The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — The Masonic Amphitheatre will present the first of its series of family-oriented outdoor movies on Saturday, June 13.
“Jurassic Park” is the first of the series and will begin at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 8 p.m. to give everyone time to set up lawn chairs or blankets since social distancing will be enforced.
Family and friends who shelter together may sit in clusters with six feet between each individual or cluster. Masks are encouraged.
Concessions and restrooms will be available in the Masonic Theatre Underground and masks are required when entering the theatre. Concessions may be purchased and picked up at the Underground door so that people will not have to enter the theatre.
The movies in the outdoor series are free of charge, donations are appreciated. The summer series line-up includes:
•“Jurassic Park,” Saturday, June 13, 8 p.m.;
•“Hook,” Thursday, June 18, 8 p.m.;
•“Enchanted,” Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m.;
• “The BFG (Big Friendly Giant),” Thursday, June 25, 8 p.m.;
• “Ratatouille,” Thursday, July 2, 8 p.m.;
• “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Thursday, July 16, 8 p.m;
• “Finding Nemo,” Thursday, July 23, 8 p.m.;
• “Thor,” Thursday, Aug. 6, 8 p.m.;
• “Beauty and the Beast,” Thursday, Aug. 13, 8 p.m.;
• “The Goonies,” Thursday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.;
• “Jumanji,” Thursday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m.;
• “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m.
The Historic Masonic Theatre has been closed due to COVID-19 since March 18. During that time improvements were made to the amphitheatre which was showing signs of weather damage.
The wooden ramp to the stage has been replaced with concrete, the front of the stage has been replaced with treated wood, wrought iron railings by Glen Bryant have been installed around the platform trees, and the bench seating has been reworked with treated wood and backs installed.
Some benches have been removed so people may sit in lawn chairs closer to the stage, thanks to the work of Glen and Kathy Bryant. The amphitheatre lawn has been treated and serviced by volunteer Don Roberts.
Mowing and trimming have been implemented by volunteers Roy Wright and Ethan Hillert. The wood on the bridge connecting Clifton Forge and Church Street has been completely replaced with wood composite by volunteers Glen Bryant, Chuck Almarez and Don Roberts.
The amphitheatre grounds have seen many walkers and picnickers since the quarantine.
The Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation took a survey of theatre ticket buyers and the results indicated that 25 percent of respondents were more comfortable returning to the Masonic Amphitheatre when the state reopened, although 65 percent said it did not make a difference which they returned to first — the theatre or the amphitheatre.
With attendees’ safety the first priority, the theatre board decided opening the amphitheatre and maintaining patron’s safety would be the easiest to administer.
Once Phase 2 of the Governor’s plan for reopening has taken place, the theatre will be used as a back-up in case of inclement weather. Masks and social distance seating will be enforced inside the theatre. Until then, please check the theatre Facebook page for any announcements of movie cancellations.
“Since the 115-year-old Masonic Theatre has become the ‘heart of this community’ during the time we reopened in 2016 and now, and the amphitheatre has also been a wonderful spot to gather, the theatre toard wanted to offer the outdoor venue to the community as soon as it was safe to do so,” said Brandon Caldwell, Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation treasurer.
“We’d also like to see local bands, area churches and non-profits use the stage to entertain and educate free of charge,” Caldwell added, “Find out more by calling the theatre at (540) 862- 5655 to inquire about the details. Since we have had no revenue since we closed, we have appreciated the community’s support in the form of donations.”
For information on The Historic Masonic Theatre and Masonic Amphitheatre events, please check the theatre website at www.historicmasonictheatre.com and the Facebook page.
