The Roxy Theatre, part of Magic Lantern Theatres, is the last remaining cinema designed by prolific Winnipeg architect Max Zev Blankstein. Built between 1925 and 1930, the Roxy’s interior resembles a Spanish courtyard complete with twinkling stars in the sky, making it the best surviving example of an atmospheric theatre in Canada.
Located on what’s always been “the wrong side of the tracks” (even though the tracks are gone), the Roxy has survived by doing a bit of everything: first-run art and limited releases, repertory screenings, concerts, comedy shows, and even wedding ceremonies.
Manager Jordan has been running the Roxy for nearly 18 years. We spoke with him and Tom from Magic Lantern Theatres about maintaining the classic movie-going experience in Saskatoon.
What makes the Roxy Theatre unique?
Tom: It is the last remaining cinema designed by Max Zev Blankstein, a prolific Winnipeg architect. Between 1925 and 1930, Blankstein created 6 or more atmospheric cinemas. Some, like the Roxy, were created for Rothstein Theatres (also of Winnipeg) but some were for individual owners.
There are a couple of buildings extant that used to be Blankstein cinemas but now house other things, but the Roxy is the last one that is unchanged. The interior resembles a spanish courtyard, complete with twinkling stars in the sky.
The Roxy was built on the cusp of the talkie era, and was not built with a vaudeville stage (though some of the other Blankstein theatres were). Although there are other atmospheric or semi-atmospheric theatres remaining in Canada, to our knowledge the Roxy is the best example.
What sort of films does Roxy Theatre show?
Tom: Roxy plays first run art/alt, plus a variety of other pictures. A second auditorium was built alongside the original one in the late 1970s, so there are two screens.
Jordan: The Roxy shows a little bit of everything — we play, primarily, first-run fare considered to be art/alt or limited release, with limited selection due to the proximity of a 15-screen multiplex just a few blocks away. We also book frequent repertory titles, both as in-house programming, and through various third-party promoters.
The Roxy is also frequently host to non-cinematic fare, such as concerts, comedy shows, wedding ceremonies, and various other private bookings.
What are the Roxy Theatre’s greatest challenges?
Tom: The reason the Roxy is still standing is that it is located in a part of town that has always been “the wrong side of the tracks” even though the tracks are gone. In addition, the Roxy’s neighbour four blocks away is a 15-screen Cineplex. There is also a community owned cinema near the University that plays movies as well as hosting live events (the Broadway) and the art gallery has an auditorium with a projector and from time to time they decide to become a cinema as well.
Jordan: The second (smaller) screen (aforementioned) that was built in the late 70’s is sometimes a point of contention for movie-goers, as they sometimes become dismayed when their movie is not in the “big, old, grand” auditorium. However, we try our best to remind folks that we have an excellent DLP projector and wonderful 5.1 surround in both auditoriums, and that the Screening Room (theatre #2) is what gives us the ability to still secure healthy runs of film programming that other independent/calendar-based venues may not have access to, while being able to make the Main Auditorium (theatre #1) available for an array of multi-purpose programming and private bookings which provide the revenue to allow us to keep the doors open.
What are your favourite compliments that the Roxy Theatre receives from its audience?
Jordan: We take great pride when we are thanked for providing a “classic” movie-going experience, and our attention to presentation – including our policies regarding mobile electronic device usage in the cinema.
What’s a memorable film screening or event hosted at the venue?
Jordan: The Roxy is Saskatoon’s home to bi-yearly screenings of Tommy Wiseau’s cult hit The Room, which is always well-attended and enjoyed. Over the years we have also hosted a series of “Silence is Golden” events, pairing old silent films with live score, performed by local rock bands, special musical guests from abroad, and even the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra.
What are the most popular concession items?
Tom: The Roxy, like all Blankstein theatres (and all theatres of the time) was built without a concession stand. In lobby renovations done in 2004, a modern concession stand was built, using space from a barber shop and ice cream parlour, on either side of the theatre entrance.
Jordan: The Roxy has also been fully licensed for sale of beverage alcohol since 2017. We sell a selection of Saskatchewan-brewed beers, as well as two draught selection from local micro-brewery 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Co., and have had a long-standing partnership with them.
What projects are you considering for the future of the Roxy Theatre?
Jordan: We are constantly and consistently trying a mix of new ideas. Maintaining an “all-of-the-above” approach to programming and other bookings is the key to keeping the doors open in perhaps the most challenging time in theatrical exhibition that we have faced.
What projects are you considering for the future of the Roxy Theatre?
Tom: The Roxy’s future would be best looked after if a not-for-profit organization took it over. It has lots of possibilities that grants and sponsorships could help realize.
Tell us about yourself; how did you get your start in film exhibition?
Jordan: After reading what I wrote, I agree with Tom that in order to stay at this (I’ve, personally, now been managing The Roxy in Saskatoon for nearly 18 years, and Magic Lantern Theatres has operated the theatre for nearly 21), it would make the most sense to say that we likely escaped from an asylum.