Soper-Reese Theatre

thomdlt296 on December 6, 2023 at 8:05 pm

I saw classic 1980’s movies, like “Karate Kid I” and “Star Trek 2”, here as a teenager when the theater was still a twin. But the first movie I remember seeing here was “Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger” 1977, but I think it was the original one screen in 1977.

pgernert on March 16, 2012 at 5:55 pm

I am the daughter of Bob and Margaret Reese, Granddaughter of Leo and Lillian Reese, original owners of the Orpheum Theatre, Lakeport Theatre and Lakeport Auto Movies. I could help with many of your questions.

The Orpheum Theatre building burned in a fire soon after the new theatre was built by my grandfather. I didn’t know alot about it as it was before my time, but I do know that my grandnmother, Lillian, was the organist for the silent movies there. My mother, now living in Santa Rosa, Ca. could give more on this topic. My father returned to Lakeport to run the new theatre for my grandmother when Leo passed away at the early age of 53. And the family business prospered. The importance of that theatre to the community was immense.

The Lakeport Theatre (now the Soper-Reese Theatre) was remodeled into a twin when longer running times were required and my father feared a corporate competitor would come into the small community and build a theatre that would put him out of business. So a wall was built down the center of the large auditorium and the huge screen replaced by two smaller screens. It operated as a twin until he built the Lakeport Cinema 5 outside of town and the Performing Arts Council purchased and began remodeling it. The Cinema 5 was built on the front section of the property on which my father had built the Lakeport Auto Movies (drive-in) in the early 70’s. The Drive-In still operates during the summer. My mother managed the Drive-In while my father ran the walk-in downtown.

Soon after the 5plex was completed, my father sold it along with the drive-in and retired. For awhile he had hoped my brother, Jim, would take the business over from him, but it wasn’t to be.

That was a sad day for the community. The personal relationships that my family held with each employee and each patron that entered the doors would no longer be. It was an honor to land a job at the theatre, in spite of the relatively low pay. My family greeted each patron personally and knew everybody’s name, occupation, their childrens' names and what activities they were involved in. The children were looked after by my parents and the community knew they were safe at the theatre.

Too much rambling on here…I’d be happy to share more with anyone who is interested. The Soper-Reese Theatre is quickly becoming a premium venue for live entertainment of many types! My family is proud to have been able to help it happen.