Cape May’s Beach Theatre Reopens to Public

CAPE MAY –– The Beach Theatre, under the management of the Beach Theatre Foundation, opened its doors Nov. 17 after a frenetic six weeks of preparation to make it shine.
Members of the press and Cape May NJ State Film Festival goers had their first look at the newly refurbished theater Nov. 17 before the theater reopens to the public this weekend, Nov. 23-25.
The theater hosted a day of films for the 7th Annual film festival Saturday.
The theater will reopen to the public with two theaters showing films on weekends through May and a plan to open all four screens by next summer.
The classic “Casablanca” will be among the first offerings on the big screen this weekend, organizers announced.
Drapes and carpets were cleaned, walls were painted and restrooms were refreshed. The theater has a sparkling new look, as Steve Jackson, foundation president, explained to 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. 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 has 18 months to find a buyer for the property with the goal of preserving and sustaining the theater, after the previous owners the Frank family gave up the business.
The foundation this year stepped in to help preserve what is Cape May’s only surviving movie theater, which dates back to 1950. The first movie shown here was “Father of the Bride” starring Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett and Elizabeth Taylor.
The foundation is seeking 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 be to prove to potential investors the venture can thrive.
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 for showing.
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, visit www.beachtheatre.org
Contact Avedissian at (609) 886-8600 Ext 27 or at: savedissian@cmcherald.com