An Iowa drive-in took a chance on ‘The Eras Tour.’ Swifties showed up to dance in the rain
There's a golden rule at Voy 61 Drive In Theatre in Delmar: The grandkids get whatever they want.
Dennis Voy's granddaughter, Sara Clasen, spent her childhood at the drive-in movie theater in eastern Iowa. Three years ago, when the drive-in's longtime operator retired, Clasen entered her management era at the drive-in.
“I have grown to love it just like he loves it,” Clasen, 38, said. “It’s just amazing to watch his legacy continue and shine bright and provide such a fun and unique opportunity for everyone in the area.”
Review: 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour' is a great concert. Why doesn't the movie feel like enough?
Dennis coined Clasen's fresh concepts for the drive-in "Sara's crazy ideas." And at the end of the summer, the mom of three developed another one: show Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" concert film at the historic drive-in, which opened in 1950.
The film is a second act of sorts for one of Iowa's last remaining drive-in movie theaters.
'He was a little leery, to be honest:' Longtime Iowa drive-in operator wasn't sold on 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour' film
On Aug. 31, Swift announced her concert would make its way to American theaters starting Oct. 13. The movie features performances from Swift's 6-night tour stop at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The drive-in received dozens of viewing requests from Swifties, the pop superstar's devoted fanbase. Clasen pitched the idea to Voy. The multi-generational duo makes decisions together. Voy owns the drive-in while Clasen operates the property.
At first, he wasn't so sure about showing the theater's first concert film.
More: Taylor Swift praises Beyoncé's 'generosity' after she attends 'Eras Tour' movie premiere
"He was a little leery, to be honest with you, but it's been a great success," Clasen said.
Since she stepped in to help with theater operations, Clasen started a slew of new traditions. Voy 61 now offers a monthly family night with $5 admission featuring face painting, a petting zoo and train rides on the property.
The family hosts a back-to-school bash each August where local organizations provide free giveaways, the property is available for private rentals, and the theater expanded its concession stand options.
But the concert film was a risk for the drive-in.
How the first Eras Tour movie night went at Delmar's Voy 61 drive-in
There was a downpour of rain in Delmar the first night that the theater showed the film. Clasen wasn't sure if the pop star's fans would make it to the movies. Rain is usually terrible for a drive-in, she said.
The fans showed up anyway.
"We still had to come in the rain because Taylor would've been singing in the rain," they told her.
The Swifties sang out loud, purchased popcorn, danced in puddles and drank pop. The environment was reminiscent of the Eras Tour, which was performed in open-air stadiums and arenas.
“For us to provide the same opportunity for people to watch the concert movie outdoors is a unique experience for her fans and the drive-in," Clasen said.
Friendship bracelets, a signature accessory on the tour, were worn. One moviegoer had a 61 charm on theirs in honor of the theater.
Sara's latest crazy ideas became 'a great success' for the Voy 61
Clasen keeps busy taking care of business at the drive-in and Voy's three-screen theater in Maquoketa. She called the film "a great success" for the drive-in.
Until last year, his fifth decade of ownership, Voy would stand back during the movies and watch as families arrived for a night of fun. He would drive out every single night, sit back and watch as stars appeared on the night sky.
These days, Clasen has a golden rule, too. She calls Dennis every night and recaps the day on the ride home.
But after the first concert film viewing, she waited until daylight. She drove over to her grandpa's house the morning after to tell him in person.
"There was another idea that was crazy, but it worked out," she recalled him saying Saturday.
The Eras Tour movie marked a new era for Voy 61 — and Sara's list of crazy ideas.
How to see 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour' at an Iowa drive-in
Location: Voy 61 Drive In Theatre, 1228 U.S. Highway 61, Delmar
Dates: Screenings currently scheduled through Nov. 5
Contact: 61-driveintheatre.com; 563-674-4367
Cost: To see "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" admission runs $25 per adults (ages 13 and over), $17 for children (ages 4 to 12), 3 and under see for free
Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: ‘The Eras Tour’ film marks new era for Delmar's Voy 61 Drive-In Theatre
