by David Chapman
Staff Writer
What’s old is now new again.
After years operating as Club 5 and many more before as a historic movie house, the building at 1028 Park St. in Riverside is getting back to its roots — as 5 Points Theatre, a name it once went by in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s.
“It’s still a work in progress,” said Jack Shad, building manager, “but it’s definitely come a long way and we’re all really excited about the direction things are going.”
Shad, along with Theatre Manager Pete Mosely, is spearheading the project and opened the venue’s doors in early October with a two-week showing of “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.”
Before the opening, though, it took much renovation and revamping of the facility to get it movie ready.
“It’s been harder than I thought it would be,” admitted Shad, “but we’ve had a blast doing it. It’s a cool job and not your normal nine-to-five job.”
A new projector, speakers, sound system, popcorn machine and other various concession items were purchased. The revamping of the open lobby next to the concession stand is one of the next items the two will be tackling.
“We’re working on it,” said Shad. “You can tell it’s a bunch of guys who are doing the decorating, though.”
Mosely said he wants to see the old-school lobby become a celebrated feature.
“It’s a place where people can just gather before a movie and hang out,” said Mosely. “We want it to be ‘the’ spot where people can just relax and have a beer.”
Yes, beer — six on tap — along with a selection of Chilean wines, all of which Shad said is a strong selling point to a lot of thirsty moviegoers.
“Certain movies just seem to go better with a beer,” he said, laughing. “Especially some of the action ones.”
Both Shad and Mosely have a litany of things they’re trying to incorporate into the theater — a larger menu, midnight movies, hosting civic functions — but for now they’re getting the word out that movies are back at 5 Points.
“Come on out and see us,” said Mosely.
For more information on 5 Points Theatre, go to www.5pointstheatre.com.
356-2466