After tonight’s trip around the world to leave toys for the good girls and boys, Santa may be ready to climb into the private box at The Gloria to relax and see a movie.
The Gloria Theatre in downtown Urbana will screen the recent major motion picture release “Doctor Strange” on Christmas Day at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and again on Monday, Dec. 26 at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5. All proceeds benefit the Gloria Theatre renovation project. The theater’s new projection and sound systems will make the presentation one to remember with a new digital projector, sound system and IMAX-sized screen.
The Gloria is celebrating its 75th anniversary and Grand Re-Opening this weekend. Local industrialist Warren G. Grimes built and opened the theater and named it for his daughter, Gloria, on Christmas Day, 1941 as a gift to the community. The large, vintage Santa statue pictured in this photo climbing the facade of The Gloria near the marquee is part of the renovation of the theater and its many historic parts.
During the past few years, the GrandWorks Foundation organized to save the former Urbana Twin Cinemas and renovate the facility to honor its past and position it for the future. According to GrandWorks’ mission statement: “We will provide the community a center for fun, social networking, organizational collaboration, education and spiritual renewal. We will work to boost economic growth and support a culture full of opportunity and inclusiveness. We will offer a grand place to showcase artistic creativity and family friendly entertainment.”
Those who wish to support the effort with financial donations in 2016 can still do so until Dec. 31. According to GrandWorks, “During this holiday season, remember the GrandWorks Foundation and the Gloria Theatre Downtown Urbana with a generous gift to our Annual Campaign Fund! You’ll continue to make the arts happen in our community, and get credit on your 2016 tax filing (when you make your donation by December 31).”
For more information on GrandWorks, call 653-4853, log on to www.grandworksfoundation.org or follow GrandWorks on Facebook.
