The Brian Lehrer Show Saving Small Downtown Movie Theaters
Jul 21, 2025
Explore the closure of a beloved indie theater in Maplewood, NJ, and its community's fight to revive it. Delve into the deep connections residents have with their historic cinema and the cultural void its absence has created. Listen to personal stories highlighting the theater's role as a community hub amidst ongoing redevelopment threats. Discover how adapting to new film consumption trends can breathe new life into small-town theaters, blending diverse offerings with engaging local events.
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Personal Ties to Maplewood Theater
- Angela Matusik moved to Maplewood partly because she could walk to the downtown cinema.
- She and Lisa Cohen have lived in Maplewood for many years and value the theater as a community hub.
Threat to Historic Theater
- The Maplewood theater has been closed for five years with an uncertain fate.
- A redevelopment plan threatens the historic building by proposing housing and retail instead of a theater.
Engage in Local Planning
- Residents can influence local government decisions to preserve important community spaces like theaters.
- Advocates should petition and participate in redevelopment planning to include theaters in future developments.