New owner for Callicoon Theater

Posted 8/24/18

Callicoon, NY— All too often, like toppling dominos, iconic Sullivan County institutions have fallen by the wayside. But in Callicoon, the opposite is true. The Callicoon Theater, the oldest …

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New owner for Callicoon Theater

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Callicoon, NY— All too often, like toppling dominos, iconic Sullivan County institutions have fallen by the wayside.

But in Callicoon, the opposite is true. The Callicoon Theater, the oldest continuously operated movie theater in the county, is under new ownership.

Kristina “Krissy” Smith has purchased the 70-year-old, 380-seat, single screen cinema from Jim and Barbara Kayton, who have owned and operated the theater for the past 32 years.

“I will continue to screen first-run movies and will add classic films and live music into the mix,” Krissy said, adding that she hopes to include cult classics in October and family favorites over the Christmas/New Year’s holiday season.

“We look forward to a smooth transition as Krissy draws on her performing arts background to bring new energy and fresh ideas to the region,” the Kaytons said.

Krissy’s background is in presenting live theater and music. For the past eight years, the Brooklyn, New York native worked in production and general management at St. Ann’s Warehouse, a performing arts venue in Brooklyn. Since 2012, she was the co-director and curator of St. Ann’s annual theater festival, Labapalooza!

Previously, Krissy was a freelance theater director and producer. Her work has been seen in venues at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill, New York, Telluride Rep in Telluride, Colorado, and in New York City at PS122, SoHo Rep, The Culture Project and HERE Arts Center. She is a graduate of Bennington College.

“I’ve been getting great suggestions from people in town about the sort of movies they’d like to see,” Krissy said. I’m looking forward to becoming more involved in the community and getting to know the other small business owners in the area. The Callicoon Theater is a local treasure and I intend to honor its history. It’s a very special place.”

Built in 1948 by Fred Starck, the theater was part of a chain of regional cinemas owned by Harvey D. English. In 1963, the “Harden” was renamed the Arden when it was acquired by Mickey Roche and Warren Doetsch.

The Kaytons purchased the venue in 1986, renaming it for the hamlet in which it is located. They modernized the concession stand and   refurbished the interior while accenting its original post-Art Deco character. In 2012, film gave way to the current high-end Christie digital projection  and Dolby Digital professional audio. The theater’s Quonset hut design is one of just 17 of its kind in the nation.

“We want to thank the theater’s many patrons for their loyalty during the past 32 years,” the Kaytons said. “We wish Krissy all the best and hope moviegoers will continue to support the Callicoon Theater as their unique neighborhood center for quality entertainment.”

For more about the Callicoon Theater, click here.

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