Jenkintown’s compact bar scene will transform into a celebration of one of Hollywood’s most unpredictable stars, writes Stephanie Farr for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Uncaged in Jenkintown: A Nic Cage Cocktail Crawl” arrives on Sunday, June 28.
From 4 to 8 PM, four walkable local establishments will serve Nicolas Cage-inspired drinks, screen his movies, and host quick competitions based on some of the actor’s most memorable roles.
The event is the brainchild of Mel Hager, an owner of The Keep Easy.
“Who doesn’t like Nic Cage?” Hager said. “It’s insane how he puts in the work. Every time I turn around, I’m like, ‘Is he a robot? How does he do so many movies?’ He’s an enigma, but yet he does seem like all of us, but also maybe he’s an alien? I don’t know, but it’s fantastic.”
How the Crawl Works
The event is free to attend. Participants who want to compete for themed prizes can purchase a $15 Uncaged Cocktail Crawl Kit. It is available online through preregistration or in person the day of the event.
Each kit includes one of five random Cage masks, a pub passport, a trivia sheet, and other collectibles. Preregistered guests will also receive novelty “Cage cash” redeemable for a specialty shot.
Guests earn passport stamps by winning Cage match competitions and ordering themed drinks. An awards ceremony begins at 7:30 PM, with prizes going to the participants who collect the most stamps.
The Bars and the Battles
The four participating establishments, all within easy walking distance of each other, are The Keep Easy, Drake Tavern, Buckets Bar, and Kings Corner Public House.
Each bar will stage its own Cage match competition inspired by a different Cage film.
Buckets Bar will host the “Flying Elvis,” a challenge based on “Honeymoon in Vegas”. Contestants throw toy parachute soldiers, hand-painted to look like Elvis impersonators, and attempt to land them closest to a miniature Las Vegas Strip.
On the drinks side, the Keep Easy will serve a colorful “Mandy’s Electric Lemonade,” named for Cage’s 2018 revenge horror film.
Beyond the Bars
The celebration extends well beyond the four participating venues.
Nobleheart Tattoo Gallery will offer Cage-themed tattoos from 1 to 4 PM, giving early arrivals something to do before the crawl kicks off.
Musician Gerard Regan will perform songs from Cage movies live in Yorkway Alley during the event.
After the crawl wraps up, the Hiway Theater will screen “Vampire’s Kiss” at 9:30 PM.
The 1988 black comedy is one of Cage’s most legendary unhinged performances. The film gave the internet one of its most enduring Cage reaction images, and a fitting cap to an evening built around his singular career.
Costumes are welcome. Jenkintown runs the Jenkintown-Wyncote Station on SEPTA’s regional rail network, making the borough easy to reach from Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs without a car.
“It’s like the whole town is getting involved,” Hager said. “Like Nic Cage would, just come on out and have fun. You deserve it.”
Learn more about Jenkintown’s unhinged drinking tribute to Nicolas Cage in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
