Monday, December 04, 2006

Theater gets $190K makeover

Fort Belvoir’s Wood Theater was renovated in a record-breaking 38 days for the special screening of a Hallmark Channel movie on Tuesday night.

The approximately $190,000 renovation included new seats, carpeting, curtains, a snack bar and a Dolby Digital sound system and was funded by a partnership between Fort Belvoir and Army and Air Force Exchange Services.

“It needed it first of all,” said Trini Saucedo, AAFES general manager. “It’s something that we can give back to the community and enhance their quality of life.”

The theater is used for special presentations, private birthday parties for children and teens and regular movies that show Thursday through Sunday beginning at 7 p.m.

“[The customers] love it,” said John Murphy, food operations manager at AAFES. “It’s like walking into a different world.”

The new seating is the first noticeably different aspect of the renovations. The large purple seats provide quite a different experience in the theater.

“It is much more comfortable than the last time,” said Amanda Lugo, 11, who watched Tuesday’s special screening of “A Christmas Card,” with her mother.

“This is really going to be great for the community,” said Saucedo. “This is the first-ever full upgrade for the theater.”

Movies show in the theater about four to six weeks after they are released at regular theaters off post and cost $3.50 for adults and $1.75 for children 12 and under. There are also matinees on Saturday or Sunday, depending on party bookings.

To find out more information or to book a party call John Murphy at (703) 806-5808.