Closed for more than 20 weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a halt on new theatrical releases, Park Ridge’s Pickwick Theatre is preparing to welcome moviegoers again this weekend.
The family-owned theater will reopen its smaller, rear theaters to four films, beginning Aug. 21. The films include Christopher Nolan’s “Inception,” marking its 10-year anniversary this year; “Trolls World Tour,” which was released in March at the start of the pandemic; and two new films: “Tesla,” starring Ethan Hawke, and “Unhinged,” starring Russell Crowe.
“It’s going to be the most unique opening we’ve ever had,” said Pickwick owner Dino Vlahakis. “I don’t think the Pickwick in 90-some years has been closed for this amount of time.”
The films will be shown from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23 in theaters 2-5. Capacity will be limited to 25% of each theater, with audience members directed to social distance from others, Vlahakis said.
Due to the limits on capacity, audiences are encouraged to buy tickets online in advance at www.pickwicktheatre.com.
“I’m excited. It’s great to be back,” said Vlahakis, whose family has owned the 92-year-old Art Deco theater since 1967. “I think people want movies too. During our popcorn pick-up days, people are asking, ‘When are you opening?’ And now we can say we’re opening this Friday.”
After closing in mid-March following Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, which temporarily shuttered businesses deemed non-essential, the Pickwick turned to curbside sales of popcorn and renting out space on the front marquee for birthday, graduation and other personal messages.
Despite plans to reopen in July, the theater remained closed due to a lack of new movie releases, Vlahakis said.
“We need new films,” he said.
This week, staff were being trained in cleaning procedures and safely greeting customers, Vlahakis explained. The theaters will be sanitized between films with a spray mist and there will be a one-hour gap between showtimes, he said.
Concession stands will be open, but refills on drinks will not be offered.
Masks will be required while exiting and entering the theaters, and moviegoers are encouraged to wear them during the films when not eating or drinking, Vlahakis said.
The main theater will not reopen until Sept. 3 when “Tenet,” postponed multiple times this summer, is anticipated to release, he said.
“We’re going to have the theater in good shape,” Vlahakis said. “We’re excited and I hope the people are too.”
Twitter: @Jen_Tribune
