Lewiston's theater strives to be affordable, family-friendly

By Megan Sonderegger

April 13, 2006 | LEWISTON -- An aging red brick building stands on Lewiston's main-street, sheltering a historical theater, one of the few city-owned theaters left in the country, where many Lewiston residents feel important memories lie.

"It's (the theater) is part of my childhood, it's a tradition for a lot of people," said Kayleen Brown, a student at Utah State University.

Rosie Williams, the manager, said the theater was built in 1930 after the Lewiston opera house burned down. She said the theater was able to celebrate its 75th anniversary last summer and continues to "draw people in because it's family-friendly and cheap."

Movie tickets are $2 each, or $10 per family on Monday nights, she said, and concessions do not exceed $1.50 which is cheap in comparison to regular movie theaters. She said the theater doesn't allow R-rated movies in order to maintain a family-oriented atmosphere and attract a larger population of residents.

"Whether or not we get good business depends on the movie we choose to show," Williams said.

She said the city struggles with raised costs on supplier products as well as low population but city officials want the theater to remain cheap for residents while running effectively so they budget funds in order to achieve their goals.

"They want to keep it open, so they budget money for it to stay open," Williams said.

Williams said she feels the theater is unique because it has historical value and is a community, family-oriented theater which is based on city support.

"I love hearing people comment about how wonderful our theater is," Williams said.

Show times for the Lewiston Theater are Mondays at 7 and Fridays and Saturdays at 7 and 9:35 p.m.

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