‘Force awakens’ Theater crowds

Stephen Miano’s biggest fear in planning his “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” charity event was that people would balk at the ticket price.

The 39-year-old quickly learned his fellow “Star Wars” die-hards were more than willing to shell out $30 for a good time – and a good cause.

More than 150 people, some wearing “Star Wars” garb, on Thursday night turned out to the Columbiana Grande theater in the Harbison area for a private showing of the highly anticipated movie, which opened Thursday in theaters across the Midlands.

Miano and his team at That Computer Store in Irmo put on the showing and plan to donate the proceeds to fund a trip for children at a local shelter to see the new movie.

The ticket price paid for a seat, $10 worth of concessions and a donation to the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter in Lexington, which provides residential care to children in crisis, most of whom suffered abuse, neglect or abandonment.

Tickets sold out a week before the event, Miano said. “That made me feel really good.”

Critics have raved over the seventh episode of the “Star Wars” saga, which fans have clamored for since its announcement after Disney acquired LucasFilm in October 2012.

The movie didn’t disappoint. Fans at Miano’s event applauded when certain characters were introduced and left the theater thrilled with the movie.

Some, like Devon Troeger, 27, left the theater saying the episode was the best “Star Wars” yet.

“The comedy was really well done,” Troeger said. “They were able to incorporate a lot of fan service from the original trilogy.”

Larry Linemann Jr., 40, said he isn’t a movie buff but that “The Force Awakens” is one of the best 10 he’s ever seen.

“I’m not a huge ‘Star Wars’ guy, but that was a good film,” Linemann said.

For many who attended, it was a major bonus knowing the event would help pass on “Star Wars” to the shelter’s children.

“I think it’s really neat. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know and love ‘Star Wars,’” said Joe Askins, 35. Askins said it felt good to contribute to a “great Christmas present.”

Jerald Wiley, 72, who wore a ‘Star Wars’ T-shirt and brought several extras for his family, said he has seen each of the previous six episodes in theaters. But Wiley said he primarily attended the private showing because it helped the shelter.

“It’s for a good cause, so to me, it’s worth it,” Wiley said.

The event produced more than $1,000 for the shelter, Miano said. And some who bought tickets asked what more they could do to help the shelter’s children, such as provide Christmas presents or other needs, Miano said.

Jarrell Smith, executive director of the children’s shelter, said seeing the support for the shelter has been uplifting for him and his staff.

“Our kids are looking forward to going, and it’s been just a great thing for us,” Smith said.

Miano said he and his team will probably hold similar charity events for future “Star Wars” episodes.

“We had a great crowd,” Miano said. “I thought everybody enjoyed the movie. It just makes me feel good that it wasn’t just about ‘Star Wars.’ It was about coming together for a good cause.”

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 11:12 PM with the headline "‘Force awakens’ Theater crowds."