Joyland Theatre under new ownership

Times Reporter      

 

Joyland Theatre is under new ownership as of this month. The theatre has been returned to its family roots after being bought by Jeff and Kathy Larson. 

Joyland Theatre has been in Strathmore since 1951, first owned by Leonard Larson, Jeff’s grandfather, until 1969. 

Lanny Larson then took it over until 1975, when it was sold to George Elisie for two years before Bill and Sheila Crispin took it over in 1978. 

“It will be good, Jeff and his wife will be very good. I am very confident they’re going to look after our theatre,” said Sheila Crispin. 

She and her husband Bill plan to take things easy and do whatever they want. The Crispins haven’t quite figured out what that is yet, but Sheila said they are happy to figure it out. They now won’t have to be in town at the theatre every night for the show, and Crispin joked that she may get a chance to watch evening television, something she hasn’t been able to do since buying the theatre.

Owning the Joyland Theatre one day was always Jeff Larson’s dream. His dad promised to sell him the theatre one day, but it was sold before Larson was old enough to buy it. Jeff and Kathy Larson also own the Drumheller Theatre. 

“We just got to know them (the Crispins) over time and I said to Bill whenever you’re ready to retire and you want to sell this place let me know, give me first shot at it, so that’s what they’ve done,” said Larson. 

For the time being everything will stay the same as it always has. There will be no price increases, and the theatre will still only show one show a night. Larson said the theatre would also still remain closed on Monday nights. 

“Running a late show never seems to draw much of a crowd, it’s not really worthwhile doing it, so we get them all in on one show. When there is a kids show on we will run matinees on Saturday and Sunday as well,” said Larson.

“We’ll make a few changes to the theatre but nothing drastic, I would like to repaint the interior and do something with the signage out on the building.”

Larson will be travelling with one of his sons to Strathmore nightly to work the theatre. A few minor changes will be taking place in the concession; there will be a few new items and a combo pack for adults and children. 

Larson has been in the movie industry for 25 years and loves it as much now as he did when he was a kid.

“I like movies, I’m a big movie buff and it’s just a fun business to be in,” said Larson. 

“I like small town atmosphere, we like living in a small town where you get to know people and everyone knows you, I don’t like the big city.”

Movies shown at the theatre are brought in based on what’s popular. 

“I check the box office figures online every weekend and see what the top five movies are and anything that is in the top five movies is what we try to go after and play. Sometimes you can play movies on release but you have to run it for two weeks,” said Larson.

“The rule of thumb is whatever is popular is what you try and book because that’s what people want to see. It doesn’t matter if you are in a small town or the big city the top five movies are what everyone wants to see.”

To find out what movies are coming to town, or to learn more about what’s happening at the theatre go to www.joylandtheatre.com.