The Capawock Theater reopens this weekend; the Strand is close behind

The historic film institutions feature many updates, and locally sourced snacks.

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Workers finalize renovations to the Capawock this week. — Photo by Max Skjoldebrand

This weekend marks the reopening of the historic Capawock Theater in Vineyard Haven, which first opened in 1913 and has been shuttered the past several years. The Capawock will begin showing movies on Saturday, May 30, with a 6:30 pm showing of the highly acclaimed musical comedy Pitch Perfect 2. The Strand in Oak Bluffs will be open to the public for movies on June 20.

Both Vineyard film institutions are now being reopened thanks to the vision and leadership of Mark Snider and the foundation he created for this purpose, the Martha’s Vineyard Theatre Foundation.

Once open, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society (MVFS) will manage operations and programming for both theaters, as well as for the Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven.

All information about the three theaters’ program offerings will be available at the MVFS website, mvfilmsociety.com. According to a press release, MVFS membership benefits, including reduced ticket prices or free movies, will apply to the Capawock and Strand theaters as well.

The Capawock and Strand have enjoyed a thorough cleaning and updating of their sound, projection, and cooling/heating systems. Upgrades include new flooring, wall coverings, and acoustic tiles. Prolific Island muralist Margot Datz is decorating the Capawock with four mural panels of the Vineyard at the entry.

The concession stands have also been upgraded, and will offer both traditional movie munchies and locally sourced goodies from Pie Chicks and other Vineyard producers.

“When it comes to munchies, though, nothing excites me more,” said MVFS Director Richard Paradise, “than the fact we’ll be popping non-GMO popcorn with real melted butter, fresh seasonings like Parmesan cheese and Heidi Feldman’s Martha’s Vineyard Salt.” Theater manager Bob Dutton has even sourced biodegradable bags to serve the popcorn in.

Both theaters will be open daily through Columbus Day weekend, and after that for select holiday weekends. There will be two shows at each theater nightly (The Capawock: 6:30 pm and 9 pm; the Strand: 7 pm and 9:30 pm).

The Capawock and Strand will focus on presenting mainstream movies like the latest Jurassic Park film, Inside Out from Pixar, and Disney’s Ant Man, starring Paul Rudd. The plan is for the two historic theaters to complement the art-house film offerings of the year-round Film Center.

When possible, the Strand or Capawock will also offer rainy-day matinees at 1 pm with family-oriented fare; notification of matinees will be made via a telephone hotline at 508-696-9369, and also on the web at mvfilmsociety.com.

Opening-weekend movie times for the Capawock:

Pitch Perfect 2, Saturday, May 30, 6:30 pm; Sunday, May 31, 4 pm.

Good Kill, Saturday, May 30, 9 pm; Sunday May 31, 6:30 pm.