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Couple has 'Grand' plans for theater

By Mike Christopherson, Managing Editor
Crookston Daily Times

July 21, 2005 - The Crookston Development Authority on Wednesday enthusiastically approved a $70,000 loan to Bob and Jan Moore of Fosston that will help them purchase the Grand Theater from the Jeff and Jeannie Hiller family.

Bob and Jan Moore hope to close the deal on their
purchase of the Grand Theater in a couple weeks.
(Mike Christopherson, Photographer)

In an interview after the CDA meeting, the Moores estimated that the deal should be closed in a couple weeks. After that, the couple has huge plans for the theater, some of which will go into effect immediately, and others that will take several months.

The primary immediate plan involves showing four shows per day, every day, including matinees. Ticket prices for all people, whether they're a child or adult, will be $3 for matinees and $4.50 for evening shows.

"Having the same ticket prices just makes things move faster and gets people into the theater more quickly," Jan said.

Even if only one person shows up for a matinee, she said the show will go on. The 4 p.m. show at the Fosston theater - the couple owns that theater as well as the one in Blackduck - averages about 40 to 50 people, she said.

"We believe this is a large enough market to warrant four shows a day," Jan added.

In addition, the theater will feature many "special" days for senior citizens, schools and other groups.

The couple said their low ticket prices lure people from surrounding communities. The Blackduck theater is a popular attraction for Bemidji residents, Jan said.

Other renovations that will commence in September include:

The Moores will close the main, historic auditorium for renovations. In the meantime they will continue showing films in the second auditorium.

"You can't believe the renovations we're going to do," Bob said.

The remodeling will encompass a combining of the ticket counter and a new, four-station concession stand, where Jan said the prices are typically lower than most multiplexes. Neon lighting will be added to the marquee out front, too.

In the main auditorium, stadium seating with cup holders and a capacity of approximately 350 people will be added and the balcony will be removed. Bob said the state fire marshal doesn't want the balcony used because the slope of the seating is too steep and the protective railing in front is too low. Removing the balcony will give moviegoers a chance to see the historic auditorium in all its glory, Bob said.

Dolby Digital surround sound will also be installed, with a massive sub-bass that Bob said, can knock a pop can over from six inches away.

In addition, new bathrooms will be built, and handicapped accessibility will be enhanced. The heating system will be improved and the whole facility will get new insulation for improved efficiency, Bob said. A new, larger screen will be installed, 20 x 35 feet, to be exact.

Preserving history

The Moores are well aware that there is some concern in the community that the historic integrity of the theater be preserved. They said they have no intention of sacrificing its historical significance during the renovation process. In fact, Bob said, they're hoping that someone will provide to them photos from inside the theater from the early 1900s so they can most accurately renovate the old box seats, featuring wooden seats, on the main auditorium's walls. The seats won't be used by current moviegoers but, instead, the Moores will place mannequins dressed in clothes from the early 1900s in the historic seats.

"When it comes to history, we have to find the proper blend. We want to bring back its history and make it as elegant as possible," Bob explained. "It will be modern, nice, beautiful and historical."

To further illustrate their interest in the Grand Theater's historical significance, the Moores said they are purposely leaving the second auditorium open during the renovations so the theater can maintain its status as the longest, continuously running movie theater in the nation.

Removing the balcony is about preserving history, too, Bob added.

"With the balcony there, you can't really see the theater in all its awesomeness," he said. "With the stadium seating, you'll see everything in its grandness."

Generating excitement

The Moores said they've heard from many excited people as word has spread about their plans for the Grand Theater. They believe between now and November - when they hope to unveil the finished product - the excitement will only build.

"People are nowhere as excited now as they will be," Bob said. "We want to build a fever; we want people bursting at the seams until we get everyone finished and open it up. We really want to wow everyone."

There's so much space behind the screen in the main auditorium that the Moores aren't ruling out adding a third screen. But they're quick to add such plans are only talk at this point, and way down the road.

Their son, Brian, will manage the theater and his family will be moving to Crookston.

Kari Thompson, executive director of the CDA, said Wednesday that board members were "really fired up" by the Moores' presentation. Mayor Don Osborne made the motion to approve the loan, she added.

"They (the Moores) are so enthused; they've been a lot of fun to work with," Thompson said. "I think it's just great. We're not only retaining a business but we're adding employees and making our theater more grand."