Marietta's Landmark Strand Theatre Re-Opens

The Strand Theatre has been a part of the Marietta Square since it was the area's movie house in the 1930s.' After shutting down in 1976, the theater has been used as a venue for various things including a flea market, a church and concerts. In 2002, The Friends of the Strand began raising money to restore the classic movie house.

This week, The Strand will re-open, complete with a $4 million renovation. Taking the stage will be a three-week run of “Beauty and the Beast” by The Strand's resident company, the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. The new Strand includes an orchestra pit, 531 seats, two reception rooms and a rooftop terrace. An original 1927 organ is being restored and will become a key feature of the theater, which will eventually expand beyond musical theater to show art films, local movies and silent films, with the help of the organ.

“This will give Marietta and Cobb County identity,” said Mayor Bill Dunaway, who grew up going to Saturday matinees at the Strand, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “This is our crown jewel.”

The official grand opening celebration, A Tribute to the Movies, will be January 10, 2009.