Norwich Colonia Theatre Reopens Thursday, Major Changes Coming Soon

After closing its doors one month ago, two community-oriented men will reopen the historic Colonia Theatre in downtown Norwich.

Rich Barnes says he and his brother Todd are planning on reopening the movie theatre at 10 p.m. Thursday. Why? Because they feel Norwich needs the theatre.

"We just kept talking and decided that probably the best option was to buy the building, so we can keep it here in Norwich and keep it going as a tradition that's been here for years," Rich said. "We plan on opening the two theatres back up and people will notice the changes as soon as you walk in the door. You will turn around and see several new things here. We do plan to open the balcony area with a third theatre and given room for dinner and a movie, plays and other activities as well."

Both men said they are undertaking the project to get families to return to downtown Norwich to watch first-run films. To do that, they are purchasing digital projectors, which will greatly increase picture quality. They are also upgrading the sound system in each of the two theatres.

Currently, they are making the theatre into what it used to be with plenty of movie memorabilia from the past. The first movie will be the last installment of the Twilight series "Breaking Dawn: Part 2". It will open the theatre at 10 p.m. Thursday.