Oct. 18 is “Concord Theatre Day” in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the opening of the former downtown movie theater.
It showed its first film the evening of Oct. 18, 1933, and continued to offer an array of movie treats until September of 1994. Today it is the beautiful Bank of NH Stage.
In 1933, the Cantin family from Manchester along with a business partner, purchased the former Norris Bakery on South Main Street. They converted into a movie theater and Mr. Cantin’s daughter, Theresa, who would soon turn 20, handled the box-office as well as financial aspects of the theater. A few years later, she would be joined by her siblings: her brother Maurice, a licensed projectionist, her sister, Rena, who would marry a Constant from Concord, and handle the concession stand. Their youngest sister, Laurie, would eventually become a licensed projectionist and share those duties.
During its 61 years, the Concord showed a variety of films. Everything from epics (“Lawrence of Arabia,” “The Ten Commandments”) to the first James Bond, Oscar winners like “Rocky” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” to popular teen hits like “Stand by Me” and “The Breakfast Club.”
“Moonstruck,” starring Cher, opened at the Concord Theatre in early 1988, breaking records during its run and being seen by more than 14,000 local movie fans. The Oscar-winning film returns to the site on Oct. 18, 2023 as part of the 90th anniversary event. NHPR legend Laura Knoy will be hosting the festivities and talking with special guests.
The evening, which starts at 7 p.m. is free, however tickets are required for admittance. They can be obtained at the box-office during regular hours (Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m.) or online at ccanh.com.