The Marion Theatre re-opens in a "grand" way

Jazz music echoed through the streets as people lined up to eat, drink, party and see what Downtown Ocala's newest addition has to offer.

On Wednesday, May 26, the downtown block between Broadway and Fort King Street transformed into a street party for the grand re-opening of the Marion Theatre.

The theater, which first opened in 1941, was recently purchased and re-modeled by Carmike Cinemas. This is the first time since the early 70s that the theater will be showing new movie releases.

According to Chris May, the manager of the theater, the newly installed projectors and audio equipment should be showing new movies every few weeks.

The theater hosts two separate screens, one upstairs with seating for 100 and a larger theater downstairs that seats 311.

Joan Zeller who attended the event with her daughter, Jennifer Carr, said that the new theater was wonderful.

“It is a lot bigger than I thought,” said Zeller. “I like how the cup holders are in front of you instead of on the arm rest. No fighting over cup holders!”

The event, which was sponsored by four local charities, kicked off at 6:30 p.m. Several downtown restaurants provided food and drinks, and beer and wine was served. A live jazz band performed and theater tours were held throughout the event.

Tickets were either $20 for just the block party and theater tour, or $25 for the party, tour and a screening of the original Sex and the City movie at 8 p.m.

All but $5 of either ticket price went to one of the following: United Way of Marion County, Ocala Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) and Hospice of Marion County. The remaining $5 went to the theater.

One of the attendees, Chuck LeGette, said he was happy that the theater was re-opening.

“I think this is the shot in that arm that Marion County needed to kick start the economy,” said Legette.

Hundreds turned out to celebrate the comeback of the historical theater.

According to Dr. Charles Dassance, the president of CCF, the event could benefit more than just the Marion Theatre.

“I hope it is successful,” said Dassance. “I think the potential for downtown is really good.”

After the screening of Sex and the City at 8 p.m. the event was officially over, but the theater was still open for business.

At 12 a.m. Sex and the City 2 premiered as the first new-release film to be played at the remodeled Marion Theatre.

The theater is scheduled to play the movies Sex and the City 2 and Letters to Juliet through Thursday, June 3.

Admission prices are $8.50 for regular admission and $6 for matinée showings. Seniors, students and military personnel with an active I.D. have a discounted admission of $7.