It has happened! Less than four months after community members gathered to discuss how we could save the Triplex, our grassroots nonprofit organization, Triplex Cinema Inc., purchased the beloved theater on Monday, July 24. This could not have happened without so many people’s support, but I particularly want to thank our Board of Directors: Vice President Hannah Wilken, Treasurer Sam Handel, and Secretary Molly Cooper. Their commitment, tireless efforts, and willingness to attend many endless meetings from the beginning are a large part of why this purchase was possible.
In addition, the money raised and donated to the cause by photographer Gregory Crewdson’s generous sale of his photographic print was incredibly helpful. And then, of course, there was the community. Our amazing community! Since April 1, when the group took shape, there have been over 800 individual donors of all income levels, as well as volunteers who have donated their time and energy, holding positions from grant writing to marketing, and design to finance. There have also been over 100 pieces of artwork donated to sell.
On top of all this, we’re very excited to announce that several well-known actors have volunteered to be part of our upcoming fundraising event, Bring Back the Movies, to be held at Saint James Place in Great Barrington at 5:30 p.m. on August 8. The event, a staged reading that will put a new spin on iconic movie moments, will feature an all-star cast of Karen Allen, Lauren Ambrose, Jayne Atkinson, Greg Boover, McConnia Chesser, Michel Gill, Melissa Leo, and David Rasche. Michelle Joyner is directing, and Gigi and Tom Teeley are performing the music.
General Admission tickets will be $50, and tickets for the reading, plus a post-show reception with drinks, bites, and an opportunity to meet the cast and see plans for the new Triplex, will be $150. All proceeds go toward renovating and reinvigorating the Triplex. Purchase your tickets for the event here.
Nicki Wilson is President of the Board of Directors of Triplex Cinema Inc.
