A New Second-Run Theater

By: Mr. Wilson on March 27, 2007
Now that Star Ship 9 is little more than a pink memory, many Lincolnites are bummed that there isn't a second-run theater option in Downtown. That will change soon, with the renovation of the State Theater on O Street. The theater is being converted into a sort of "theater pub" that, in addition to second-run movies, will also offer appetizers and drinks. Patrons will sit in loveseats or at tables. I figured something was going on at The State because it seemed as though there had been an uptick in activity lately. This is much better news than I expected. It will be fun to see how Lincolnites take to the concept. I know I'm in.

Comments

See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.

foxspit
March 27, 2007 at 1:12PM

I noticed last week that it was no longer “for lease.”  I’m sure the signs had been down for quite some time, but I only noticed it last week.

This is good news and I think the niche that the Starship filled will be lucrative for them.

beerorkid
March 27, 2007 at 1:28PM

I am pretty cited.

I think the Rococo got busted for playing DVD’s and not paying the fee’s.  Figure these folk are gonna do it right.

brew and a view.

Neal
March 27, 2007 at 1:47PM

I’m especially excited that this guy came from Portland. The McMenamins have done an amazing job with the pub/theaters there and the State is so perfect for a setup like that. So he’s at least going to model this on the best.

Dave K
March 27, 2007 at 1:52PM

This is a great idea, though it won’t fill the void left by the Starship.  The biggest outcry when the Starship closed was from families and students who can’t afford to go to regular-priced movies.  I don’t see those families and students going to this theatre-pub for that need.  Besides, the one movie they show will most certainly not be family-oriented. 


I’m happy that the dead space on O Street will finally be filled.

Karin
March 27, 2007 at 2:01PM

Neato! I can’t wait!

It’s true that this won’t replace the Starship though. Hopefully there will be another 2nd run theatre with multiple screens sometimes….

Neal
March 27, 2007 at 2:32PM

I completely agree on the “won’t replace Starship” front. I’m kind of surprised that the new occupant felt like they’d be competing. I would think both could co-exist…choosing between a $2 theater that shows 3 month old movies and a more expensive pub-theater that shows 10 year old movies seems about like choosing between the Starship and the zoo.

mo_feezy
March 27, 2007 at 2:43PM

Interesting, i’ve been suggesting this for a while, but not to anyone with any sort of desire to do so. I actually suggested that Yia Yias bought it and ran old films while serving beers and pizza, but I guess this will do for now.

Mr. Wilson
March 27, 2007 at 7:48PM

Wow, even the LJS commenters are bubbly about the new theater—almost unanimously so. That’s darn near unheard of.

Mrs CU
March 27, 2007 at 8:48PM

Agree it won’t replace star ship or show family oriented movies.  Maybe they’ll consider family oriented during the day on Saturday (maybe til 6pm) and all day on Sunday.  Compromise is a good thing.

Moses
March 28, 2007 at 8:21PM

If McMennamins is involved they won’t be ten year old movies.  Having spent the last eight years in Portland I can tell you that their many theater pubs are playing movies that are not yet on DVD.  They also play classics but the quality is very good.

Neal
March 28, 2007 at 8:32PM

I don’t think McMenamins is involved - I was just saying that if these folks base their theater on the way those operate, it should be done very well.

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