Mayor projects delay in theater opening

The people of Saline County will have to wait a little longer to enjoy a seat at the Showplace Cinema going into the old Mad Pricer building in Harrisburg.

According to Mayor Dale Fowler, the project that was set to open to the public on Dec. 18, in anticipation of the release of the new Star Wars film, will now be postponed due to shipping issues with the seats.

"Shipping is just taking longer than expected, the seats just aren't going to be here in time," Fowler said.

The seats are due to be delivered in January, but there is still good news on the horizon. The initial project included a restaurant that fell through in planning. But after discussing the idea with Mayor Fowler, Showplace Cinema will now be placing a small ninth theater where the eatery was expected to be.

"The new 'Royal Suite' theater will be something great for the people of this area," Fowler said.

The smaller, more luxurious, theater will include larger, recliner like, seating, a larger more powerful sound system and posh amenities for the guests.

Ticket prices for the 50 seat VIP theater will be a bit more than regular theater tickets. But with the option to order drinks and popcorn during the movie and have wait staff serve them, people may find the benefits worth the additional cost.

Showplace theater will also offer reserved seating online to accommodate the smaller seat number.

"One of their Evansville (Ind.) theaters offers the 'Royal Suite' theater," Fowler said. "The next closest venue is St. Louis, so this will be a treat for the citizens in the area."