After fundraising success, Tara Theatre set to reopen soon

By Collin Kelley Cinephiles

and preservationists ponied up $50,637.25 as part of an initial fundraising goal to reopen the historic Tara Theatre this spring.

In just seven weeks after Plaza Theatre operator Christopher Escobar announced the reopening of the Tara, movie fans have purchased $29,972.25 in advance gift cards and tickets, plus donations of $20,665.

“We are overwhelmed by, and greatly appreciative of, the enthusiastic response to the Tara Theatre’s return,” said Escobar, who also founded the nonprofit Friends of Tara.

“We can hardly wait to open the doors and welcome moviegoers later this spring.”

The initial funds will enable the cinema, located at 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road, to install new equipment, fixtures and furnishings and make other improvements.

The grand reopening date remains to be announced pending the resolution of operating permits, Escobar said, but the cinema could reopen as early as May.

“Energized by Atlanta’s generosity, and to further enable the re-opening, with this initial goal of $50,000 achieved, we established a stretch goal of $75,000 to make additional specific improvements to our historic marquee sign,” said Escobar. “The changes we envision will restore or celebrate the original Mid-Century look for the ‘now playing’ and ‘coming attractions’ sign facing the intersection of LaVista Road at Cheshire Bridge.”

Escobar said the revitalized Tara will screen classic films, art house releases, and independent films. This format brings back some of the traditions established during the first few decades of operation after Loews opened Tara Theatre in 1968 or “the Lefont years” starting in 1980 when George Lefont owned the cinema.

The Tara’s previous owner, Regal