The historic Tryon Theatre will reopen its doors to the public Friday evening with the first of five screenings of the classic 1939 film, “The Wizard of Oz.”

Ever since a wild, sold-out April Fool’s Day presentation of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the Tryon Theatre’s doors have been closed for extensive and much-needed renovations.

After nearly four months of non-stop work, ranging from electrical, plumbing, ceiling, heating and air repair, to a total aesthetic overhaul featuring new seats, curtains, carpet and a brand-new theater screen, the theater is ready and eager to return to its role as a purveyor of the cinematic experience.

On the decision to screen the classic 1939 masterpiece, “The Wizard of Oz,” the Tryon Theatre team unanimously felt that it was the most fitting choice for a bevy of reasons.

“We really felt the need for the first film screened in the new theater to be truly emblematic for what the theater represents,” said Tryon Theatre Manager Nick Wilson. “This idea of ‘there’s no place like home,’ which, of course, is one of the film’s classic lines, really struck a chord with us and how much this theater means, not just to us, but to this entire town and area.

“Additionally, with all of the improvements and upgrades, the theater almost feels as though it’s transitioned from black-and-white to color, akin to being transported from Kansas to the enchanted land of Oz.”

“The Wizard of Oz,” directed by Victor Fleming and starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack Haley, will run at the theater at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets will be sold at the box office for one hour before showtime on the day of the shows, though the theater strongly recommends buying tickets via tryontheatre.com for a guaranteed seat.

-Submitted by

the Tryon Theatre