The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story

The historic Astra Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Jasper, Indiana. Newly renovated with 357 seats, the Astra has main level and balcony seating with a concessions stand offering snacks, local craft and domestic beer, and wine that are available for purchase.Next Act, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) that operates the historic, newly renovated Astra Theatre in downtown Jasper. Our mission is to foster, engage and create cultural and artistic opportunities and awareness in Dubois County.  What that means is bringing programming including concerts, comedians, movies, and education to the Astra.

Astra Theatre

Carl Erskine, the man who is living a perfect game. The story of a pivotal figure in Special Olympics Indiana’s history.

Carl Erskine, the man who is living a perfect game, will be brought to the big screen in Jasper, Indiana with the showing of “The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story.” With Erskine being such a pivotal figure in Special Olympics Indiana’s history, the organization has partnered with Ted Green Films to spread Erskine’s messages of friendship, inclusion, servant leadership, and respect. 
“The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story,” premiered on the big screen Aug. 11 at the Paramount Theatre in Erskine’s hometown of Anderson. The film, produced by renowned filmmaker Ted Green, takes a deep dive into Erskine’s upbringing as a child and his legendary career in Major League Baseball with Jackie Robinson, the first African American to break the color barrier in a sport that was segregated for more than 50 years. That is only a fraction of Erskine’s impact. The film will take viewers on Erskine’s most proud adventure when he and his wife, Betty, have their son Jimmy, who was born with Down syndrome, and will share their story and impact they’ve made on Special Olympics Indiana and social change across the country. 
Erskine has been referred to as many things. In the classic baseball novel “The Boys of Summer”, Erskine was referred to as a philosopher, a poet and an “existential man.” A New York sportswriter called him “the gentleman from Indiana.” Dennis Schmidt, former CEO of Special Olympics Indiana, said Erskine is the most decent man he’s ever met. Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, in giving Erskine the state’s highest honor, said simply, “He’s the best we’ve got.” 
In today’s world where animosity, ignorance, prejudice, and conflict are highlighted across social media and news outlets, Erskine’s story of acceptance and dignity is ready to be shared when the world needs it most. Being at the forefront of arguably two of the most important social movements the world has ever seen, Erskine’s impact on the nation is second to none. 
Tickets for the Oct 20 event are $5.00. and are on sale now through The Astra Theater. The Jasper screening of the documentary is a partnership with the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame and Special Olympics Dubois County with an expected sold-out crowd. 
To view a trailer of the movie or to learn more about Carl Erskine, please visit carlerskinefilm.com.

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The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story

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The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story

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