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Renovated Images Cinema Reopens in WilliamstownBy Tammy Daniels
iBerkshires Staff
06:03PM / Wednesday, December 17, 2008
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Images Cinema opened to rave reviews this past weekend after a six-week makeover that's radically changed the lobby of the venerable theater.
"This is fabulous, they did a great job," said Lucy Green of Adams, as she and son Tristan McNay and their two London friends finished up a viewing of "Olive, the Other Reindeer" on Saturday. "The seats are great ... They're very comfortable."
The theater reopened Friday night but most residents got their first view of the completed renovations on Saturday afternoon during the free holiday screenings for the Williamstown Holiday Walk.
Hundreds of parents and children of all ages arrived to watch the movie, buy refreshments or stop in for a bit to escape the chilly temperatures and watch shoppers and carolers walk by.
A beaming Sandra Thomas, the cinema's executive director, pointed out the original 1916 intricate ceiling moldings and checked tile in the lobby of what had been the Walden Theatre. As for rest: "New color, new floor, new everything."
"It was a long time coming," said Susan Gold, chairman of the board of directors. "I didn't think it would ever happen. But this is a great asset to the community."
Members hope the nonprofit independent theater's increased presence on Spring Street will ensure its viability in the coming years.
The renovations cost some $200,000, raised mostly throught donations, and included the new expanded lobby, lighting, theater seats, two handicapped viewing areas, a handicapped bathroom, sound system, carpeting and paint.
All 192 of the cinema's old seats were sent to the Topia Art Center in Adams.
The new glass-fronted entrance makes for an appealing attraction, especially when you can peer in and see the popcorn popping in the lobby. The extra space to the left as you enter is being used for overflow as people enter and exit the theater but Gold said it's also can be used for community events and activities.
The front space had been used by the Red Herring Restaurant; moviegoers had walk down the alley to get to the theater entrance. Some people were still using the old entrance, said Thomas. "It may take awhile to get used to the new entrance."
"Having an entrance for the theater in a back alley was not very kid friendly," said Philippe Besnard, board member and project manager. "Moving it to Spring Street will energize people. The members are elated ... It's more user friendly."
Both Besnard and Gold thought the new visibility of the theater could increase its membership, which will help it keep good entertainment financially affordable for residents.
"People need to keep coming to keep it open — forever," said Gold. "It's too good an opportunity to pass up."
Images shows mainstream and independent films, and sponsors film series. It opened with the critically acclaimed "Rachel Getting Married" and screen "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" next week. It kicks off the Williamstown Queer Film Festival in mid-January, featuring a midnight showing of the cult classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show."
For more information and film schedule: www.imagescinema.org. |
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