“The picturesque, jewel-box town of Avalon on Catalina Island is not just a pretty postcard or a curated vision for visitors. “Though its historic significance is alone enough to justify its preservation, it is not the only - or even the most important - reason that we must save this theatre,” the petition says. As of Tuesday morning, the petition has over 6,400 signatures. News of the recent closure prompted locals to rally behind a petition, urging Santa Catalina Island Company and city officials to keep the theater open. The venue was sound insulated, so moviegoers weren’t disrupted by the noise from the ballroom located above the theater. “With Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and now Disney coming out with a streaming service, a lot of locals are enjoying movies that way,” he said.Īvalon Theatre is considered a beloved landmark among patrons, who came to appreciate its Art Deco-style interior, elaborate murals and starry domed ceiling. But Herrell points to the rise in streaming services for the direct decline in ticket sales. Avalon also started offering a wider range of dining and beverage options like pizza, hot dogs, and a bar in addition to traditional movie snacks.

In the last five years, the Catalina Island Company gave the theater a makeover, installed a new sound system and screen, and repaired the 43-foot high dome ceiling to enhance the moviegoing experience for its patrons. Sparse attendance is not for lack of investment.

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