Curtains Open on Downtown Cineplex

Century Theatres opened the doors of its 10-screen downtown multiplex Thursday for a sneak preview of Ventura’s newest movie theater.

Construction workers are putting the finishing touches on the multiplex--laying carpet in the auditoriums, hanging aqua-colored wallpaper in the lobby, installing ceramic tile behind the snack bar and wheeling in popcorn, hot dog and nacho machines.

When completed, the 31,000-square-foot multiplex at Main and Chestnut streets will feature auditoriums equipped with wall-to-wall screens and plush, rocking stadium seats.

“The theater is designed to fit in with downtown Ventura,” said Nancy Klasky, Century’s marketing vice president. “It is lovely and quaint, yet evocative of movie palaces of the past.”

Grand opening festivities start Oct. 22 with a benefit for the Ventura Boys & Girls Club featuring a VIP reception from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a film screening.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m.

Also Oct. 22 will be the “Canned Film Festival.” Residents who bring a nonperishable food item will be admitted free to a 7:30 p.m. screening. Donations benefit a local charity.

From 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 24, the community is invited to a free continental breakfast on Main Street outside the theater. At 9 a.m., the first 1,500 people with passes--which will be available starting at 8 a.m.--will be admitted free to one of eight films being shown.