CAPE MAY – The Beach Theatre under management of the Beach Theatre Foundation opened its doors Nov. 17 after a frenetic six weeks of preparation to make it shine.
The theater will reopen to the public this weekend, Nov. 23-25.
The opening coincided with the 7th Annual Cape May New Jersey State Film Festival. It was a fitting time to announce the theater will reopen for business under new management with two theaters showing films on weekends through May and a plan to open all four cinemas by next summer.
Drapes and carpets were cleaned, walls were painted, restrooms are refreshed. The theater has a sparkling new look, as Steve Jackson, foundation president, showed members of the media at a press conference and tour Saturday morning.
Cinema I will feature a high definition digital projection system with 5.1 surround sound. The theater will be introducing an online theater ticketing service this week.
Jackson promises classic, independent and special film features on two screens on week-ends through May. Jackson said the foundation plans to open all four theaters in time for the summer 2008 tourist season and to then offer first-run Hollywood movies alongside the independents for the warmer months.
The foundation hopes to find an investor who will develop the property while preserving the theater. Part of operating the theater over the winter and through the next 18 months will serve to prove to potential investors the venture can thrive, Jackson said.
The foundation has partnered with Emerging Pictures of New York City which specializes in distributing art house films and will act as facilitators in obtaining and presenting films. The company has developed a distribution network which relies upon digital technology for its international, independent and documentary films. Founded in 2002 by Barry Rebo, Giovanni Cozzi and Ira Deutchman Emerging Pictures has grown into a distribution, marketing and exhibition company through partnerships with theaters in cities across the country, as well as smaller communities which would not otherwise have access to such films.
For showtimes and more information, see www.beachtheatre.org
See this week’s Herald for the full story.
Contact Avedissian at (609) 886-8600 Ext 27 or at: savedissian@cmcherald.com.
