Theater in Colusa may go dark

The Colusa Theater has played a big part in the downtown for decades, but the popular weekend entertainment spot may be shutting its doors.

After a dismal summer movie season, theater owners Mike Wilkinson and Chris Middleton said they may have to throw in the towel.

"Turning the lights off at the theater is like turning the lights off in Colusa," Wilkinson said Tuesday.

The movie lined up for Friday night will go on as planned but future movies are questionable, Wilkinson said.

"The movie industry is depressed," Wilkinson said. "Even the top 10 movies of the year (nationwide) saw a 5 percent drop in attendance."

Big blockbuster hits and 3-D features, while they command a higher ticket price, haven't helped the industry.

"We're just getting more money from the same people," he said.

Wilkinson said the downturn in the economy and competition from the Yuba City movie cineplexes are the major factors for closing.

"It will be sad to see the theater close, but it's not the only Colusa business that is going to disappear this year," said Colusa Councilwoman Kay Hosmer. "There are going to be more."

Wilkinson said the movie theater has been struggling in the recession since 2007.

"It is what it is," Wilkinson said. "If we could do something different, we would."

Wilkinson is looking at several possible private and public funding sources to keep the building for music events, private parties, special events — like the Film Commission gala this spring — and a possible part-time movie schedule.

"We're definitely exploring all our alternatives," Wilkinson said. "We have a music event scheduled for Sept. 23."

The Colusa Theater was built in 1873 for live entertainment, according to local historian John Morton, and was one of two theaters that operated in Colusa for some time.

CONTACT Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com .