Big turnout for Colonial Theatre gala

NORTH CANAAN — The excitement was palpable as several hundred invitation-only guests walked the red carpet leading into the historic Colonial Theatre on Saturday, May 13.

The festive event was an open house/official announcement of the 100-year-old theater’s purchase last month by Stacey and David Fiorillo of Salisbury and Lenore and Marc Mallett of Lakeville.

For two hours, guests mingled, toured the venue and talked excitedly about the news that North Canaan’s Grand Old Lady, which sat dark and vacant for several years, will once again become a beacon of community unity.

In addressing the crowd from the main stage, the ownership team said its first steps are to solicit input from the community.

That pledge was backed up by the two whiteboards in the theater lobby asking guests to jot down the name of the first movie they would like to see at the Colonial.

People were happy to oblige. Respondents’ replies included nostalgic favorites like “Grease” and “American Graffiti,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” to past hits including “Rocky Horror,” “Jaws,” “Steel Magnolias,” “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “The Breakfast Club,” “The Shawshank Redemption” “Caddy Shack,” “Pretty in Pink and “Out of Africa.”

Another guest suggested weekly childrens’ matinees.

A second white board asked, “What’s your dream store?” for the vacant rental storefront attached to the entrance to the theater. Answers included pastry shop, a paint bar, an arcade (which was seconded), and an ice cream shop.

Peter Fitting of Salisbury said he was delighted to hear the news about the theater’s revival, and that his return visit recalled fond memories of gathering with friends decades ago as a teenager.

It also reconnected him with a long-ago acquaintance.

Fitting pointed to the couple he was conversing with: Peter Killawee of Falls Village, who attended the event with his wife, Lauren. “I was standing in line, and I heard a familiar voice behind me. I hadn’t seen him in 30 years!”

Beth and Rick Davis of Newtown, friends of co-owner David Fiorillo, compared the North Canaan theater to the 500-seat, circa 1930 Georgian style Edmond Town Hall theater in their community.

“It’s a throwback,” said Rick Davis, motioning to the Colonial’s restored interior. “Our theater is more than a movie house. It unites the community. I can really see same things happening here.”

One thing is certain, according to the new ownership team: the mission of the theater is to enrich the community by offering a place for generations of residents and neighbors to gather and make memories and celebrate milestones.

In addressing the crowd, Marc Mallett said he feels that the theater can offer so much more beyond entertainment.

“We also see endless possibilities in terms of its educational potential,” he said, noting that he and his partners are humbled by the opportunity to lead the Colonial into its next chapter.

“There has been so much history before us, we really feel like stewards, not so much, owners.”

Andrew Will of Salisbury, who was mingling with friends Miranda and Bill Warder, also of Salisbury, sang the praises of the theater’s new ownership, which was a common refrain from attendees throughout the evening.

“I’m proud of them. It’s a big deal.”

An invitation-only Open House event hosted by the new owners of the Colonial Theatre on Saturday, May 13, drew several hundred guests. Photo by Debra A. Sleksinas