The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
I can vividly recall the excitement in the air when the Hapnot Theatre opened in the spring of 2001. "Finally," so many people seemed to say, "Flin Flon would again have its own movie theatre." Much of that enthusiasm has subsided five-and-a-half years later. With the theatre's future in question amid disappointing attendance, we as a community have an important decision to make. Do we want a movie theatre? Do we want the option of going to the movies year-round instead of just the summer months? Are we prepared to bid farewell to yet another entertainment outlet? If not, then we have to put our entertainment dollars where our mouths are. Now I'm not advocating that we all mindlessly rush out to see every single piece of fluff Hollywood throws our way. You're talking to a guy still angry over wasting two hours on Batman & Robin. But maybe we need to keep the theatre more in the forefront of our minds when planning future evenings out. We must realize that this is a simple case of use it or lose it. While we're on the subject, let's address a couple of factors that may be hurting theatre attendance. One of the big "concerns" I've heard is the theatre's location. Some people seem to think that because the theatre is in a high school, they'll be thrust into a mob of unruly youths. Far from it. I know from personal experience that the theatre is a well-run ship that basically operates independent of the school. And don't worry... you won't be forced to write an algebra exam. There are others who wonder how a small theatre in Flin Flon can possibly stack up to those in the cities. It not only stacks up, it's an improvement. This isn't like a movie night in a church basement, with a small screen and an out-of-focus projector. The Hapnot Theatre is the reel deal. The seats are comfortable. The screen is theatre-size. The atmosphere is cozy, the demeanour professional and the concession top-notch. I would encourage all residents who haven't been to the theatre to try it. Don't let assumptions keep you away. Unfortunately, there is a chance we have already lost this community gem. The Flin Flon School Division, which owns the theatre, is asking for public input as it decides how to proceed. If there is poor feedback, the theatre may not reopen. If there is a good response but it doesn't translate into bums in seats, the theatre may close. Of course when all is said and done, it's possible we as a community simply don't want a movie theatre. Maybe we're content with our DVDs and cable. But if the Hapnot Theatre does in fact shut down, we will have nobody to blame but ourselves. We were given our chance. By the way, feedback may be dropped off at the school division office, 9 Terrace Ave. (Ruth Betts School), or e-mailed to [email protected]. Local Angle runs Fridays.
