The community’s love for Renfrew’s historic O’Brien Theatre is unlike anything that experienced theatre owner Murray Adolph had ever seen when he first bought and reopened it back in 1993.
We caught up with him as part of Small Business Week as he recounts the love and support he received as he renovated the then-long-closed theatre and the many people who waited at the door on opening night.
Ever since, downtown theatre has continued to provide moviegoers with everything from big-budget blockbusters to the more artsy offerings.
But, outside of the cultural significance of the building, what’s been the key to keeping Renfrew residents coming back for each premiere?
As movie streaming options have become available, the O’Brien Theatre has stood its ground in the battle for local movie watchers attention.
Murray says that comes down to an experience you just can’t replicate at home.
The theatre is also a popular location for younger job seekers, who lend a hand in keeping an eye on which of the movies at any given time should get the green light to air. Murray says that it’s not uncommon for family members to meet up with each other at the ticket counter, helping to deepen that unique bond Renfrew has with the theatre.
(written by Kasey Egan)