Beloved, Black-Owned Drive-in Movie Theater Returns for Season 2 Marking 1-Year Anniversary in Newark, New Jersey

At the new Orange Street location, two-800 sq. ft. screens enable distinct, simultaneous films nightly. ‘Moonlight,’ the new eco-savvy, on-site restaurant features date night-delicious faire. 

‘Moonlighters’ are encouraged to dress in Zamunda wear for Saturday screening of Eddie Murphy’s “Coming 2 America.”  Newark’s own Michael B. Jordan in “Without Remorse” to complete opening night double line-up. 

Photo by Photographer, Evan Rogers.

NEWARK, NJ – (Monday, July 19, 2021) – On the weekend of its one-year anniversary, Newark natives Ayana  Stafford-Morris and Siree Morris are set to reopen Newark Moonlight Cinema at a new location - 220 Orange Street,  a less than five-minute trek from its prior downtown locale. On Saturday, July 24, 2021, emcee DJ Lil’ Man kicked  off festivities, welcoming new and returning guests to the state’s only Black-owned drive-in movie theatre. Gates opened  at 7 p.m. and films began promptly at 9 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., respectively. The first 75 Newark residents with paid  admission tickets and proof of address received a free popcorn throughout opening weekend.  

Moonlighters were invited to adorn Zamunda-like attire in honor of Eddie Murphy’s, “Coming 2 America,” the first  showing of that evening. Hollywood leading man and famed Newarker, Michael B. Jordan closed the cinematic line-up  with his 2021 action-thriller, “Without Remorse,” a film based on the 1993, New York Times Best-Selling novel by  Tom Clancy. Opening weekend concluded Sunday, July 25th with unforgettable 2020 performances by two dynamic  women of color: “The Photograph,” starring Issa Rae and Viola Davis in August Wilson’s, “Ma Rainey’s Black  Bottom.” 

Erected at the site of the former Baxter Terrace complex, the community where the Stafford family originates and where  Ayana was raised, the drive-in will park up to 300 cars per night, an average of 600 to 800 ‘Moonlighters daily. The new  layout features two upcycled, 800-sq. ft. container-backed viewing screens that will run distinct films each evening,  Thursday to Sunday through October 31st.  

“As we rise to the challenge of testing our business model through a major move, we have not wavered in our commitment  to bring affordable and fun entertainment to our city,” declared Ayana Stafford-Morris, co-owner and founder of Newark  Moonlight Cinema. “We have also seized the moment to further demonstrate our vision by adding amenities, features,  and events that enrich the experience of our patrons.”  

‘Moonlight,’ the new onsite eatery made of repurposed shipping containers, features date-night decadence including  gourmet crab cakes, lobster rolls, and the return of crowd favorite – Yardy Wings, an original recipe by Moonlight’s  kitchen manager and emerging culinary artist, Lindell “Yardy” Calder. Classic movie theatre favorites, from freshly  popped popcorn to assorted candies, also remain on the menu. Newark Moonlight Cinema continues to operate as a  cashless venue. Concession transactions are processed through the FanFood app available for free download on Google  Play, the AppStore, and accessible via bit.ly/moonlightfood.  

The Morris’ launched ‘Moonlight Market,” a weekly, open-air bazaar featuring local vendors,  their goods, and services, operating from 2PM to 6PM every Saturday.  

“What my wife and I know, quite well, is that our community enjoys theatrics, style, good food, laughs, and the culture,”  proclaims Siree Morris, co-owner of Newark Moonlight Cinema. “This opening weekend, we are maintaining two  traditions we established last season – celebrating Blackness through family, fashion and uplifting the beauty of the  African diaspora; and a Michael B. Jordan bangger, that will definitely be considered a cult-classic in the future!” 

Join the Moonlighters, at Newark Moonlight theater this weekend for an incredible line up. Purchase your tickets here.