RUSSELL - Dream Theatre, a cherished cultural gem in Russell, Kansas, is thrilled to announce its 75th anniversary celebration in the current building. Steeped in history and community spirit, the theater has been a source of joy and entertainment for generations.
Originally known as The Main Street Theater, the venue underwent a remarkable transformation in 1935, emerging as the iconic Dream Theatre. Despite facing adversity, including a devastating fire in 1947, the theater rose from the ashes to captivate audiences with its Art Deco charm.
Designed by renowned architects Robert O. Boller and Dietz Lusk Jr., the Dream Theatre opened its doors on Easter Sunday, April 19, 1949, with a vision to offer Russell and its surrounding community the best in motion pictures. Since then, it has remained true to its founding principles, providing imagination in recreation and offering a haven for relaxation and revitalization.
In 2000, when the theater faced closure, the resilient people of Russell rallied together to form the "Keep the Dream Alive" Committee. Led by Steve Wells, they successfully raised funds to preserve the theater's legacy, ensuring it continued to thrive as a cultural centerpiece. Today, under the guidance of the Russell Arts Council, the Dream Theatre remains a cherished institution, staffed by dedicated community volunteers.
To mark this momentous occasion, Dream Theatre invites the community to join in the celebration with four free screenings of the timeless classic, "The Wizard of Oz," in honor of its 85th anniversary. Showtimes will be held on April 19 - 21, with screenings on Friday and Saturday at 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm and 6 pm. Attendees can look forward to exciting prizes, including Oz-inspired merchandise, tickets to the Oz Museum, books, and more. Additionally, the theater will offer its Large Combo at a special price of $7.50 for the weekend, inviting all to experience the magic of cinema.
"We are delighted to commemorate 75 years of enchantment and community spirit at Dream Theatre," said Lisa Hunter, Board Member of the Russell Arts Council. "As we celebrate this milestone, we invite everyone to join us for a weekend of nostalgia, laughter, and celebration."
Don't miss this opportunity to relive the magic of "The Wizard of Oz" and create new memories at Dream Theatre. For more information and updates on the anniversary celebration, visit https://www.dreamtheater.org/ or follow us on Facebook.