervillain who hatches a plot to take over the world. May 16.

“Barbie” (2023) – Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the outside world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among regular humans. May 23.

“Shrek” (2001) – A mean lord exiles fairy tale creatures to the swamp of a grumpy ogre, who must go on a quest and rescue a princess for the lord in order to get his land back. May 30.

STARLITE DRIVE-IN

3900 S. Hydraulic, https://starlitefun.com

Wichita’s only remaining drive-in is open for the spring, on Fridays and Saturdays only, for now. Double-feature programs will change weekly. Check the website for titles and showtimes.