Two historic theaters near Route 66 corridor are coming back

Historic theaters in the Route 66 towns of Winslow, Ariz., and Santa Fe, N.M., have reopened or soon will reopen, according to news reports.

The Winslow Movie Theater, known as the Rialto in downtown Winslow, held its grand opening March 29, reported the Tribune-News in Winslow. Stephen and LuAnne Hancock of nearby Joseph City recently took over operations.

The Hancocks have plans to further improve the theater. Even though they have painted the inside, reconfigured the concession stands and installed new speakers that feature surround sound, they also plan to open an ice cream shop to enhance their current offerings.

At present, the concession stands provide popcorn, barbecued pulled pork, nachos, hot dogs, cotton candy and pretzels. […]

There are no grants available at this time to continue the restoration of this historic building and purchase a new digital projector, so the Hancocks plan to hold a number of fundraisers. Soon they will be selling donation tiles, with the donor’s name printed on a tile to be used for reflooring. Another idea in the works is to hold a triathlon in the very near future.

John Sharpe, chef at La Posada’s Turquoise Room restaurant, also promoted the theater in his newsletter.

For you the visitor it offers an opportunity to see a recent movie in a Music Hall – Movie Theater that was built in the 1920s! Also keep in mind this is a single screen only.

7.00 pm screenings so an early dinner and off to the movies may be a nice option when staying with us.

We suggest 5.30 dinner reservations so you can have a leisurely dinner and then walk over to see the movie. We will have dessert ready for you when you return. This is as long as you have not eaten a bucket of popcorn. Anyway the bar will be open until 10.00pm so you have relaxed here with a nightcap before heading back to your room.

The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper reports that George R.R. Martin, who wrote the novels on which the HBO’s “Game of Thrones” is based, has bought the long-closed Jean Cocteau Cinema in the Santa Fe Railyard.

According to the owner of a hair salon in the building, Martin is “interested” in reviving the theater.

The theater is only a couple of blocks west of Route 66.

(Hat tip to John Sharpe and Jeffrey Short)

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