Arnprior’s treasured O’Brien Theatre is about to get a facelift.
The theatre will be closed for a week, from Friday, Feb. 2 to Friday, Feb. 9 for some exciting renovations.
Owner Kevin Marshall says the changes include new seats in the main downstairs theatre.
The seat count is being reduced from 298 to around 240, with cupholders and more leg room.
Because of last year’s writers’ and actors’ strike, movies that were supposed to be coming out this year have gotten moved or been pushed back so Marshall decided the time is right for the work.
The work will also include repainting the floors upstairs and down, and doing a thorough deep cleaning and repair of things left undone.
The renovations will address some concerns expressed by theatre goers.
It’s going to be a busy few days at the theatre, and staff members, made up of mostly high school students, have been offered the option of helping out as the renovations get underway.
The public is applauding the plan. Within a half hour of making a social media post about the renovations, there were 100 comments.
He thanked the public for their patience and understanding while the work is done.
The O’Brien Theatre will open on Friday, Feb. 9 regardless of whether the seat replacement is fully complete.
(Written by: Sherry Haaima)