Going to the movies in Lewiston? It's a trip back in time

By Erik Bateman

April 8, 2004 | LEWISTON -- A piece of Americana is located in Lewiston. It is in the same structure as the city offices and library. It is not the courthouse. It is a movie theater.

The Lewiston Community Theater, as expected, is located on Main Street. The theater is somewhat concealed since it resides in the same dark brown brick building as the city offices and the library. It's not hard to miss on movie night though, because everyone is headed to the same place. Just follow the flow of people and you'll find the ticket counter.

Tickets are only $2. Granted the movies are not the newest, but who needs new when funds are low? It is a phenomenon known to most college students, being poor that is.

That's another great quality of the Lewiston theater. Every movie treat is under $1.50. There is no need to sneak treats into the theater because they cost as much as the grocery store. A bag of popcorn is only 75 cents. The counter help seemed generally glad to see everyone there. It is a little like walking in the bar where everybody knows your name. They don't really but it seems so just the same. They are polite and cordial. The ladies at the counter are dressed in everyday attire. It seems to fit the mood of the theater. It is a place made for everyday people.

Everything is simple. From the entrance to the screen a theme runs throughout, which would read something like "it all works well enough."

According to the old newspaper article hanging above the water fountain, the Lewiston Community Theater opened in 1935 after the original playhouse burned down in 1930. The first movie to play there starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The theater shows signs of being built during a time when money was tight. The structure is plain and the movie screen is set back and rests on top of a dark stained wooden stage that shows countless scuffs and dings. Each mark is a reminder of time gone by and the memories that were made there. The red carpet in the lobby does add some flare. Not that it is needed. Because what really makes this theater special is the people who go there.

The theater resounds of sounds of family and popcorn bags. A feeling of simplicity and contentment permeates the moviegoers. No one there is dressed to impress. The conversations lack pretense. This theater is a place where hard-working people come with the people they love to truly relax, eat popcorn and be taken to somewhere else as they watch a movie. Perhaps that was what it was like when our parents or grandparents went to the movies.

Shows only run on Monday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Times are listed on the Lewiston Website at http://www.lewiston-ut.org/movies.htm.

According to Mayor Paul Dent the theater is available for private showings and events. Lewiston residents can rent the facility for $150 a night and watch the currently playing movie. For an extra $100 a different movie can be viewed. Non-residents will pay $300 to rent the theater. The building does have a stage so that live performances are a possibility.

If you want more information regarding show times or renting the theater call the city offices at 258-5191 or the theater at 258-2141.

NW
AB