The historic River Oaks Theatre makes a blockbuster return after 2-year closure – Houston Public Media

Lucio Vasquez / Houston Public Media

After closing its doors more than two years ago, the historic River Oaks Theatre is set to reopen Wednesday evening with a newly renovated interior, expansive food and drink menu and eclectic lineup of classic films and live performances.

The reopening comes after the theater shut its doors in 2021, following failed lease negotiations. But nearly a year after the iconic theater shut its doors, Culinary Khancepts bought the property, giving the beloved venue a new lease on life. Now, after an extensive renovation effort, the theater is rolling out the red carpet for a new generation of film lovers.

“We’re still gonna be Houston’s best arthouse, independent theater,” said Rob Saucedo, the theate’s artistic director. “We want to make sure there’s something great and interesting happening on the big screen every single day of the year.”

Filmgoers can expect the same diverse programming that made the River Oaks Theatre a local treasure, from the theater’s trademark midnight screenings of cult favorites like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to low-budget independent films from across the pond.

During a media tour on Tuesday, Saucedo explained that they’ve installed a retractable projector screen in the main auditorium to accommodate movie screenings and live shows. They’ve also upgraded the theater’s chairs, which are now larger and equipped with a small swiveling table for food and drinks. The main auditorium holds nearly 250 chairs, while the two smaller auditoriums upstairs can accommodate 50 people.

Lucio Vasquez / Houston Public Media

The renovations also included updated projection and sound systems, a brand new kitchen and two bars — one for each floor — along with the restoration of the theater’s classic Art Deco architecture. And yes, the theater’s famous neon marquee, a beacon for Houston-area movie lovers, has been restored to its full glory.

“It’s beautiful, and it just needed to be cleaned up and brought into this century a little bit while still keeping the soul of what it was,” said Jason Ostrow, vice president of development at Culinary Khancepts.

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When the theater closed down back in March 2021, community members held an emotional candlelight vigil just outside after its final showing, where many spoke about their personal connection to the theater and the community it fostered.

For many that night, it was a final goodbye. But now, the theater is getting an unexpected sequel.

“I almost cried walking in here,” said Jef Rouner, who previously worked at the theater. “I grew up here. Every girl I’ve ever dated, I met here. Just so much of my life was centered around this theater because cinema is magic.”

In the years that followed the theater’s closure, devoted moviegoers continued to keep hope alive for an eventual reopening. A group called Arthouse Houston led the charge, formally known as Friends of River Oaks Theatre. The group was dedicated to preserving the iconic landmark, often holding events to raise money for the theater and its laid-off staff.

“I think that saving this theater gave a lot of people a chance to save themselves, or at least the ability to see that change is possible,” Rouner said. “That you can put boots on the ground and make a place that means something stay, despite all the money and faceless entities behind it.”

The theater officially opens at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The grand opening celebration will coincide with screenings of “Joker: Folie A Deaux,” an independent film called “In the Summers” — which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year — and a South Korean thriller called “Sleep.”

You can snag tickets and see the lineup for upcoming screenings and events on the theater’s website. The first 800 guests on Thursday will get a commemorative coin inspired by the 1900s tradition of movie theaters awarding their first patron with a gift of gold.

Lucio Vasquez / Houston Public Media