Movie Goers Share Memories At Evansville Theater
By: Shalah Sasse
Updated: February 19, 2013
Let's go to the movies, a tradition for American families. And for many Evansville families, it's been a tradition to come here to Showplace Cinema South.
"I've got tons of memories, unfortunately my wife is here, but I've had several dates here growing up," Anthony Hughes said.
Today, Hughes is bringing his family to see "Wreck It Ralph." Just like every story comes to an end, the movies at this theater will come to an end when it closes its doors in the next few months.
Showplace Cinema South has always been known as the $2 theater, even though ticket prices have changed over the years. Projection booth employees say it's cheaper because they use film instead of digital technology.
Owners say Hollywood plans to stop making film this year, using only digital projectors. They say when you factor in new stadium seating, digital projection, and sound, renovations would cost Showplace more than a million dollars.
"Well I think it's horrible. Those of us who grew up on the south side, this was our theater growing up and the minute I found out that they were closing it today, I had to bring my family out and see if we can't catch us a movie in this sucker," Hughes said.
"Just like the memories that I had from coming here as a kid. I mean I saw my first movie here I guess I was four, Jurassic Park . I was with my Dad," Maria Jaliopour said.
From first movies, to date night. This Evansville couple came here last week for Valentine's Day.
"It's like wow. And there's a lot of people who aren't going to pass it down to their kids because, like we don't get to pass it down to our kids like we want to because we enjoyed it when we was a kid," Rachel Stilwell said.
It's a theater they grew up going to, a place that will soon become a distant memory.
Demolition of the theater is expected later this summer. Workers say there are 14 employees at this location. Showplace says it will place it's south employees at other theaters.


