Village theaters throw it back

Shannon Theatre in Bluffton and North Baltimore's Virginia Motion Pictures resumed operations some time ago, featuring classic and first-run films such as "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," "Back to the Future" and "The Karate Kid." The theaters are also showcasing some serious COVID-related modifications. Admitting only 50 customers for its screenings, Shannon Theatre is using just 15% of its capacity, said Pete Suter, who owns the theater along with his wife, Kim. Every other row in the theater is blocked off, and parties must sit three seats apart. The ropes blocking a row are moved after every movie showing so that no seat is occupied for two consecutive showings. Disposable seat covers are available upon request, Suter said, and hand sanitizer is available at various locations throughout the theater. Masks are required except for when one is eating popcorn or sipping a drink. Virginia Motion Pictures also has limited seating and is keeping moviegoers spaced. The theater also requires masks, except when customers eat a snack or sip a drink, owner Shawn Benjamin said. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the theater. The Shannon made other changes to minimize human contact that have been downright dazzling for the charming small-town theater. "We've never accepted credit cards. We might be one of the last businesses to have made that change," Suter said. "We are still accepting cash, but for the first time in our history we are also accepting credit cards." But wait. There's more: "We've gone to some online ticketing for folks that don't want to wait in line." "We had to make a lot of changes," Suter said. But none of it seems to have diminished the Shannon Theatre's charm. People still watch movies there. This week, that includes the throw-back "A League of Their Own" (running through today) and "The Hunger Games," running Aug. 28 through Sept. 3. "It really depends on the film," Suter said. "I suppose it's just like normal times. There's just some films that go over better than others. "There are times where we have absolutely maxed that out. Then there other shows where it's pretty quiet. But overall, we are absolutely thrilled with the support of the broader tri-county community area here (Allen, Hancock and Putnam counties) and we've had a good response." "Bill & Ted Face the Music" is playing at Virginia Motion Pictures on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.