At the Liberty:"Gladiator 2"

DAYTON — From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the revered hero Maximus’s death at his uncle’s hands, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

“Gladiator 2” has received a 71% favorable rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. They say the movie is “an action extravaganza that derives much of its strength and honor from Denzel Washington’s scene-stealing performance.” With an audience rating of 88%, one contributor said it is “an exciting sequel. It picks up the story with intense action and emotional depth”.

The movie is rated R for bloody violence, and its runtime is 148min.

Following “Gladiator 2” on January 10 through 14 is “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” from January 17 through 21, the live production of “The Witch in 204” from January 24 through 26, and “A Complete Unknown” on January 31 through February 4.

The theater will hold an information meeting for the “Songs of the Elements” Variety Show on Wednesday, January 8 at 6 p.m. in the Liberty Theater Annex. Auditions will be on Thursday, January 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Liberty Theater Annex and Saturday, January 11, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the theater auditorium

“The Witch in 204” is an entertaining and hilarious story of ageless romance and true love between a cast of lively seniors (55+.) Tickets are on sale now for the live production at libertytheater.org and at the theater’s box office on Tuesdays and Fridays between 2 and 5 p.m., in person or by phone (509)382-1380.