Theater reopening exceeds expectations

By D.A. Wilkinson

The opening events drew people from as far as Cleveland.

COLUMBIANA — The opening of the Main Street Theater was a smash in more ways than one.

Attendance was high at the kickoff event Thursday and remained so all weekend.

The events also brought thanks from the public.

Thursday’s grand opening brought in 984 people, said Tammy Crismon, the theater manager.

Don Arthurs, a Columbiana native, and his wife, Dawn, bought the theater in 2007. They paid about $1 million for the theater renovation and the creation of Encore Cafe.

Crismon wasn’t sure if attendance would remain high for the rest of the weekend, but it did.

Friday and Saturday offered shows of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” which starred Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard with its original 1961 soundtrack. Crismon said the original sound has a little crackle as compared to more recent, high-tech versions. Multiple showings of the movie brought in more than 300 viewers Friday and 270 on Saturday.

On Mother’s Day, the cafe offered a dessert buffet, entertainment and another showing of “Tiffany’s.”

Crismon said the initial hopes were for 100 people. Some 180 attended.

Considering the age of the film, Crismon said they expected older moms, but younger mothers attended as well. “It exceeded our expectations,” she said.

The movie and allied events touched a nerve in people looking for entertainment, she said. Most of the people were from Columbiana County and southern Mahoning County.

“I think there is a real need for it,” Crismon said.

But a few people even traveled from Cleveland to attend the events, she added.

Arthurs said many people thanked him for renovating and reopening the theater. He said of the renovation, “It was the right decision.”

A summer blockbuster, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is to hit the theater May 22.

Arthurs said he wanted the different events to launch the new venture rather than opening with the movie that will have to run for at least three weeks.

He said it’s up to the public to make the theater or break it.

Crismon pointed out the theater opened when budgets are tight.

“I think the key is to keep it affordable,” she said.

Ticket prices for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” were $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (55 and older) and $4 for pupils under 12.

For the upcoming “Shrek” showings, tickets will be $3 with $1 discounts for additional viewings with a ticket stub.

For “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” movie, tickets will be $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (55 and older) and $5 for students under 12 with $1 discounts for matinees.

wilkinson@vindy.com