What Movies Would You Watch at the Larcom?

BEVERLY, MA – In the past half century, the Larcom Theatre has been two things: A children's magic show and a XXX movie theater.

But the building's new life on Wallis Street is as a family-owned performing arts theatre with new programs geared toward the city's college students and young families.

Owner Donnie Crowell is sharing a survey, put together by three Beverly High School DECA students, to gauge what kind of entertainment people want to see, and what movies the community will come out for.

The students – Drew Buoniconti, Julie McMahon, and Nicolette Townsend – plan to use the survey answers to focus events for the Larcom. Buoniconti said the biggest issue seems to be lack of awareness, so they're hoping to get the name out there.

"We are going to bring some serious flavor," said Crowell on Thursday. He didn't want to give too much away yet – the theatre is still running its previously scheduled shows – but said he wanted to bring in quality entertainment that college students can afford. That includes showing some cult classics on the big screen.

The Larcom Theatre was built in 1912, eight years ahead of the Cabot Theatre (now known as The Cabot), and the same year Fenway Park was built. It was built to have extraordinary acoustics, said Crowell, because its first performances predated amplifiers and microphones. He said the previous owners meticulously maintained the building, and he wants to keep the historic look.

Crowell said the new venture really hit him when he and his wife went to a concert last Saturday. They heard the acoustics, they saw people dancing in the aisles, and said to each other, "This is our theatre, can you believe it?"

The new owners are also bringing children's theater to the Larcom: The Boston's Children's Theatre performed Fancy Nancy the musical this month to glowing reviews, and there will be four more showtimes this weekend. Dance will play a role in the Larcom's new programming as well, Crowell said he's partnering up with the North Atlantic Dance Theatre to bring The Nutcracker to Beverly this December.

"Our main goal is to have a fun family-owned business," Crowell said.

They haven't been in Beverly for long, but the Larcom Performing Arts Theatre is already important to the family: Crowell's 13-month-old son had his first steps there.

Photo courtesy of Donnie Crowell