On Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13, The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown will present Frank Capra’s 1946 film classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart and Donna Reed.
One of the most loved Christmas films of all time, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is about an angel helping a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he never existed. The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown will be opening this film up to the public for viewing, free of charge, as a way for the theatre to give back to the community.
This movie showing is bittersweet for The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown, as it will be the last movie that the theatre will be able to show to the public on 35mm film, as movie studios are forcing Hollywood to abandon film to go to digital technology.
“Movie companies have pushed to go to digital because, with it, you can simply download and stream movies from online and there is a minimal cost to produce, ship, and replace film,” explains Kevin Rhude, owner of The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown. “The cost for the theatre to upgrade to digital technology and keep up with the changing movie industry will be approximately $100,000 per screen. Along with the theatre needing many other interior renovations and refurbishing, our goal right now is to save The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown from the wrecking ball and save a piece of local history with forward thinking.”
In order to continue to thrive, The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown has transitioned into hosting several live performances – such as concerts, theatrical plays, dance performances, musical productions, and community events – to its ongoing calendar of local entertainment. Rhude expresses that his drive for keeping the theatre alive is simply to support the Boyertown community.
“The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown is a piece of history that, over its past 102 years of existence, has kept the community closely knitted together. It attracts patrons to our town, supports other local restaurants and businesses that partner alongside the theatre, and continues to help build Boyertown into a Destination Point for travelers. This project is too big for me. With God’s guidance and blessings and with the support of our community and loyal patrons, we can hope to continue to provide safe, local, and affordable entertainment to those in the local area,” said Rhude.
A jar will be available for donations at each movie showing, for anyone who is able and would like to help support The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown and assist with the expenses needed to keep the theatre thriving for the enjoyment of future generations to come.
The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown is located at 61 N. Reading Avenue in Boyertown. Movie showtimes for both Friday and Saturday are at 7 p.m.; doors will open to the public at 6:30 p.m. Both movie showings are opened to the public and free of charge.
