Striking neon blues light up the 4th Street sky, proclaiming the return of the Long Beach Art Theatre following a five-month hiatus for repairs and redesign. The theatre celebrated with an invite-only showing of its newest film – the documentary “Man On Wire” – and moviegoers enjoyed snacks and drinks at the brand-new concession stand in the lobby. The theatre is open to the public beginning today.
“This theatre is totally a dream come true for me,” says General Manager Joanna Stanford, who has been waiting for the re-opening since taking the job in September of last year. “I’ve been in the movie theatre business for ten years now, and always wanted to have my own and do things that I waned. Now, I have this unbelievable opportunity.”
The privately-owned theatre took major steps to upgrade over the summer, even removing some seats n the back of the theatre to create space for the lobby concession stand. All seats were replaced with 385 wider, more comfortable seats, as well as an all-new stage, screen, plumbing and electric. A coffee bar and wine bar were added for customers’ enjoyment. The theatre’s original projector is even being used after heavy repairs.
Interior designer Sybil Jbvan Dijs (SJVD Design) penned the new look, and took time to explain her creation.
“The whole idea was to capture the sun, the moon and the water,” she said, noting the blue accents on the building’s exterior, a wavy carpet representing carpet, and gold highlights on the seats that represent stars. “We wanted to make it feel like the motifs of art deco, but with today’s interpretations.”
Themes of Long Beach will be incorporated in the future, and the backlight behind the concession stand will feature a mural with the Queen Mary and downtown skyline.
“Man On Wire” plays in the Long Beach Art Theatre, and more information can be found at the theatre website here.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor