Raleigh rising star debuts his latest film alongside Woody Harrelson.
Alexa, play “We Are the Champions.” … Let us introduce you to rising celeb and champion of his own caliber, Kevin Iannucci. In his most recent work, Champions (dropping March 10), Iannucci plays Johnny—a member of a team of basketball players with intellectual disabilities—opposite Kaitlin Olson and Woody Harrelson, the latter of whom stars as a former minor league coach with a court order to manage the group.
A Raleigh native and rising Hollywood star with Down syndrome, Iannucci has been acting since the tender age of 7 (see appearances in Embattled, The Best of Enemies and Changeover, as well as several short films made by Iannucci’s older siblings Drew and Daniel). To boot, he’s also developed his acting chops through involvement with S.T.A.R Special Theatre Arts of Raleigh, and acting classes at North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre and Moonlight Stage Company.
“I wanted to become an actor because I would watch TV and movies, and I wanted to see myself in them,” explains Iannucci. “And working with Woody and Kaitlin was magical. Being on set with them everyday was a dream come true. And Harrelson’s great! He’s always helpful, supportive and funny.”
Kevin Iannucci
For another point in his favor, the feeling is mutual from his co-stars/director. “Kevin is a real thespian,” says Champions director Bobby Farrelly. “He has impeccable, natural acting instincts, and he’s got great comedic timing. He’s an absolute star. It was unbelievable to watch him go up against legends like Olson and Harrelson and be able to hold his own.” Olson, who stars as Johnny’s sister, Alex, adds, “Working with Kevin was so delightful. This guy is so loving, so warm and incredibly talented. He is truly an amazing actor.”
Besides bonding with big-name actors with whom he shares the screen, Iannucci has received a slew of support from his hometown. And he still touts a local address, so you can find him out and about at one of his favorite places (GameStop, Target or Walmart)—or playing soccer, going swimming and shooting hoops… just like his movie character (!). Fun fact: Iannucci is also a proud grad of Millbrook Magnet High School, where he managed the varsity baseball team.
“He’s had a lot of help here in Raleigh through programs, coaching, and his friends and family,” says Iannucci’s mom, Anne. “It’s been a really good support system.”
And this actor’s got big goals for the future. With plans to continue his acting career, Iannucci hopes to one day star on the screen alongside Zac Efron, Selena Gomez or Kevin Hart.
For now, though, you can see the rising star shoot his shot on the big screen by grabbing tix to this heartwarming film (bonus points if you go during Down Syndrome Awareness Week, which kicks off March 15!).
“It can make you laugh; it can make you cry; and it’s a feel-good movie because I’m in it!” adds Iannucci. … Sounds like a slam dunk. @official_nuccinator
Grab the popcorn. Paragon Theaters’ second and newest Cary location opens July 1.
Three, two, one… action! The long-awaited Paragon Theaters at Fenton is finally opening on July 1—introducing first-of-its-kind standards for moviegoers, with a bar to boot (!).
Putting a spotlight on a reimagined moviegoing experience, the new theater will feature LuxBox luxury seating—aka oversized, zero-gravity heated recliners with retractable trays—and a custom-built screen projected using 4K technology with a 15-degree tilt, coupled with Dolby Atmos immersive sound. Paragon Theaters is also introducing industry-leading touchscreen technology on specialized kiosks for guests to custom order premium concessions, craft food and drinks, and more (meaning ordering nachos—or, heck, a burger or pizza—is as easy as a tap of a button). So, essentially, you’ll never be uncomfortable sitting through a two-hour movie again.
To celebrate the theater’s opening, Paragon is offering movie tickets for NBC Universal’s Minions: The Rise Of Gru starting at only $6 (“C’est banana!”). And on July 2, a Minions Mania Carnival will take over Fenton Square directly in front of the theater with live entertainment, races, games, food and more —plus the chance to meet a Minion yourself!
Post-flick or -carnival, The Agency Bar & Social keeps the fun going with an indoor/outdoor 100-foot bar offering chef-inspired dishes, craft cocktails and 24 beers on tap—NTM a wood grill-encased lounge area, fire pit and water feature, interactive bar games, and views of Fenton’s open-air plaza.
“The focus on cutting-edge design and our exceptional food and beverage lineup at Fenton aligns perfectly with the Paragon brand,” says Paragon Theaters co-CEO Mike Whalen. “During the shutdowns last year, we took time to consider the expectations of our guests post pandemic and are rolling out new amenities at Fenton based on those discussions.”
Ready for your closeup? Lights, cameras, action! To fete National Movie Night June 10, we’re plotting to see if you can ace these local movie Q’s—from NC-born and -raised film stars to Raleigh-based flicks and more. The spotlight is all on you… And scene!
1. One for grabbing the bull by the horns? You might be familiar with the central scene in Bull Durham (actually filmed in the City of Oaks!) where Nuke accidentally throws a baseball through the glass window of which Raleigh bar?
a. Mitch’s Tavern
b. O’Malley’s Pub & Restaurant
c. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
d. Players Retreat
2. Often find yourself in the middle of a “the book or movie was better” debate? Focusing on that reaction shot, which famous piece of literature was transformed into a movie and filmed locally?
a. To Kill a Mockingbird
b. The Handmaid’s Tale
c. Forrest Gump
d. Little Women
3. Sun off, outdoor movies on! Which Raleigh museum hosts a fam-friendly outdoor film series every summer, setting the scene for your watch crew to gather and view Oscar-nominated films and blockbusters on the big screen? (Psst: This summer’s premiere is June 24!)
a. CAM Raleigh
b. NC Museum of History
c. NCMA
d. NC Museum of Natural Sciences
4. Pass the popcorn! Raleigh’s only cash theater, Rialto, showcases new-to-the-scene films in a vintage space that’ll take you wayyyy back. What year did this historic theater open its doors to the public?
a. 1932
b. 1938
c. 1942
d. 1950
5. “Nobody puts baby in the corner!” Dirty Dancing’s Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey had the time of their lives filming several scenes at this picturesque NC lake.
a. Jordan Lake
b. Lake Norman
c. Lake Gaston
d. Lake Lure
6. Grab the tissues. The film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ second romance novel Message in a Bottle—starring The Princess Bride herself, Robin Wright—was filmed at which inconceivably beautiful NC beach town?
a. Wilmington
b. Kitty Hawk
c. Emerald Isle
d. Carolina Beach
7. Transgender actress Hunter Schafer (who you may know better as Jules Vaughn in the hit HBO series Euphoria), graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts after transferring from which Raleigh high school?
a. Sanderson
b. Enloe
c. Broughton
d. Longleaf School of the Arts
8. The Longleaf Film Festival returns for its seventh year (!) to put a spotlight on “film, fun and community.” In its first year (2015), the festival—which takes place at the North Carolina Museum of History—received entries from how many countries?
a. 20
b. 25
c. 30
d. 35
9. “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Most of the racing scenes in Talladega Nights—starring narcissistic NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, played by Will Ferrell—were filmed at which NC speedway?
Get excited! Raleigh Magazine’s April issue drops April 1—and will be on stands around town and delivered to your doors and mailboxes! If you can’t wait until then, here’s a quick look at some of the stories we have in store. (Subscribe now or by April 5 to have the April issue delivered straight to your mailbox—with a peel-off label to boot… for a steal of just $10/year!)
Hot Tickets
Brewgaloo | Photo by RL Photography
If we learned anything in the last two years, it’s that life’s short (and unexpected)—so buy the damn tickets. If you thought 2021 was gonna be Raleigh gone wild before pandemic part II spoiled our plans… just wait for ’22. Events are back for real now—and bigger and better and cooler than ever. And people are amped up and willing to drop all the dollars. We give you a preview of your “hot ticket” year ahead. So get ready, Raleigh… it’s about to be lights out.
Give Peace a Chance
Raleigh Magazine gets the exclusive release on what’s coming to the intersection of Peace and Glenwood. … Dubbed The Yard, this hip new social hub (think shipping containers filled with bars and unique food concepts spread among abundant outdoor space with fire pits, games and the like) is bound to be your new fave DTR hangout spot.
How ‘bout Them Apples
Raleigh’s first cidery is opening this spring (!) and Raleigh Magazine got the exclusive first look inside. East Bower Cider Co.—opening inside the new East End Market and so named for its greenery-filled taproom—will fall somewhere between Bull City Cider’s more straightforward commercial operation and Botanist & Barrel’s experimental and wild-fermented approach.
Under the Gin-fluence
Libations 317
Not all gin & tonics are created equal. To fete National Gin & Tonic Day April 9, gin-lover and RM Publisher Gina Stephens gives the inside scoop on the top 5 gin & tonic twists in Raleigh you should be sipping now—with a bonus gin pick to boot. We’re calling it now: gin and tonics are going to be the drink of the summer!
Love—and sports!—is in the air! Here are 16 things to do in Raleigh for Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl weekend, and throughout the rest of the week.
Through 2/16 Fresh Air
If you’re looking for some “fresh air,” head to Charlotte Russell Contemporary to peep this two-person art exhibition before it ends! charlotterussellcontemporary.com.
2/10 Imagine Dragons
If you’re feeling radioactive, “all systems go” to PNC Arena for Imagine Dragons’ Mercury Tour. pncarena.com
2/10–12 Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown
It ain’t just your imagination. Putting the heart and soul into your Valentine’s weekend, the NC Symphony and guest-star singers belt smash hits by the likes of Motown marvels like Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and, of course, The Temptations. ncsymphony.org
2/11 Ballet Hispánico
Fete 50 years of Ballet Hispánico with a night of powerful Latinx stories come to life through breathtaking dance by this world-renowned company via NC State LIVE’s popular spring program, open to the public. Live.arts.ncsu.edu
2/11 Crafty Galentine’s Party
No need to wine about being single on Valentine’s Day—Crafty’s won’t let you be alone. Celebrate your best gal pals with a wine flight and chocolates. craftybeerwinespirits.com
2/12 Cinch’s World’s Toughest Rodeo
It’s more than an 8-second ride! Tell everyone to “buck off” (had to) and make your way to PNC to peep some of the world’s toughest cowboys and cowgirls turn and burn in a heart-racing night of rodeo revelry. worldstoughestrodeo.com
2/12-13 Dino & Dragon Stroll
“Hold onto your butts!” Get up close and personal with totally lifelike and life-size dinos and dragons via North America’s only walk-up tour. We’re talking animatronics, sound technology (roar!), moving heads… you’ll think they’re alive. Hey, it promises to be rawr-some but as we learned fromJurassic Park, “if something chases you, run!” dinostroll.com
2/12 Drive-In Movie at Dix Park
Skip the movie theater and treat your special someone to a blast-from-the-past via a free drive-in movie showing of The Big Sick at Dorothea Dix Park. Keep it extra authentic with some grub from one of the on-site food trucks dishing everything from tacos to treats. dorotheadixpark.org
2/12 Galentine’s Day Concert
Jazz hands! … Jazz up your Valentine’s Day with NC Master Chorale’s concert featuring the music of pop and jazz divas at Transfer Co. Food Hall. Get it, girls! transfercofoodhall.com
2/12 Galentine’s Day in the Studio (Designed for Joy)
Aca-suce me? It’s only the best day of the year. Grab your gals and paint the town in this lovely Designed for Joy event featuring the Ladies in Red (aka NCSU’s premier all-female a cappella), a Bouquet Bar hosted by local Trader Joe’s stores, and more—all to support work for women in crisis in Raleigh. Yup, it’s going to be aca-awesome. designedforjoy.com
2/13, ongoing Pretty in Pink Scavenger Hunt
Grab your girlfriends for Search in the City’s Pretty in Pink Scavenger Hunt. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s day or you just want to explore downtown Raleigh, this is sure to be a hunt for fun. searchinthecity.co
2/13 Galentine’s Drag Brunch
Two words: Drag Brunch. Grab your gals for waffles (with lots of whipped cream a la Leslie Knope of course) and a show at Young Hearts Distilling. trophybrewing.com/young-hearts-distilling
2/13 Super Bowl LVI
Is it the Packers year? The Brady Bowl? We can’t predict the winner but we can predict the best places to tune into the big game—or how to max out your watch party. raleighmag.com
2/13 Variaciones Concertantes
Immerse yourself in music inspired by the atmosphere of Argentina through Alberto Ginastera’s Variaciones Concertantes at Carolina Theatre. carolinatheatre.org
2/14 Vegan Brews ’n’ BBQ
National Football Hangover Day andValentine’s Day collide with Meatless Monday—and what better way to celebrate (or drown your sorrows) than vegan brews ’n’ Q at Big Boss? bigbossbrewing.com
2/16 Dillon Francis and Young Gravy
Hop on the gravy train for Dillon Francis and Young Gravy’s Sugar, Spice and Everything Ice Tour at the Ritz. ritzraleigh.com
