LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Kentucky Theatre is shutting down on its 98th anniversary, Sunday, October 4.
However, the closure is said to be temporary.
“I’ve been dreading this day,” said theatre manager Fred Mills.
The management group of the historic theater in downtown Lexington said it has to close because numbers are down due to the pandemic, and it's hard to obtain movies at this time.
“It’s so sad,” said Linda Crawford, who watches movies at the Kentucky Theatre every Wednesday. “I understand, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
City government will take charge of the building while the theater sits empty, according to Mills.
“They’ve assured me they’re going to take care of the building while it takes a nap,” Mills said.
The management group is eyeing a 2021 reopening date, but everything will depend on the state of the coronavirus, according to Mills.
“I hope when it reopens not only the regulars but other people will come,” said Crawford. “The theater is such a gift to this city.”
To celebrate their anniversary, the theater will have showings of "Casablanca" at 1 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Sunday. "Cool Hand Luke" will play at 3:15 p.m. There will also be live organ music.
