The Ashland Theatre first opened its doors on Thursday, August 10, 1948. Now, 75 years later, the Theatre is opening its doors to celebrate both the past and the future. The special anniversary event on Thursday, August 10th features 75¢ tickets, 75¢ popcorn, and special surprises for all who attend.
The celebration begins at 10AM with an Open House until 1PM. There will be a ribbon-tying ceremony, hosted by the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, at 11AM. 75¢ popcorn will be available all morning, and throughout the day, guests will have opportunities to win door prizes.
At 1PM, there will be a 75¢ screening of classic Looney Tunes cartoon shorts from 1948! Considered part of the golden age of Looney Tunes, the year of 1948 featured the now-classic characters that generations have loved year after year, including unmistakable characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Elmer Fudd.
At 7PM, the event will feature a very special 75¢ screening of Red River, the 1948 hit western film starring John Wayne. Red River was nominated for two Academy Awards and was ranked by the American Film Institute as the fifth-best Western film of all time in 2008.
The showing of the film Red River also kicks off a new monthly series that feature a host of 1948 film titles each for 75¢! For one Monday night per month, for the next year, Ashland Theatre will present a classic 1948 film for 75¢. Specific dates and titles will be announced later this year.
Ashland Theatre is delighted to invite the entire community to join the festivities on Thursday, August 10th to celebrate this important milestone anniversary. Tickets for Looney Tunes and Red River are on sale now, and no tickets are needed for the Open House celebration.
For more information, including announcements concerning additional 75th Anniversary Events & Celebrations, visit ashandtheatre.org.
The Ashland Theatre is committed to offering a range of programming that appeals to all community members. The Theatre welcomed over 12,000 patrons throughout 2022, for a variety of programming. Today, Ashland Theatre offers movies and concerts as well as recurring programs that are intended to continue to build, entertain, and inspire its audiences for the next 75 years and beyond. Special events include the annual Ashland Book Festival, the Holly Jolly Holiday Party, a monthly Toddler Takeover, E-Sports tournaments, open mic nights, and private rentals, each uniquely serving as notable examples of the many ways in which Ashland Theatre continues to be a staple in the town of Ashland and the greater Richmond metro area.
About Ashland Theatre
The historic Ashland Theatre, built in 1948, is an art deco-style, 260-seat entertainment venue. The Ashland Theatre Foundation’s mission is to reinvent the classic American movie house experience through exceptional film, live performances, and live music. As a non-profit organization, we will deliver a deeper level of engagement through speakers, panels, talkbacks, and events that entertain, educate, inspire and are welcoming to all.