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Hoping the third time’s the charm, the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts has once again scheduled “An Evening with John Cusack” — now set for Aug. 22.
The event includes a screening of the beloved 1989 romantic comedy-drama “Say Anything,” followed by a live Q&A with Cusack. A VIP package includes priority seating and a meet-and-greet with the 1980s heartthrob.
This marks the third attempt to bring Cusack to Patchogue. The theatre originally booked the event for October 2023, then rescheduled it for January 2024 — only for both appearances to be canceled. This time, theatre officials and ticket-holders are crossing their fingers that Lloyd Dobler finally shows up — boombox and all — channeling the iconic image of Cusack, as Dobler, blasting Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” outside Diane’s window.
In “Say Anything,” Cusack plays Dobler, an endearing slacker who falls for class valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye) just after high school graduation. Written and directed by Cameron Crowe, the film became a cult favorite over the decades.
In 2002, Entertainment Weekly ranked it the greatest modern movie romance and placed it at No. 11 on its list of the 50 best high school films. In her new memoir, “Say Everything,” Skye revealed she slept with Cusack years after the movie’s release.
Cusack’s 2025 tour features similar screenings and Q&As across the country, including stops in Louisville and Minneapolis.
Cusack’s latest on-screen performance is in “Fog of War,” a World War II espionage thriller released earlier this month. He stars opposite Mira Sorvino.
Cusack during the 1980s was widely regarded as a charming, offbeat romantic lead who captured the attention of teen and young adult audiences.
Tickets for his Patchogue event on Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. are $50–$211 (fees included). They are available for purchase in person at 71 East Main St. in Patchogue, by phone at 631.207.1313, or online here.
