Buchanan Theatre

19778 Main Street,
Buchanan,
Buchanan, VA 24066

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Related Websites

Buchanan Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Functions: Concerts, Movies, Movies (Film Festivals)

Previous Names: Main Street Show

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 540.254.1155

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News About This Theater

Buchanan Theatre

The Buchanan Theatre was built in 1914 as the Main Street Show, a silent movie house for this small Virginia town. After decades of successful operation, the theater eventually closed in 1985.

The theater was later sold for $75,000 to the widow of the last man to operate the cinema. The new owners spent $130,000 to restore the theater and reopened it for second run films, film festivals, revival screenings, concerts, and more.

The outside ticket booth, projection room, concession stand, and more were restored and now welcome Buchanan residents, who no longer have to travel 30 minutes away to see a movie.

Contributed by Ross Melnick

Recent comments (view all 8 comments)

JayJackson
JayJackson on October 4, 2001 at 1:28 pm

I worked as a teenager in the Buchanan Theater. My father was the owner (ca. 1946-1975) and my mother often worked the concession stand. It is gratifying beyond words to know that the theater will reopen, even if in a limited manner. Looking forward to attending the reopening!

GloriaCarter
GloriaCarter on June 17, 2002 at 1:41 am

A friend told me about your website; I am the new/current owner of The Buchanan Theatre; my husband and I are remodeling and the work is almost completed. We plan to have a mix of live music concerts, movies, and small cast plays,etc. that are consistent with family values. This has been a labor of love for my husband and many friends, who have volunteered hours of labor.

We are excited that we can contribute to the community in this way – going to “the movies” was a big factor in my life, growng up in a small town in Tennessee, and for my husband going to this very theatre. More generations of young folks should know that kind of entertainment; we are almost ready to open the doors once again…June 16, 2002

GloriaCarter
GloriaCarter on June 17, 2002 at 1:44 am

There are 202 seats downstairs and 20 seats upstairs in a small balcony, not open to the general public, as an FYI.

DarrenJones
DarrenJones on December 13, 2002 at 6:20 pm

My wife and I looked at this theater to purchase in 1996. We decided it was more than we wanted to take on at the time. In 1999 we bought an old church building and coverted it into a single screen. We opened May 26th 2000 and still operating today as Lakeview Cinema, Galeton Pa. Plans are in the near future to twin. Good luck to you. Small towns are tough but not impossible.

JayJackson
JayJackson on October 7, 2003 at 8:13 pm

My father owned this theatre for thirty years (ca. 1945-75). Holding concerts and stage shows there in addition to movie showings is in keeping with his original intent. Hats off to the Carters and SRO for a wonderful restoration!

JayJackson
JayJackson on October 7, 2003 at 8:28 pm

One more comment — the Buchanan Theatre is not closed! It has been reopened and showing movies on weekends for over a year now!

kenthorn
kenthorn on June 23, 2004 at 11:51 pm

CHECK OUT THE WEB SITE http://www.buchanantheatre.com for all upcoming events and pictures

gspragin
gspragin on October 10, 2009 at 8:07 pm

Here is a photo from 10/3/09.

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