The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly done a number on recreational activities and entertainment options, taking the legs out from a long list of businesses and leaving people to make their own fun and entertain themselves in recent months.
That was the case at the Reel Theatre in Outlook which, like many other local businesses at the time, closed its doors in March when the pandemic made its presence known.聽 Weeks later, Garry and Nadine Ivanco announced on April 18 their departure after operating the theater for ten years, a sad piece of news made all the more disappointing as their exit came in the midst of the pandemic and prevented people from giving the pair a more proper send-off.
Now, with more businesses opening back up under the provincial government鈥檚 assorted phases of reopening services in the province, the curtain will once again rise on the Reel Theatre.
Outlook鈥檚 own movie house makes its return this coming Thursday night with a screening of 鈥楾he Invisible Man鈥�, which will also play on Friday and Saturday night at 7:30.
Theater owner Tony Pyette told The Outlook that the cinema will be operating under social distancing guidelines that will likely prove to be a learning experience for both management and the moviegoing public, which includes a maximum on seating availability and how the concession will be handled.
鈥淲e will be following the Saskatchewan Movie and Live Theatre Guidelines for reopening,鈥� said Tony, in a message to this reporter. 聽鈥淭his includes a maximum 30% capacity, approximately 50 people for our theatre. 聽Every second row and the aisle seats are closed. 聽We have installed sneeze guards at the ticket and concession registers as well as the counter area for pop and popcorn pickup. 聽The pop and popcorn will be handled by one employee and set at the end of the concession counter for pickup. 聽There will be hand sanitizer available at a several locations in the lobby area and the washrooms. 聽The usual signage to remind people about social distancing will be in place. 聽We do not have a cashless option for payment at this time. 聽The first couple weeks will be interesting as both staff and customers adjust to the new guidelines.鈥�
Movie lovers in Outlook and area are sure to be happy that at the Reel Theatre, the show must 鈥� and will 鈥� go on.
For more on the Reel Theatre, you can go to Facebook.com/ReelTheatre1.
