Central City, NE - State Theatre Reopens After Four Years

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on May 21, 2016 at 1:13 am

From Nebraska.tv: In what could be a Hollywood manuscript, a community has come together to revive a historic theater that’s been family-run for generations.

Central City moviegoers were eager to see the inaugural showing of “Zootopia” four years after the marquee lights shut off.

The State Theater Foundation formed a year ago and began the process of restoring the nearly 60-year-old landmark. It now has a digital projection system, a new screen, and an updated concession area.

“I’ve been so excited of this first night!” exclaimed long time theater patron Rhonda Schulze. “I was a regular before when the original owners were here and I’ve been missing it. Like I said, there’s nothing like the big screen, popcorn, there’s nothing better than theater popcorn. Yeah, I’m just really excited!”

“It’s a good feeling because I just want people to come in and see it,” said State Theater Foundation’s Kasey Blodgett. “And like I said, it gives them something to do so it’s, I’m excited for tonight. I don’t know how to put it into words.”

The foundation hosted a ribbon cutting on Thursday evening prior to the theater’s opening. Show times will be Fridays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m.

See the news report at: http://www.nebraska.tv/story/31916714/central-citys-state-theater-reopens-after-four-years

Read another account at: http://www.theindependent.com/communities/centralcity/news/central-city-s-state-theater-reopens-to-continue—year/article_1bb19926-1265-11e6-9f70-5b12330948e0.html

Follow the State Theatre on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/State-Theater-Foundation-Inc-199761933825/

ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org