The historic Star Theater in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia will open tomorrow Friday January 15, 2021 for the first time in over ten months.
The Star will be showing the 2020 comedy slasher movie Freaky starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton.
Doors will open at 7:30 pm for an 8:00 pm showing.
According to the Star Theater’s website, feature movies will be shown Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights ($6 admission, $5.50 for children aged 3 to 11).
There will also be two matinees on Saturday and two matinees on Sunday ($5 admission, $4.50 for children aged 3 to 11.) This weekend the matinee will be The Croods 2.
Monday night is Indie Film Night ($4.50 admission).
Tuesday night is Classic Cinema Night ($4.50 admission).
Thursday night is live performance ($10 admission).
And if you live in Morgan County, you can join the 1928 Club online and get a 50 cent piece at every admission.
As for opening during a pandemic, the Star Theater owners are going for it.
“Individuals must make their own decisions about risk and reward regarding this pandemic, and we are choosing to open the theatre,” they write. “We are walking the line between infection control and our human need for social connection. After you read our protocols, you may or may not agree that the theatre experience is a reward worth any risk at all. However, if our safety measures meet your personal requirements for minimizing risk, then we are overjoyed to welcome you back to the movies.”
And the protocols?
“In order to offer the safest theatre experience possible, we have reduced the maximum capacity of the theater down from 275 to a maximum of 66. Each reserved group of seats is more than 8 feet from others. Bubble up, people.”
Because of the limited number of seats available, the Star Theater encourages people to buy their tickets in advance online.
What about masks and snacks?
“Come early and snack responsibly. Mask-up when the feature film is playing.”
“Please help us all keep safe. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. This is when snacks will be served and may be consumed. Then, for the remainder of time you’re in the theatre, masks are required. Drinks are served with straws so that you may slide your straw up under your properly fitting mask to sip during the movies.”
“And, parents, this goes for children, too. If your child is not a perfect little masker, please wait to come to the movies until we can relax our protocols.”
May I come in without a mask?
No, you may not.
“Not only is this a West Virginia mandate, but we consider it a kindness to those whose personal vulnerabilities you cannot know. You must wear it properly the entire time you’re here. We will have masks available for purchase if you arrive without one. You will not be allowed to enter the theater building without one, and refunds of online purchases, including concessions, will not be issued if you refuse to wear it and wear it properly. If you cannot wear a mask for personal health reasons, then we will see you when this is all over. Thank you for your understanding and patience.”
The Star Theater got its license to open from the Morgan County Health Department.
So, if you dare to tomorrow night – get Freaky.