MEDICINE HAT, AB- The iconic Monarch Theatre has been closed since June but it will open its doors this Saturday to mark its 110th birthday.
The Society of the Friends of the Monarch Theatre will be hosting the birthday bash from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m on Dec. 18.
The movies Elf and Miracle on 34th Street will be playing, along with cartoons. Cake and pop will also be available to mark the occasion.
Judy Morris, a founding member of the Society of Friends of the Monarch Theatre, said over the years, the theatre has served as an important entertainment hub in the community.
” There was live entertainment, and there were silent films, and back then the silent films were over three or four minutes. They weren’t long at all,” she said
The future of the historic theatre has been up in the air for a while ever since the City Centre Development Agency disbanded, and the city took it over. But Morris said the society wants to see the theatre reopen for good, and they are willing to do whatever they can to pitch in.
” We are very anxious to see the theatre remain open. As far as the equipment and everything else, there is no reason for it not to be open. The Friends of the Monarch have volunteers, and we encourage people to come forward to me if they wish to be a volunteer and to help the theatre keep going until a decision is made with the city,” Morris said
The Monarch Theatre is believed to be one of the oldest theatres in Alberta and the country, according to Morris and she believes it is in good condition to keep running for years to come.
The future of the Monarch Theatre will be discussed at the next council meeting on December 20.
