NORWICH – Only one month after the “final” showing at the Colonia Theater, preparations are already in the works to show movies on the big screen once again. Doors of the Colonia will reopen to the public next Thursday, when Rich and Todd Barnes debut some of the alterations made to building’s interior, and roll out their first film as the new owners.
“People will see changes as soon as they walk through the doors,” said Rich Barnes, who co-manages the theater with his brother, Todd. The two have been working long hours at the Colonia since taking ownership of the building earlier this month. “We’ve had a lot of calls from people wanting to know when it’s going to reopen,” he added. “We wanted to get it open as quickly as we could for the public.”
The theater was forced to close in October, giving way to demands the movie industry to make technology upgrades to play digital movies. At the time, funding wasn’t available to foot the costly $150,000 price tag that came with the new digital equipment, and availability of 35 millimeter to roll on old projectors was dwindling. The business had no choice but to close, Rich Barnes said. Even so, closing the theater set in motion a series of events that would result in Todd and Rich Barnes resuming ownership of the business in addition to becoming the new owners of the 90-year-old building that houses it.
Prior to its closing, Rich managed the business with his daughter, Jeanie Barnes, and rented the space from an absentee building owner. After the business closed, Todd Barnes jumped at an opportunity to purchase the building for $200,000 from the previous owner. He closed on the building within weeks and from there, Rich and Todd wasted no time moving forward with plans to overhaul the interior.
“We’re still trying to get the digital equipment,” Barnes explained. “We’re still required to upgrade.” But for the time being, the box office has committed to providing 35 millimeter films of new movies, if even for a short while. The Colonia has already missed two funding deadlines to acquire the mandated digital equipment. “The soonest we can get it will be in five weeks, but it all depends on if we have the money for it. It may take a little longer,” he added.
Some work has already been completed inside one of the screening areas. Plans are to continue work on the rest of the building in the coming months. Currently, construction crews are in the midst of addressing issues that spurred complaints from customers in the past, including needed repairs to the heating system and insulating sections of the building, said Rich. Some work has also been completed in the lobby area, where for the first time in years, movie tickets will be purchased at the newly restored ticket booth.
“The third theater is going to take some time though,” Rich added. Plans to restore the third screening area – the balcony of the Colonia – were drafted and approved by code enforcement more than a year ago; however, the previous building owner was reluctant to allow work to be carried out, Barnes said. The balcony has been closed off to the public for decades, but Todd and Rich said they want to “bring the theater back to its full potential.” Possibilities for the balcony include a retractable screen and a unique idea to incorporate a dining area for moviegoers.
The Colonia reopens Thursday, Nov. 15, with a showing of “Breaking Dawn – Part 2” at 10 p.m. Showings for “The Guardian” are also scheduled for Nov. 23.
“We know the theater is there for the public,” Barnes said. “We want it to keep it open for people to enjoy it.”