The Triplex Cinema is planning to reopen in early November with one—possibly even two—theaters operating at that time. Adam Birnbaum, the Triplex’s former longtime booking agent, was rehired on Tuesday and has set in motion securing the master licenses that are needed to order the films to be shown at the Triplex.
Allegrone Construction Company, who was responsible for the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s beautiful renovation in Great Barrington, is the project’s general contractor and will oversee the repair, cleaning, and restoration of the theaters. They will be working at maximum speed.
Allegrone Principal and Director of Operations and Great Barrington resident Joe Lewis said, “Similar to the quick timeframe that the Save the Triplex group formed and purchased the Triplex, this turned into a real project for Allegrone. We’re excited to be a part of this very important project and look forward to getting the doors reopened as quickly as possible.”
Like with the Mahaiwe, Allegrone will be doing the renovation in phases, which allows us to fundraise for each stage of the project. Although we have successfully raised $700,000 from donations, grants, and a fundraiser, we will need $1 million more to complete phase one, and then we will need to fundraise more over time to finish the rest of the phases.
To that end, we are working with the Financial Development Agency (FDA) in Amherst to help us mount a capital campaign to raise the much-needed money. FDA, which has been helping nonprofit organizations since 1981 with their fundraising needs and strategic marketing, was the agency hired by the Pittsfield YMCA, Berkshire Botanical Gardens, and the Stockbridge Library for their successful fundraising campaigns.
With a November opening in sight, the programming committee has already begun brainstorming. Under discussion is:
- Curated revival, classic, and cult series;
- Blockbusters;
- Weekday matinees and other creative time showings;
- Film education;
- Screening opportunities for local filmmakers;
- Film talks with directors and actors to benefit the community and theater;
- Themed and seasonal programming;
- Foreign language films and series;
- Programming for all ages from children to adults; and
- Collaborations with other nonprofits for events, gatherings, and more.
For more information about the Triplex or to donate, go to savethetriplex.org.
