Princess Theatre reopens in Lexington
[gtxvideo vid=”ZpFoZPlU” playlist=”” pid=”OTSe9U1y” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/ZpFoZPlU.jpg” vtitle=”Princess Theatre Revamped 5”]
LEXINGTON, Tenn.,– Lexington’s landmark, Princess Theatre gets a face-lift before reopening Friday night. New owners, David and Lisa Watts spent Friday with their children putting the finishing touches on the theatre. “You’re looking at 1968 when you walk in,” David Watts said. Built before World War II the Main Street movie staple still showcases decor from Hollywood’s hey day. Light fixtures and tile remain from a remodel in the 1960’s. “We didn’t change anything structurally but we came back with some newer fresher colors and a new carpet,” said David Watts. The theatre can currently accommodate around 250 people. Staff said a balcony will add an additional 60 seats once renovated. Princess has been closed for nearly two years. Suzy McElevain said she enjoyed seeing films at the big screen when she was child and looks forward to bringing her grandchildren for shows. The Watts family said they are thrilled to bring a weekly taste of Tinseltown back to Lexington. “We thought it would be something good for the community,” Lisa, a Henderson county native said. Rachel Wade owns the Gift Garden across the street from the theatre. She said the new cinema scene could bring more action for other businesses. “It’s always nice when we have something new come into town and keep more business locally,” she said. Prior to closing, Disney’s “Frozen” was the last film to roll across the big screen. The Watts family upgraded to a digital projector for modern films. Debuting “Fantastic Four” this weekend, selections will be geared toward families, according to Lisa Watts. “This is a family environment, worked by family so we hope that when people come in they’ll feel like they’re family as well,” Lisa said. From ticketing, to concessions, all of the family’s children help run the business. Friday screening times are 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday screenings run at 4:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. A 7:15 p.m. showing is listed for Sunday.
