Newtown Theatre to Reopen in May

The Newtown Theatre, which has been closed since October for equipment upgrades, will reopen in May.

According to an announcement from the theatre’s board of directors, the new digital projector and sound system will be installed in the early part of May.

A week of grand opening events will begin May 26.

The first four movies to be shown at the theatre will be chosen by the public through a single-elimination "tournament" that will kick off May 1 on the theatre’s Facebook page.

The tournament will start with 16 of the top movies of all time as chosen by the American Film Institute, the board of directors' announcement said. 

Each day, the public can vote on which movie should “advance” in the tournament. The “Final Four” left standing will be shown, one each night, from May 26 to 29, the announcement said.

"The price of admission to each movie will be the same price that was charged the year the movie was released. At the end of the tournament, one voter will randomly be chosen to receive free movies for a year at the theatre," the announcement said.

The theatre is currently seeking sponsors to underwrite each Final Four movie, the board of directors said. Sponsorship price is $500. Interested companies or individuals should contact Andrew Smith at andy@cabincommunications.com for details.  

On May 30 from 7 to 9 p.m., the theatre will host an invitation-only cocktail party for donors to the digital projector campaign. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dessert, music, silent films on the big screen and tours of the projection booth.

For the latest news about the Newtown Theatre visit its new website at www.thenewtowntheatre.com or like the theatre on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thenewtowntheatre.