There are a number of people who continue the legacy of being passionate about preserving Biddeford’s City Theater, with good reason.

 

Although it has seen many ups and downs in its 100+ year history, a core group of dedicated individuals emerge to see its value and find a way to evolve with the times. 

 

This video tour provides highlights of the theater’s physical structure and the many unique elements of this historic landmark.  You’ll get an appreciation for the heroic efforts that went into ongoing restorations.  You’ll also get a glimpse of some behind the scenes stories of events that have taken place over the years as well as the determination to keep City Theater as a cornerstone of Biddeford’s cultural community.

 

Most of all, you will hear from those involved in this interview, the very personal connection they feel to this theater and their biggest takeaway: Biddeford’s City Theater does not belong to one person, but to the entire community and we have reason to take great pride in it.




 

CITY THEATER

INTERVIEW DETAILS

Date of Interview: June 1 & July 27, 2023

Location:  City Theater, Biddeford, Maine 

Guests:

Renee O’Neil, former Business Manager

Mark Nahorney, board member & Past President

Alyssa Rojecki Forcier, Theater Manager

Interviewer:  Tom Girard 

Transcriber:  Nicole Morin-Scribner

LINK TO INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

PICTURES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (COMING SOON)

SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

  • Description of the original 1860 building, the 1894 fire and debates about whether to rebuild
  • Architectural highlights and challenges to renovate according to original features.
  • Various local contributors and talent whose dedication made the restorations possible
  • Flashbacks: the barber; why there are spikes on the stair railings; what was really going on in the balcony during the movie theater days.
  • Is there another resident ghost besides Eva?
  • The flyrail system harking back to 1896
  • Getting to see the theater from vantage points not accessible to the audience: backstage; from 2 ½ stories above the stage; “Becky’s Closet”, the costume attic; the actors’ “autograph” wall
  • Various uses (and abandonment) of the facility through the years.
  • Educational programs offerings 
  • Impact of City Theater, beyond entertainment, on downtown
  • COVID and strategies toremain viable during the pandemic shutdown/restrictions and lessons learned.
  • Current reputation of the theater and plans for the future
  • Biggest needs to continue to thrive.