Entertainer gets a makeover
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RONAN – For approximately three decades movie lovers have settled into the big, comfy chairs at the Entertainer Theater in Ronan, so when the facility underwent an upgrade in mid-February, management knew that finding something as close to the classic chairs was a must.
The theater had its floors painted and 90 new seats installed last month.
“A lot of people came here just for the old seats,” Manager Rob McGreevey said.
The new seats are rocker/recliner style.
“It’s as close as we could get to the old ones,” McGreevey said. “They went for a wider, little bit taller, overall bigger seat for more comfort, and they widened the aisles and the space in between the seats so if it’s a bigger show it’s easier to get by somebody.”
Sherry Cummings was at the Entertainer with her husband Mark on Saturday. She remembers when the last set of seats were installed, and said she was glad the theater kept the large, comfy style.
“I do like to come here because the seats are big and comfortable,” Sherry Cummings said.
The couple likes to sit close to the screen, which became increasingly difficult as the old seats in the front row deteriorated.
“It was nice to sit near the front again,” Mark Cummings said.
Additional wheelchair seating was also added in the back of the theater with a reserved seat for a companion. That brings the number of wheelchair spots up to four.
The improvements are the latest of Polson Theatres Inc., which owns 11 theaters across Montana and Idaho. All theaters received new projectors and sound systems in recent years.
The high-tech upgrades are met with a small hometown feel, a familiar snack bar, and fresh popped popcorn. Shows begin at 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday. A 2 p.m. matinee is held Saturday and Sundays in addition to regular show times. After 96 years in business, the theater recently began accepting credit and debit cards.
“It’s nice to see the local theater investing their money in infrastructure,” Entertainer regular Rich Janssen, Jr. said. “It makes it a lot more comfortable so you don’t have to drive to Missoula.”
The price of a $8.25 general admission and $5.25 matinee is also much cheaper than theaters in Missoula and Kalispell, McGreevey said.
