The Royale Cinema Lounge, located along Route 66 in Joplin, Missouri, contains a lot of things for lovers of all things vintage — VHS tapes shown on analog televisions, a jukebox, board games, puzzles and a small theater to screen films.
Joplin Globe columnist Marta Churchwell recently wrote about the venue, formerly the Bookhouse Cinema at 715 Langston Hughes-Broadway (aka Route 66).
She wrote that many things Bookhouse Cinema had still exist. But with new owners Nathan Hurley, of Joplin, and Corey Reagin and Andrew Clanton, both of Neosho, have come a few new twists:
It’s the ambiance that’s different about Royale compared with Bookhouse. The VHS tapes and analog TVs project the vintage vibes the new owners are seeking. […]
Hurley describes the lounge as a microtheater that has a $5-per-day membership allowing viewing of as many VHS films as desired. It’s $8 to view the newer releases that are screened in the theater. Movies that are being shown on the big screen aren’t advertised. Rather, people must phone the business or inquire through its Facebook page to learn what movies are showing.
This allows more freedom from copyright restrictions, Hurley said. If he advertised a movie that was showing, even one time, he’d have to get movie studio approval and pay copyright fees, he explained.
The venue stated on its website:
Royale Cinema Lounge was created to offer something unique to the Joplin community—a dedicated space to celebrate the art of cinema in a more personal, curated way. As a member, you gain access to carefully selected independent and classic films presented in a cozy, third-space atmosphere designed for meaningful connections and an appreciation of storytelling.
What makes us different:
— Private access: Our screenings and events are exclusively for members, creating a close-knit community of people who share a love for film.
— Curated Programming: We focus on showcasing timeless classics, groundbreaking independent films, and hidden gems you won’t find at a standard theater.
— Comfort and Community: With an intimate setting and a focus on fostering conversations, Royale Cinema Lounge feels more like a living room for movie lovers than a bustling megaplex.
The lounge opens at 3:30 p.m. daily with the first film showing in the theater at 4 p.m. There are 8 p.m. shows Sunday through Thursday, midnight screenings on Friday, and 10 p.m. shows on Saturday.
The venue also will hold a soft opening for an outdoor theater in April, with outdoor screenings on Thursday nights.
(Images from inside the Royale Cinema Lounge in Joplin, Missouri, via Facebook)