Charles Corrente, a 41-year-old architect who lives on North Street, was 7‑years-old when the first “Star Wars” film opened in 1977.
It made a powerful impression on him — so powerful that as an adult, he used plastic molding kits to build his own Storm Troopers suits.
Then he learned about a worldwide club that dresses as Storm Troopers to appear at fundraisers and “Star Wars” conventions.
Fast forward eights years — and he’s now the commanding officer of the club’s Connecticut Chapter — the 501st Connecticut Garrison.
Corrente and his fellow “Star Wars” enthusiasts will be appearing at the Strand Theater Saturday, May 14, where there will be a “Star Wars” movie marathon. The three original films will be screened. All proceeds will benefit the Strand’s Renovation Fund.
Click here for a Q & A with Corrente and his crew.
About 40 members of the club from around Connecticut meet at Corrente’s home, where he has a workshop built into his two-level garage.
There they gather to build the costumes and uniforms worn by the bad guys in the “Star Wars” films — Darth Vader, his Storm Troopers, bounty hunter Bobba Fett, even the “sand people” who briefly appeared in the original film.
These aren’t cheap Halloween costumes though.
They’re legit, custom-made prop helmets and armor. Making just one Storm Trooper uniform cost more than $1,000.
“For us, every day is Halloween,” said Corrente, whose collection of costumes and masks includes lots of familiar “Star Wars” characters, including hapless Greedo and more than a few Ewoks.
It is his life’s hobby — collecting the best possible movie prop costume pieces, and building the ones that he cannot find available at the level of quality he demands.
“Do I have other hobbies? Is there time for anything else?,” he said with a laugh.
The group has appeared at parades, including the Barnum Festival Street Parade in Bridgeport and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Haven, where they have won awards four years in a row for their elaborate presentation.
They have also participated in numerous charity events for groups like the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, helping to raise several hundred thousand dollars to fight childhood cancer. Click the video to hear the group talking about their fundraising activities.
They’ll be taking Seymour’s Strand Theater by storm.
Star Wars Movie Marathon
The Strand Theater management is hosting the marathon to raise money for renovations at the second-run movie house.
Jeri Swinick, the theater manager, told the Valley Indy last winter the needed renovations include carpeting and seats.
The event could raise thousands of dollars, according to Linda Bellavance, a member of the committee organizing the event.
“We are hoping to make up to $3,000,” she said, pointing out it will be applied to the fundraising goal of $50,000 for the renovations.
The tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and include free small popcorn and soda.
The films are: “Star Wars,” from 1977, “The Empire Strikes Back,” from 1980, and “The Return of the Jedi,” from 1983.
Showtimes are 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:15 p.m.
The Stormtroopers will not be the only costumed characters at the event.
Guest appearances will also be made by Boba Fett, known for being the character who captured Han Solo, and a few others.
For more information call Bellavance at 203 – 888-5887.Bad Guys Doing Good Deeds
As for the Connecticut Garrison, they never play the parts of the “good” guys, like Han and Luke. They call in members from other “Star Wars” clubs who specialize in playing rebels to fill those parts.“The 501st is Imperial costumes only, the bad guys,” said Paul Starybrat, 37, of Bristol, the group’s event coordinator. He met with Corrente Wednesday night with another member of the group, Gary Manion, 42, of Vernon.
“It’s always fun to be the bad guy,” Starybrat said, holding his movie-perfect plastic helmet he had made himself in the workshop.
“Any movie, any TV show, the bad guys are the cool guys,” Manion said.
Starybrat explained they never feel compelled to wear tunics, grow beards and appear as good guys such as Obiwan Kenobi.
“We have the cool costumes,” Starybrat said. “We wear plastic.”
The group heard about the Strand benefit event after being contacted by the Strand management. They agreed to appear at the fundraiser, because that is what they said the exist for — to bring smiles to children’s faces and raise money for worthy causes.
Everything they do is directed to charity.
“If we make any money, we donate it. This is strictly volunteer,” Starybrat said.
The group has a steady core of members who appear at parades and fundraisers.
To join the group, you must have your own movie prop quality costume, which can cost several thousand dollars in the case of a Darth Vader costume. You must also agree to appear in at least one public event a year.
“This is something we love doing,” Starybrat said. “To put a smile on kids’ faces is fantastic.”
For information on the group and a signup form, visit their website.
