Baby crying not a problem with Reel Moms
DC Correspondent
TARYN BURNS
Issue date: 11/4/04 Section: NEIGHBORHOOD
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The Reel Moms program, presented by Loews Cineplex Entertainment, is a program that provides a comfortable atmosphere for parents and young children to watch new movies without fear of their children disturbing other patrons.
"We run this program in a number of theatres throughout the country and the response has been great," said Louis Deitcher, who is managing the nationwide Reel Moms program.
Two weeks ago, the opening of the Magic Johnson Capital Center in Largo, Md., made it the second theater in the Washington area to participate in the Reel Moms program. The other theatre, Loews Georgetown 14, has been participating for about 9 months and sees a variety of people attending the weekly presentation.
"I love being able to take my son with me to the movies without worrying about keeping him quiet. I used to go to the movies regularly and now this program makes it easy for me to keep doing so," said Lashelle Freeman, a stay-at-home mom from Northeast.
These shows are presented every Tuesday, exclusively for parents with infants. The films selected are new releases targeted to parents and the selection is the same nationwide. Management at Loews Georgetown 14 estimates about 70-75 people come in to see a Reel Moms movie, although the attendance varies.
"Most times the number of participants depends on the film being shown. Some films draw in more than 100 people and other films draw in less. We are very selective in the movies we choose and base it off of what mothers and fathers would want to see with their babies," said Deitcher.
The program gives parents the opportunity to take part in a normally enjoyed activity, with the convenience of bringing their child along.
Because there are babies expected in the theater, certain accommodations are made to make the experience better. Stroller check is available, the lights are dimmed and the sound is lowered so as not to disturb the babies. Diaper-changing tables are also available during the Reel Time showings to accommodate parents.
"We basically provide a very friendly environment for parents to view movies, they have the chance to socialize with other parents and you will actually see babies roaming around on the floor," said Deitcher.
A normal occurrence such as a baby crying is not a distraction during the presentation because everyone is in the same position.
"I know if I went to a normal movie, I'd be petrified if my baby started crying in the theatre. But going to a Reel Moms showing, kids cry all the time and I guess since we're all moms, we're kind of used to it and it doesn't bother anyone. So, just knowing that makes going to the show with my baby more comfortable," said Freeman.
Management from Georgetown and the Magic Johnson Capital Center have noticed a good response from stay-at-home moms, single moms and new moms still on maternity leave from work. Parents with children that are not yet toddlers are encouraged to participate.
Yet, some moms who are still working feel as though they are missing out on this opportunity.
"I would love to participate in the Reel Moms program but the timing is just bad for me. During the day I'm at work and when I'm at home with my son I don't have the option of going to the movie because it only shows at one time, once a week," said Megan Anderson of Silver Spring, Md.
For other moms, there may be other circumstances preventing them in participating in the program. "I know how it feels not to be able to go out, because there have been several times when me and my husband wanted to go out or to the show but couldn't because we didn't have anyone to watch our son," said stay-at-home mom, Dawn Carter of Waldorf, Md. "For this reason, I think the program is a good idea but I wouldn't take my son because the first time he went to a movie theatre it scared him."
The Reel Moms features provide an alternate activity for stay-at-home moms to enjoy along with their children during the weekday.
"A lot of people come regularly and there are going to be a lot of people that aren't able to due to work. There are some cases where both moms and dads are able to come see the show and for other families only the moms or caregivers can come. We do draw a varied crowd," said Deichter.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office on the day of the event at the regular admission price; babies are free. The featured Reel Moms film next week will be The Incredibles, the latest animated feature from Disney and Pixar Animation.
The Loews Cineplex Entertainment Reel Moms program is in 23 participating theatres in more than 17 other cities.
