Rebirth of Page Manor

posted by Jack Oberleitner on January 19, 2010 at 9:45 am

DAYTON, OH — Richard Mendel-Martin, Executive Director of Nouveau Cinema Group, Inc, a Dayton based 501 (c ) (3) non-profit corporation, has announced that his organization has successfully entered into a long-term lease agreement with Shottenstein Properties of Columbus, OH for the former Page Manor Twin Theatre at 5584 Airway Road in the Dayton Suburb of Riverside, near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The lease signing, representing several months of negotiations, is for a term lasting into the next decade. According to Mendel-Martin, The new name of the cinema will become The Page Cinema Arts Theatre.

The theatre originally opened around 1970 as a first run theatre by Century Theatres (New York) and was purchased by Chakeres Theatres (Springfield, OH) and converted into a twin cinema and was under their direction for another ten years. In latter years, the Page Manor Twin Cinema went through several ownerships and has been closed for the past several years. According to Mendel-Martin, “The cinema is in need of renovation, refurbishing and installation of new, state of the art equipment.”

In his opening announcement, Mendel-Martin explained, “Nouveau Cinema Group will begin extensive cleaning and remodeling beginning in late January with a planned grand opening slated for April 2nd, 2010. Freshly re-upholstered seats, handicapped accessible restroom, state of the art projection and sound equipment with ‘mirror-glow’ wall to wall screens are amongst the many improvements to be made to the new Page Cinema Arts Theatre. Even our remodeled concession area will feature whole-organic snacks, penny candy for the younger set, beer and wine as well as traditional popcorn and theatre snacks.”

“The Page will be something very unique to this area,” explained Mendel-Martin, “our programming will include both live and film presentations On the two screens patrons will be treated to classic films like Casablanca and Charlie Chaplin shorts as well as festivals and cinema-retrospectives” aimed at film buffs and niche audiences. We are also planning regular matinee ‘edu-tainment’ shows for children and ‘midnight matinees’ in the vein of ‘Rocky Horror,’ which had its Dayton area premiere at The Page. Latino films and films from India’s ‘Bollywood’ are also in the works. In addition, The Page will host, contemporary movies, live theatre and musical events in conjunction with other local arts groups."

“As a non-profit operation,” said Mendel-Martin, “we have a great deal more flexibility and latitude than conventional theatres. The Page will be a true area arts center which will include a scholarship program and cinema arts society. Some programs will also be presented for free as well as special ‘nickel matinees.’ We have a Board of Trustees consisting of Attorney, George Katchmer (Yellow Springs), Linda Leas and Kendra Neargarder (both of Dayton), along with a renowned film booker and a veteran theatrical consultant. This is a dynamite team of talented, professional individuals. The future of The Page is exciting.”

A wine and Hors D'oeuvers Reception will be held at the Café Monet in the Dayton Art Institute on Thursday, the 21st of January between 5:30 and 8:30 PM. Space is limited and tickets for the event can be reserved by phoning 937 613-4432. A few tickets will be held for sale at the door on the evening of the event. The reception is intended to give area people with art and film interest an opportunity to meet Mendel-Martin and his associates. Door prizes, as well as information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities will be available.

“We are still seeking talented people,” explains Mendel-Martin, “to join our Board and/or assist us in such areas as publicity and fundraising and internet development. We also need dedicated volunteers to help with everything from painting to popcorn popping. We are looking forward to a good turnout on the 21st at the Dayton Art Institute.”

For further information, to order a brochure or reception tickets, interested parties are encouraged to contact Nouveau Cinema Group at 937 613-4432

Theaters in this post

• Page Cinema Manor Twin Cinemas