The reopening of the San Juan Capistrano Movie Theatre in the City’s Historic District at the Train Depot has been a ten year process which includes a long list of hurdles and disappointments, between the time Edwards Theaters closed it in 2000 and the new Grand Opening as Regency Theatres’ Jewel this Friday, 05.07.10. But through every stage, even the ones that didn’t work out, it has been a labor of love for all those who believed in it and have worked on it. There seems to be a seed of magic that implants itself in the heart of those who have been part of the dream to reopen her.
Owners of the Franciscan Plaza and theater property Alberto Mobrici and Fabio Russo have been through two separate theater leasers and more than several design versions over the past 5 years along with architect Tim Algier who has been with the project and its ups and downs through the past 6 years. So all were thrilled to have Lyndon Golin of Regency Theatres catch the dream a year ago and make it a reality. There have been more than 5 revisions of the theatre marquee alone, to satisfy City Design Regulations and the preferences of all in involved, as well as the concept for the VIP Theatre.
Photo 1 -Regency Owner Lyndon Golin with Franciscan Plaza Owner Alberto Mobrici and Photo 2 – With Architect Tim Algier in Rick’s Café
Theater owner Lyndon Golin and project architect Tim Algier spent many hours on the details for the theater as a whole, but especially for Rick’s Café, inspired by the movie Casablanca which will be playing for Wednesday’s ‘VIP Invitation Only’ Pre-Opening Event, and on the VIP Theatre which will include food and beverage in-seat service and high back over-stuffed leather seats; perfect for a special occasion or date night. Stepping into the Regency San Juan Capistrano Theater is like stepping into a scene right out of the classic film CASABLANCA, with its Moroccan motif and Rick’s Café, including a beer and wine bar with a complete restaurant menu, which is open to patrons, even if you are not attending a movie.
Photo 1 – Entrance to VIP Theatre… Photo 2 – Moroccan Theme Throughout… Photo 3 – Entrance to Rick’s Café
Regency’s SJC Theatre will play first-run commercial films with state-of-the-art Dolby Digital Sound and will also offer films in 3D. The theater boasts a total of four auditoriums with stadium-seating including the VIP auditorium featuring reserved seating, high-back leather chairs and in-seat dining.
While watching movies at the Regency San Juan Capistrano Theatre, in addition to food and drink from Rick’s Café, the theater will also offer concession stand favorites including fresh hot popcorn with real butter, ice cold Pepsi products and world-famous Eisenberg Hot Dogs.
There are many people, both present and former contributors to his project in all stages, as well as at the City of San Juan Building Department that have a personal investment in this project and each has more than one interesting story to tell. Perhaps an interesting book for the future? There are also many San Juan Capistrano residents who have been cheerleaders for this project who will hopefully attend Friday’s Grand Opening and will then support this long awaited addition to their city.
Celebrating a job well done after walk-thru… just a little clean-up left…
Friday’s Grand Opening and Wednesday’s VIP Event will be quite an affair including a red carpet and search lights, plus the new Iron Man 2 movie will premiere on Friday. And word has it that there may be some visitors heading down to ‘old San Juan’ on the train from Hollywood? Hope to see you there on Friday and in the future.
By Marion Algier – Photos by the UCLA Shutterbug
The Capistrano Insider came across a an old cartoon that features the swallows returning to the mission: Swallow the Leader. They suggested that maybe the new Regency theater might add it to their screen next March, when the Swallows make their yearly return again…
New Cinema Signals Change for Downtown San Juan
