After going dark for the past 18 months, the Somerville Theatre has reopened, featuring a newly renovated interior.

By Fernando Cervantes Jr.

On September 17, the Somerville Theatre’s Instagram website released a new post with the caption, “Did you miss us? We’re back! Starting today we’re showing LAST NIGHT IN ROZZIE, PIG, and CRY MACHO.”

After closing on March 15, 2020 more than 18 months ago, the theater opened its door for their first screenings since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The theater first opened in May of 1914 has been in operation for 107 years.

Creative Director for the Somerville Theatre, Ian Judge, remarked on how the COVID pandemic affected the theater for the past 18 months. “COVID was devastating to cinemas and event venues, and we were no exception. All staff, including myself, were furloughed for over a year,” Judge said.

Judge has a special connection to the theater itself. “I have been running the theater for 19 years. I grew up down the street so I have been going here a lot longer!” Judge said.

The Somerville Theatre underwent renovations during the time that it was closed. Judge gave more details of the changes. “However, we made the very best of being closed for so long and made a great deal of improvements to the space – new lobby finishes, spruced up restrooms, and a 4K laser projector in our main theater. Plus, most notably, the second floor of the building, which was converted to two cinemas in the 90’s, was renovated to bring back the old Crystal Ballroom, which is what that area was originally used for back in its heyday. That space will open in October.”

These changes have given a boost to the spirits of everyone at the Somerville Theatre, Judge being one of them. “Cautiously optimistic. It has been truly great to see so many regular customers come through the doors, and all of them have been enthusiastic about the renovations we have undertaken.  Certainly, the interior has never looked so good, so that gives us all a good feeling,” Judge said.

The Somerville Theatre currently requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours in order to accept admission. More information and tickets can be found on the theater’s website: https://somervilletheatre.com.