The Monarch Theatre will reopen this weekend and feature Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. (Photo Courtesy of Bob Schneider)

By Chris Brown

Showing three classic films

Monarch Theatre coming back with The Empire Strikes Back

Jul 7, 2020 | 4:33 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The historic Monarch Theatre is turning back the clock as it prepares for its post-pandemic future.

The marquee at the downtown landmark shows The Empire Strikes Back will be playing this weekend as the theatre screen lights up for the first time since March.

“That was the only Star Wars original one that Disney’s released so I had to go with the second one or one of the newer ones, which I prefer the older ones,” said Monarch manager and CCDA operations manager Robin Anton.

On July 15-17 the theatre will screen E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and on July 18 and 19 will feature Jaws.

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Anton says the post announcing the first movie was met with plenty of positive reaction and those classics from the 1970s and ’80 remain popular.

“I get reports from our booking agent and surprisingly they’re doing well,” he said, of recent box office statistics.

The theatre will of course adhere to public health guidelines.

Anton says the theatre has more than 400 seats but capacity at the shows will be limited to 100. Every second row of seats will be blocked off and groups will have to leave three seats between them. Other safety measures such as physical distance markings, available hand sanitizer, and faceshields and gloves for staff will also be in place.

Anton says more movies will be coming to the Monarch this summer if all goes well and there are no major issues over the next week.

Note: This story has been updated to correct the dates of the shows.