Apr 23 2009

Strand Theatre Weekly Email: April 24, 2009

Published by David at 7:54 pm under Weekly Emails

Did you notice the windows are slowly getting their final color?  Unfortunately we have had too many windy days for much work to be accomplished.  Every time Steve has gotten up on the marquee to do painting, the wind kicks up.   Maybe he has something to do with that?  Who knows, but it is getting finished.   The windows have made the single largest impact to the look of the outside of our theatre yet.   Work is proceeding not only on the outside, but on the inside as well.  We believe that having good looking windows don’t do us any good if you can’t see into something equally detailed.  The middle office is almost completed, and work is proceeding on the north and south offices.   The job for now is removal of wallpaper.  Steve and his crew are getting it done slowly but surely.  We are being very careful not to damage the plaster as we go.   That concept doesn’t hold true for the ceilings.  They will meet their demise as we will take the plaster and the lathe completely off.  This will allow us to get electricity and insulation in these vital areas.   The offices are just like very other job in the Strand project…slow and dirty!
 
While this is going on, Gordon is in the new dressing area in the basement.  When it came to painting, Gordon said he would just "take care of it."  That he did.  The area now sports a 4 color paint job that matches the rest of the theatre!  It looks fantastic.  We will be ready for the next program that requires a changing area.  
 
Last Saturday we had a work session.  This was the first in over a year.   A small but might crew assembled to get things done.  By the end of the session, we had successfully moved and racked all our Strand items.  We also moved and racked 2 complete theatre pipe organs.   Thank you to Cody, Steve, Don, Gordon, Terry & Bob S. for all the hard work.   This weekend we have been informed by the mechanical department (Bob) that it is time to get the A/C ready.   Bob S. will be going on the roof at 10:00 am Saturday to get our units ready for summer.   He could use a helper or two.  Bob thinks we will need the A/C Saturday night.  After this crazy weather week, I hope he is right.
 
*** This weekend is bringing quite a treat to the Strand.   We have the Blue River Community Choir and the Dixie Kats Dixieland Band on the schedule for Saturday night.  Unlike before, the BRCC has prepared a variety show this time.  To our surprise their director (and Strand Newsletter Editor) Cindy L. came to the theatre with all sorts of goodies.  Special scenery, special equipment…special everything.  I haven’t seen the rehearsals, but I know it will be great.   The Dixie Kats are coming off the very successful Lincoln Day Dinner gig.   They will give you a reason to tap your feet.  PLEASE come and support this wonderful concert.  Tickets are $5 with all proceeds coming directly to the Strand.  Strand is able to survive because of talented musicians like those taking the stage this Saturday.   We look forward to seeing you there.  As always our 60 year old Cretor popcorn popper will be chugging away.   Come enjoy a great evening at the Strand.
 
As I discussed last week, our films are looming on the horizon (I would call May 1st looming at this point).    Our film committee has done a great job in balancing the films that are available, the films that are entertaining and most importantly the films we can afford.   You see, we just can’t so any movie we would like.  We must be able to obtain the theatrical rights to a film.  For this we have to pay money.   Some films are public domain and are free to show.  Unfortunately few fall into that category.   We are showing the Fred Astaire classic "Royal Wedding". (warning, non technical tech talk ahead)  It is a public domain film.  The film is, but the music isn’t. It is still protected by the estate of Allan Jay Lerner the composer.  That music is part of the EMI managed catalog.  The EMI catalog for this is licensed by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers…ASCAP.    Fortunately the Strand has an ASCAP site license.  So when we show Royal Wedding, we do not pay for film distribution, but we do pay ASCAP for music rights.   This is what makes the Strand challenging (and fun).   As always we strive to do things right. 
 
Drum roll if you please…..
 


Date  Day Time  Title  Rating Year
5/1/2009 Friday 7:30 PM Who Framed Roger Rabbit PG 1988
5/2/2009 Saturday 11:00 PM A Boy and His Dog R 1974
5/3/2009 Sunday 1:30 PM A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court G 1949
5/6/2009 Wednesday 7:00 PM Royal Wedding G 1951
5/9/2009 Friday 11:00 PM Dark Star PG 1974
5/16/2009 Saturday 11:00 PM Rock and Rule PG 1983
5/17/2009 Sunday 1:30 PM Africa Screams (Abbott & Costello) G 1949
5/20/2009 Wednesday 7:00 PM Til the Clouds Roll By (Judy Garland) G 1946
5/22/2009 Friday 7:30 PM Caddyshack R 1980
5/23/2009 Saturday 11:00 PM Dracula and His Vampire Bride PG 1978
5/29/2009 Friday 7:30 PM Cry of the Winged Serpent R 2006
5/30/2009 Saturday 11:00 PM Suspiria R 1977
5/31/2009 Sunday 1:30 PM Ma & Pa Kettle at the Fair G 1952
 
wow…our film committee has been busy.  As you can tell we have smoothing for everyone.  You might notice the 11:00 PM Saturday movie.  These are fun movies that have a loyal following.  It will be great to see them on a big screen.   As for me, I look forward to them all.   All movies are $5, $4 kids (11 & under) and seniors (55 & older).   Guess what, if you want to get in free we can do that too….just come volunteer!  We can use the help.  
 
Thanks for all your support.  Each and every day one of us gets a positive comment about the Strand.  We are true to our mission and dedicated to make a difference in our community.   Hope to see you Saturday night!

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