Reilly Arts Center reopens Marion Theatre

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Downtown Ocala’s historic Marion Theatre is once again ready to welcome moviegoers. Now operated by the Reilly Arts Center, the iconic Magnolia Avenue venue also plans to host live performances, music and art.

A lineup of diverse film genres including classic, independent and foreign films, award-winning documentaries, educational programs, and recently released Hollywood features is planned, said Reilly Arts Center Executive Director Pamela Calero Wardell in a press release. In addition to movies, she explained, the Marion can accommodate small musical performances by regional rock, jazz, blues and classic artists as well as small theater ensemble performances, comedy shows and lectures.

“We are looking forward to being a part of the downtown landscape and working with restaurant and retail partners in a creative way,” Wardell said.

The Marion Theatre’s first pre-opening event will be a Spielberg Saturday movie marathon on August 29th, with a lineup of three epic blockbusters: E.T., The Extra Terrestrial at 11am; Jaws at 2pm; and Jurassic Park at 7pm. The regular movie schedule begins September 10th, with matinee and evening showings Thursday through Sunday.

To meet CDC guidelines, capacity is currently reduced from 300 to 60 patrons per event and masks are required. Tickets are being sold as general admission with guests seated by family or group and distanced in accordance with state guidelines. In the future, the Marion plans to offer select-a-seat ticketing.

A new concession menu includes beer and wine as well as popcorn and snacks, and mobile ordering and delivery is available.

The hope is that diverse programming at the Marion Theatre “will build potential for the creation of unique downtown culture experiences centered around film, art and music,” Wardell said. “We see this as both a great responsibility and an awesome privilege to manage and program one of Ocala’s most iconic landmarks. There’s a lot of work to be done, and we are ready to do that work for our community.”

Visit www.mariontheatre.org for schedules, tickets and more information.