Under new management, Colonia Theater will remain open
NORWICH – Since its construction in the early 20th century, the Colonia Theater has remained one of downtown’s most historic and iconic symbols. As a lifelong Norwich resident, new Colonia general manager Jeanie Barnes said she and her family couldn’t bear to see the beloved theater close its doors again.
Partnered with father Richard, who relocated to Norwich approximately 30 years ago to raise a family, Barnes officially took over as manager at the start of 2011.
“We grew up in this theater and it’s something we all loved,” said Barnes of her family’s time in the Colonia. “I just finished graduate school and I decided to help dad with the transition.”
The long-term plan, according to Barnes, is for her father – known locally as the owner of Barnes Electric – or brothers to step in once renovations to the theater are complete, although she admitted the process will not be a short one.
In the meantime, Barnes said she and her family are looking to offer new programming at the theater, including a unique after-school activity for local children – Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and Xbox Kinect on the big screen.
“We really wanted to try out some new things and this is definitely an experience,” added Barnes on the larger-than-life video game action.
In addition, Barnes said she’s planning on a classic movie feature, to be held several Wednesdays a month. If the community interest is there, she and her family will expand that to include more showings of classic motion pictures from the 1930s and up through the decades.
Future upgrades and long-term renovations have also been discussed, although Barnes admitted it all depends on the amount of revenue the theater is able to generate.
“Our main goal is to keep the theater open. We’d hate to see it close; it’s been here forever,” stated Barnes. “What I love is seeing the kids’ excitement and getting to work in one of my favorite places growing up.”
Show times at the Colonia Theater are 7 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Matinees will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 334-2135.
Partnered with father Richard, who relocated to Norwich approximately 30 years ago to raise a family, Barnes officially took over as manager at the start of 2011.
“We grew up in this theater and it’s something we all loved,” said Barnes of her family’s time in the Colonia. “I just finished graduate school and I decided to help dad with the transition.”
The long-term plan, according to Barnes, is for her father – known locally as the owner of Barnes Electric – or brothers to step in once renovations to the theater are complete, although she admitted the process will not be a short one.
In the meantime, Barnes said she and her family are looking to offer new programming at the theater, including a unique after-school activity for local children – Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and Xbox Kinect on the big screen.
“We really wanted to try out some new things and this is definitely an experience,” added Barnes on the larger-than-life video game action.
In addition, Barnes said she’s planning on a classic movie feature, to be held several Wednesdays a month. If the community interest is there, she and her family will expand that to include more showings of classic motion pictures from the 1930s and up through the decades.
Future upgrades and long-term renovations have also been discussed, although Barnes admitted it all depends on the amount of revenue the theater is able to generate.
“Our main goal is to keep the theater open. We’d hate to see it close; it’s been here forever,” stated Barnes. “What I love is seeing the kids’ excitement and getting to work in one of my favorite places growing up.”
Show times at the Colonia Theater are 7 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Matinees will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 334-2135.
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