By Jon Baty

LEWISTON -- Movie prices have skyrocketed, theater owners have become impersonal with their customers, and you can't seem to buy a bag of popcorn, let alone a small candy bar, at any major movie house for less than $2.

However, a ray of hope still glimmers in Lewiston, a small town 20 miles north of Logan.

The Lewiston Community Theater has been running plays and arts since 1934 when the building was constructed. Admission in 1999 is $1.50 and popcorn is even less.

Although there have been a few changes including a new sound system, a bigger screen, and larger restrooms, the theater looks basically the same as when it was first opened.

"There are still the names of the actors and actresses who used to be in plays on the walls behind and around the screen," said Ronda Morrison, chairperson for the Lewiston Arts Council. "We hope to one day buy a roll-up screen so that we can have plays on the stage again."

Morrison said a USU professor, after retirement, will repaint the theater to look like it did originally.

Lewiston owns and runs the theater, which shares its building with the city offices and a ballroom.

"Around 10 years ago," Morrison said, "one of the council members tried to get rid of the theater, saying it was costing the city too much money. Luckily, the city and other members of the council rallied around it, and it has been attracting crowds ever since."

Morrison, who is serving her second term on the City Council, has been in charge of the historic theater for a few years.

"We get a good showing from not only our community, but from surrounding communities as well. People from Preston and Downey come here to see arts often." Morrison said. "We get the college kids up here in huge carloads every weekend. They seem to enjoy it."

The theater opens its doors to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Monday nights. It sells not only the usual popcorn and candy, but also pizza.

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