The South Orange Performing Arts Center.
The South Orange Performing Arts Center’s movie theater, which operates as an independent entity within the center, has closed, But SOPAC’s concerts and other offerings will proceed without interruption, according to a press release that also explained: “The movie theater is temporarily closing because our tenant, who operated the cinema, has ended their lease and vacated the space.”
With revenue severely impacted by the pandemic, the five-screen movie theater closed in late 2020. But it was reopened in the summer of 2021 by the Cinema Lab company.
According to the new press release, there is no confirmed timeline for the reopening: “We are in the early stages of exploring options and will keep the public informed as plans develop.”
“We view this transition as a tremendous opportunity to reimagine the cinematic offerings at SOPAC,” said Aida Jones, chair of the SOPAC board of governors, in the press release. “Our goal is to create an enhanced movie-going experience that complements our diverse array of live performances and educational programs.”
“Cinema has always been a powerful way to connect and uplift our community through shared storytelling experiences,” said SOPAC executive director Lana Rogachevskaya, in the press release. “We believe in preserving this cultural resource for South Orange and surrounding areas. We look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Cinema Lab, which is based in Montclair, currently operates movie theaters in New Canaan, Connecticut, and Cañon City, Colorado, but has abandoned its plans to reopen a theater in Bradley Beach. Cinema Lab has also attempted to reopen The Bellevue Theater in Montclair, but that theater remains closed, with its future still uncertain.
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