Silent No More: Vineyard Theaters of the Early Film Era
Enter the Digital Age
The Martha's Vineyard Film Society is excited to announced the re-opening of the two historic Vineyard theaters-the Capawock on Main Street, Vineyard Haven, and the Strand on Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs, Mass.
The Capawock will open to the public on Saturday, May 30 and The Strand on Saturday, June 20.
The Capawock first opened in 1913, and the Strand in 1915, but both have been shuttered the last several years. Both Vineyard film institutions are now being reopened thanks to the vision and leadership of Mark Snider and the foundation he created for this purpose, the Martha's Vineyard Theater Foundation (http://www.mvtheaterfoundation.org/).
Once re-opened, the Martha's Vineyard Film Society (MVFS) will manage operations and programming for both theaters, as well as for its state-of-the-art Film Center at the Tisbury Marketplace on Beach Road, Vineyard Haven.
MVFS members will be excited to know that the benefits they derive, including reduced ticket prices or free movies, will apply to the Capawock and Strand theatres as well.
The Capawock and Strand have enjoyed a thorough cleaning and updating of their sound, projection, and air conditioning/heating systems. Upgrades include new flooring, wall coverings, acoustic tiles. Artist Margot Datz is decorating the Capawock with four mural panels of the Vineyard at the entry.
The concession stands, too, have been resupplied and will offer both movie-munching fare you'd find at any traditional cinema and locally sourced goodies from Pie Chicks and other Vineyard producers. You'll also be able to walk by to purchase items even if you're not going to the movies at that time.
"When it comes to munchies, though, nothing excites me more," said MVFS Director Richard Paradise, "than the fact we'll be popping fresh non-GMO popcorn and offering real butter, fresh seasonings like parmesan cheese and Heidi Feldman's MV Salt." (Theatre manager Bob Dutton even sourced biodegradable bags to serve the popcorn in.)
Both theaters will be open through Columbus Day weekend and after that for select holiday weekends. There will be one or two shows at each cinema nightly (most likely at 6:30PM and 9:00PM, but times might vary depending on movie lengths). The Strand and Capawock will also offer rainy-day matinees at 1pm with family-oriented fare on those predictable non-beach days. With three movie theaters to choose from, you'll always find a convenient time and place to enjoy a movie.
The Capawock and Strand will focus on presenting mainstream movies like the latest Jurassic Park film, "Inside Out" from Pixar, and Disney's "Ant Man" starring Paul Rudd. The plan is for the two historic theaters to complement the art-house offerings of the Film Center.
Movies schedules, and notification of matinees will be available via a telephone hotline (508-696-9369), social media, and also on the Web at (mvfilmsociety.com).
Sincerely,
Richard Paradise
Executive Director