By The Keystone Newspaper Theater’s second biggest weekend since reopening
By Lynda Feustel
After years of renovations, Kutztown’s local movie theater, The Strand, is back. From Sept. 19-21, the theatre held three showings of the 1975 British comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” in honor of the film’s 50th anniversary.
According to theater representatives, Saturday night’s 7 p.m. show marked their second biggest event since opening weekend.
“We were really excited to see the turnout tonight,” Ellen Overcast, head of the Kutztown Community Partnership, said. “We’ve been working so hard on The Strand and this is one of the biggest turnouts so far.”
Photo Credit: Lynda Feustel
The showing on Saturday night included a special promotion where anyone who showed up in costume would receive a complimentary popcorn. Patrons took up the offer, dressing as Arthurian knights, witches and even human cans of SPAM.
There was also a raffle for a deluxe DVD, a prop grail, a door mat, Monty Python sticky notes and a golden ticket lottery ticket. The Strand also partnered with Stonekeep Meadery to provide adult beverages.
The audience laughed through the movie, and on the way out, many stayed to look through the boxes of old movie posters from the theater’s history in the entryway, available for purchase with a small donation.
“The next phase is going to be the entryway,” Overcast said. “And we’ll be open for shows throughout the process, as construction allows.”
Photo Credit: Lynda Feustel
Theater representatives also announced plans for Homecoming Weekend and Halloween shows.
“We’re really excited to see the turnout from the college students,” Overcast said.
Their next show is going to be a concert by The Large Flowerheads, a 1960s and 70s tribute group on Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.