Sun Theater Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

by Jean Issler

The Sun Theater owners recently celebrated their fifth anniversary of owning the historic building in downtown Holdrege. They marked the occasion by installing new flooring in the lobby and concession area.

Theater manager Suzy McConnell marks the history with the movies that were playing. Five years ago, pre-remodeling phase, Marley and Me played while part of the audience sat in four rows of what was left of the original seats. The remaining rows of seats were folding chairs.

The first movie shown after the installation of the new digital projector and sound system was Star Trek, which McConnell said was a good tryout for the new sound system. 

McConnell has been involved with the Sun for most of her life. Being a native of Holdrege, she said she spent many hours at the movies. She also stopped by just to get popcorn.

She noticed when the Sun started to have financial problems and was among those who did some fundraising to help out. McConnell said she as thrilled when Holdrege investors Phil Hinrichs, Dan Powers, John Williams, and Dr. Doug Hohman bought the theater.

Her dedication to the theater no doubt caught the attention of owners. They asked her to manage the theater. Although she works fulltime at Becton Dickinson, McConnell said she loves it and call the Sun her "for fun job."

The owners invested about $250,000 in renovating the building and installing digital projection and sound equipment. McConnell said they invested in the business as a service to the community, but the bills still need to be paid.

A lot of the business of a theater depends on the movies that are offered but getting them booked can be complicated. Getting first-run, opening titles requires that the movie be shown for two or three weeks, according to McConnell. That does not work well for Holdrege where there is only one screen.

The movie company takes 35% to 70% of ticket sales. This varies for each movie, but the rental price for a movie is paid based on how many people attend so it is a bit of a gamble for the theater.

Popcorn is an important element of the theater experience and free popcorn is always appreciated. The theater started out having a free popcorn night, but the cost was prohibitive. However, frequently a sponsor provides the fee of $250 to provide popcorn to one night's moviegoers.

McConnell said a free popcorn night is coming up soon when the movie will be Heaven is for Real. The popcorn is grown locally, near Grand Island. Preferred Popcorn of Chapman is the supplier.

Summer hours will start at the end of this month. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, movies run Friday through Monday plus Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. The rest of the year, the Sun is open Friday through Monday. In the fall and winter, there is usually a 2:00 matinee on Sundays.

The Sun can be booked for birthdays and other special events. Even a wedding has been held there.

The owners and manager of the Sun want everyone to know that they appreciate the support of the community. They have worked hard to save the Sun and keep it alive, and they are happy that there are so many in the community who support the theater through patronage, buying screen ads, and sponsoring free popcorn nights and free movies for kids at Christmas time.

The Sun Theater features at www.holdregesun.com on the web and specials are posted on Facebook at "Holdrege Sun." The theater is located at 421 West Avenue and their phone is 308-995-8201. Ticket prices are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under 12.