In case you are emerging from a deep, deep sleep, here's a news flash: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens this week.
Milwaukee's theaters, bars and Star Wars fans/geeks/nerds/wonderful people are more than ready. Here are five ways to celebrate the awakening of the force:
1. Go for free -- Avalon Theater
The historic Bay View theater is celebrating the one year anniversary of its reopening by giving free tickets to the first 200 guests for the 7pm show Thursday. (Doors open at 5:30pm.)
2. Go all night -- Oriental Theatre
If seeing it once Thursday night isn't enough, or if you work the night shift, the overnight shift, or if you're an insomniac, or... the Oriental is playing the film around the clock. Here are the show times:
Thursday -- 7:10pm, 10:15pm
Friday -- 1:15am , 4:15am, 7:15am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm
If you go to all of them ... congratulations?
3. Take a refresher course -- Marcus Majestic Cinema
So, the new episode is the seventh in the series. If you haven't seen all of the others, don't worry, the Majestic Cinema's got you covered.
Starting Thursday at 2am (apparently if you're a true Star Wars fans, you don't need sleep), the Majestic will screen it's "Star Wars Marathon" -- all of the previous films in chronological order, finishing with the new "The Force Awakens" at 7pm.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Episode: IV: A New Hope
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Note: "The Force Awakens" is playing at lots of other theaters. "Consult your local listings," as they used to say, when there were listings. (Maybe try Flixster.)
4. Skip the theater, head to the bar -- Boone and Crockett
Trivia question: who is Milwaukee's "premier Star Wars cover band?"
Answer: Band of Rebels. And they'll be playing at the "Star Wars Episode VII Release Party" at Boone and Crockett in Bay View. Featuring members of Calliope and special guests. The Rebels will take the stage at 10pm for a full set of Star Wars theme music.
Costume contest and Episodes IV, V and VI screening for ultimate nerdery.
5. Buy stuff
If you're a good American, you should be out shopping. And when you're shopping, you'll probably see -- surprise! -- Star Wars merchandise.
In addition to the typical, Forbes put together a great list of "The 14 Weirdest Items for Jedi-Wannabees," including: Star Wars Coffee-mate and Covergirl makeup.
Required closing line: May the force be with you!