Local movie buffs will be able to experience the big screen once again starting on Friday, as Cinema 6 will become the first theatre in the province to reopen.
The theatres have been dark at Imagine Cinemas' Cinema 6 on Cedar Street South since Dec. 23 after the Government of Ontario's restrictions and stay-at-home orders relating to COVID-19 were made official.
With Timmins and area now in the Orange level of the province's COVID-19 response framework, the time has come to fire up the projectors and popcorn makers, albeit with certain restrictions.
“We are opening Friday. We are in orange, so for movie theatres, that means a maximum of 50 people in the building,” said cinema manager Gina Facca.
“As a result of that, we are playing two movies only.”
The two movies will be superhero action film Wonder Woman 1984 starring Gal Gadot, and News of the World, a western drama starring Tom Hanks.
“Friday night, we're only opening for the 7 p.m. show, and there will be 25 seats to each show. We're really encouraging people, if they possibly can, to buy online so that they're not disappointed. Because obviously, we are only going to be selling up to 50 seats, to make sure we're fulfilling all the requirements.”
On Saturday and Sunday, there will be three showings — at 1 p.m., at 4 p.m., and at 7 p.m., all with a 50-person maximum.
The theatre will be closed on Monday.
Facca said for the time-being, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays will be the only days of operation — but that will also really depend on the public's response.
“We'll see what happens. If we find out that we're sold out on all the shows, then we'll go back and open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. But for now, we're just going to do the weekends and Tuesdays, because honestly, we don't know what we're going to get there. It's the first theatre to re-open in Ontario.”
Inside the theatres, the 25 permitted seats will be spread out, and online purchasing will reflect that as well.
“We've physically distanced the seats, so that people are separated. They are in twos, and if a family comes in, the usher will find them seats and make sure they are separated from the other groups.”
She added some exciting news for those seeking a family-friendly flick, as next Friday (Feb. 26) will see the debut of “Tom & Jerry” – a combo of animation and live action based on the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon.
“I don't have the showtimes yet, but I think we'll probably only play 'Tom & Jerry' for the matinees on Saturday and Sunday so we can give 50 people a chance to see it at the 1 and the 4, not break it up with something else, because I think that will be the hot movie next weekend,” said Facca.
The restrooms and concession stands will be in full service for patrons.
“People will be able to get hot fresh popcorn again. We are super excited to open.”
Masks or facial coverings are still mandatory in the entire building until seated. For those with a medical condition or a religious belief preventing them from wearing a mask, a face shield must be worn. No exceptions. Patrons will be asked to sanitize their hands upon entry. Patrons are asked to use to contactless payment methods, as cash will not be accepted at this time.
“All of the information they need to provide will be gathered when they buy their tickets online, just for contact tracing and what-not, in the event that we ever needed to do that, we'll have their email address, which is sufficient,” added Facca.
“If by chance, somebody takes a chance and comes without a ticket, or if they decide they want to pick up a ticket for another day, they'll need to provide their contact information.”
Facca said some of the part-time employees who have been off since Dec. 23 will be brought back to work. She said the crew is eager but anxious ahead of Friday's re-opening.
“We're excited to welcome the folks in Timmins back to the movies. They've been huge supporters of us in the past, and we're happy to welcome them back.”
