The Grand Theater Celebrates 100 Years

The Grand Theater, a historic single-screen cinema located at 252 Main St., East Greenville, PA, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a weekend of special events from Friday, October 4, 2024, through Sunday, October 6, 2024. Known for its stunning restoration and unique status as one of the few remaining single-screen theaters in the country, The Grand will offer classic film screenings, live organ performances, and a historical exhibit to mark the occasion.

Owner Ed Buchinski, who meticulously restored The Grand to its 1924 splendor, invites the community to join in the celebration. “The theater's restoration has been a journey. The Grand Theater is a true rarity in today’s world, both as a single-screen cinema and as one of only three locations worldwide with a two-console Theater Organ—alongside Radio City Music Hall and John Dickinson High School,” said Buchinski. “This milestone celebration gives us a chance to highlight the theater’s unique legacy and our community’s connection to it.”

The celebration will feature a diverse lineup of events, including silent films accompanied by live organ performances, a showcase of the theater's historic Marr & Colton 3/13 organ, and a free exhibit that chronicles 100 years of the Upper Perkiomen Valley's cultural history.

Event Highlights Include:

Friday, October 4 – Official 100th Anniversary Date of The Grand Theater:

• 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Live music under the marquee by the Dolcetto Trio.
• 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Free exhibit in the lobby showcasing 100 years of Upper Perkiomen Valley history, curated by the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center.
• 6 p.m.: Organ prelude by Mr. Ian Fraser, with a complimentary champagne and sparkling cider toast, followed by the silent film Three Ages starring Buster Keaton.
  Admission: Voucher + 25¢.
• 9 p.m.: Organ prelude by Mr. Ian Fraser, followed by a screening of Ghostbusters (1984 release) at 10 p.m.. Admission: $10.

Saturday, October 5:

• 12:30 p.m.: Organ prelude by Mr. Carl Black, followed by a screening of A Night to Remember at 1 p.m. Admission: A non-perishable food donation for The Open Link.
• 12:30 PM: Organ prelude by Mr. Ian Fraser, followed by a 1 p.m. screening of the silent classic Nosferatu, with live organ accompaniment. Admission: $20.

Sunday, October 6:

“We wanted to offer a mix of events that honor The Grand Theater’s legacy and appeal to our community," said Buchinski. "It's an opportunity to step into the theater’s rich past and experience the magic of cinema as it was enjoyed a century ago."

Tickets are available online only at www.thegrandtheater.org/shop. With limited space for certain events, early ticket purchase is recommended.

For more information, visit The Grand Theater’s website at www.thegrandtheater.org or call 215-679-4300.