The Warrenton Cinema is closing indefinitely, managers announced last Friday, citing the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the theater industry.
“COVID has claimed another …
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The Warrenton Cinema is closing indefinitely, managers announced last Friday, citing the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the theater industry.
“COVID has claimed another victim, and we are mothballing the theater until Hollywood starts releasing new films in abundance, until people feel more free to move about, and until we can re-invent ourselves with new concepts and new investors,” said Eric Gubelman with Eagle Theater Management in a statement on the Warrenton Cinema Facebook page.
Gubelman said the theater has lost 80 percent of its revenue since the arrival of the virus.
Theaters across the country have been struggling with low turnout during the pandemic, according to multiple national news agencies. The struggle is worsened in part by Hollywood studios either delaying the release of major films or deploying them directly to online streaming services.
For any customers who hold gift cards for the Warrenton Cinema, Gubelman could only say that they would be honored if Eagle Theater Management is still part of the operation when the theater reopens.
No timeline was provided for when Warrenton Cinema might once again start showing films, although Gubelman expressed optimism that a new business model could bring the theater back post-COVID.
“We see the movie theater of the (near) future as being an entertainment center where you can book a private show, see a movie outside or inside, enjoy great food and adult beverages, and indulge in some ax throwing, escape rooms, and virtual reality experiences,” Gubelman said in his statement.
Gubelman added that the theater is developing an ambitious, $2.5 million plan for a future re-invention of its services. He indicated one of the hoped-for improvements might be outdoor screenings using the open field behind the theater. The field is owned by the city of Warrenton.
Warrenton city officials said they couldn’t provide additional information about the topic, other than to say they plan to schedule a meeting with the theater’s management.
Eagle Theater Management has been operating the Warrenton Cinema since being brought in to run the facility in 2017 by owners Russell and David Demien.
