Lights, camera, action: Downtown Scranton movie venue to reopen
Jun. 2—The downtown Scranton Art Haus theater should reopen in weeks amid a major exterior renovation that will light up the corner of Lackawanna and Penn avenues.
Owner John Basalyga confirmed those plans Friday, forecasting new features and flair at the dine-in luxury movie venue across from the Marketplace at Steamtown. In addition to new releases and classic films, there's potential for the relaunched theater to host comedy nights, premier weekends, themed events, live music, esports competitions and more.
"It's going to become really a landmark," Basalyga said of the revived venue, describing a massive, soon-to-be-installed marquee that's "really ... something that belongs on Fremont Street in Las Vegas."
"This sign itself will really bring that whole corner to life," he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the eight-screen theater in 2020, just months after Basalyga, who also owns the Marketplace, reopened it as the Art Haus following unsuccessful runs by outside tenants.
Formerly Marquee Cinemas 8, the theater reopened as the Iron Horse Movie Bistro in April 2017. It featured bistro-style food, alcohol and leather recliners, but closed suddenly in January 2018, when the Marketplace ended its relationship with Tennessee-based theater management company Phoenix Theatres Entertainment.
Cosmic Cinemas LLC took over operations next, but its run lasted less than a year.
Basalyga announced plans for the Art Haus in late 2019, noting he and his management team would run it directly. The rebranded venue was building momentum prior to the pandemic-prompted shutdown.
With its return forthcoming, planned upgrades to the theater, eatery and bar include an extensive exterior facelift marked by the Las Vegas-style marquee, a fresh paint job, new video boards and other features.
Officials hope to hold soft openings later this month, likely before the new sign is installed, followed by a grand opening in mid July, Art Haus General Manager Noelle Snyder said.
"I want it to be an event to come to the movies," she said, touting the venue's quick-service upscale food options, in-theater dining and plush seating. "The moment that the movie was put on the screen and I heard the tremendous sound that is in those rooms, I just thought to myself this place can't be closed. It's a beautiful theater and we're really excited to open it."
Locals can get a sneak peak tonight, when the Art Haus opens from 5-9 p.m. for First Friday Scranton. The hiring event will feature historic photos of Scranton, a popcorn tasting, face painting and more.
The theater is looking to hire for several positions.
Contact the writer: jhorvath@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9141; @jhorvathTT on Twitter.
