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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.
Good news for cinema buffs and people looking for fun visual entertainment this December: South Street has a new pop-up movie theater.
It’s good news for everyone, really. Because compared to most big cities, Philly is lacking in places to catch a screening. There are fewer than a half-dozen places to catch first-run blockbusters, and they’re spread far and wide across the city. And even when you look for indie venues showing arthouse flicks or cult favorites, you won’t find more than a handful.
Add the space at 327 South St., which is currently operating as South Street Cinema.
With 40 seats in front of a curtain and a projector — plus a popcorn machine and soft drinks — the new spot is showing everything from retro favorites to independent features. Recurring theme nights include Horror Saturdays, B-Movie Thursdays, Super Kids Saturdays (matinees) and Comedy Sundays. Bollywood and “Kung Faux” nights are also coming soon.
Best part: Admission is only $5 per person. It’s actually just a suggested donation, to help defray licensing costs.
Other cool thing: You’re welcome to BYO snacks. (Although if you’ve ever tried to watch a flick at the Riverview on Columbus Boulevard, you know from the scent of the air that plenty of people do sneak in their own cheesesteaks and hoagies, even though it’s not officially allowed.)
The project was a brainstorm from Bill Arrowood, assistant director of the South Street Headhouse Business District. He convinced property owner Triad Realty to donate the vacant storefront, which is right across from live performance venue TLA and caddy corner to Jim’s Steaks. (What was that about cheesesteaks + movies?) Society Hill Playhouse loaned the chairs and equipment, and boom, a new theater was born.
Upcoming shows include Trading Places, Krampus, Die Hard, Nightmare Before Christmas, Frozen (with a sing-a-long) and Wookie Life Day.
Check the full listings at South Street Cinema’s Facebook page. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
