The River Oaks Theatre in Houston is reopening on Oct. 3 after being closed for over three years. After extensive renovations and restructuring by new operator Culinary Khancepts, the venue is poised to reintroduce its mix of arthouse charm and blockbuster appeal with "Joker: Folie à Deux" as its headline act.
Having closed its doors back in March 2021 amid rental disputes, the 1939 Art Deco theater has been missed by cinephiles and architecture enthusiasts alike. Culinary Khancepts, known for running the Star Cinema Grill chain, swooped in to revitalize the space, they even promised a combination of food service at your seat and live-performance elements to sweeten the cinematic experience. "This project holds a special place in our hearts," Culinary Khancepts president and CEO Omar Khan conveyed in a release, "As the only Houston-owned and operated cinema chain, and with a deep connection to the city, we were uniquely positioned to preserve this historic theater. … It would have been unthinkable for Houston to lose this beloved arthouse," according to the Houston Chronicle.
Starting tonight at dusk, Houstonians can witness the iconic marquee light up as a prelude to the grand reopening, the Chron reports. Patrons can expect a line-up that honors the theater’s legacy with midnight showings of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," cult favorites like "Fight Club" and "Mulholland Drive," and comedic performances, among others. Furthermore, the theater is launching Cinema Savant, a monthly membership program that invites film enthusiasts to indulge in unlimited movie screenings for a fixed fee.
Enthusiasm for the revival extends beyond the Houston community. The undertaking is part of a broader movement witnessing a renaissance of vintage theaters countrywide. These historical gems are not only escaping the fate of repurposing or demolition but they're also being reimagined by the likes of Quentin Tarantino in Los Angeles and Netflix in Hollywood and New York. The phenomenon reflects a cultural persistence in valuing spaces that marry nostalgia with present-day entertainment—a sentiment echoed by former Mayor Sylvester Turner when he lauded the River Oaks Theatre for its local significance, "What a great day for the city of Houston," Turner had said in a news conference, as noted by Houston Chronicle.
With ticket prices starting at $11, and a special gold coin gift for the first 800 moviegoers on opening day, the River Oaks Theatre is reaching out to both old and new audiences. The full schedule and tickets for all showings and events are currently available on the theater's website.
