RDDA, Rankin deserve high praise for theatre’s rebirth

If viewing a major motion picture is the goal, you can do that anywhere. If what you seek is to combine a bit of nostalgia with modern entertainment, then the venue you select must be carefully chosen.

Ritzville has always had a diamond in the rough with The Ritz Theatre. These days the Ritzville Downtown Development Association has taken great steps to transform the theatre into a true performance venue, a precious gem for this rural community.

The soft opening in late March was a showcase of the theatre’s future potential, a visual introduction to what amazing work has been done and the opportunity to see what remains in terms of renovations and fundraising.

John Rankin and his dedicated mini army of volunteers have accomplished great things during the past year.

They all deserve a rousing round of applause.

The crews, led by Rankin’s unwavering dedication and labor hours, have transformed the theatre’s exterior into a striking visual gem in the downtown, complete with working neon.

The construction of a stage that extends out in front of the silver screen makes it possible for the theatre to evolve into a multi-faceted performance center. This step, all by itself, makes the theatre versatile and appealing for a wide variety of events that should only help in the long run to fund the annual cost of maintenance and operation.

What lies ahead is the remainder of the fundraising effort. The RDDA is still short of the funds necessary to install the proper sound system and digital projection equipment to truly deliver the kind of motion picture experience movie aficionados seek.

The total visual renovation of the interior and exterior, and the rebirth of the vintage theatre seating are amazing. What a special treat it will be when the project is complete and visitors come from miles around to attend a performance in this classic theatre.

Equally, generations of local families can soon gather to view a box office hit and be thrilled by the quality of the sound system and the visually appealing views only a digital projection delivers.

Both elements are hugely critical to the long-term success of this diamond in the rough. The outstanding renovation efforts and the striking color schemes establish a nostalgic setting. Next up, the community needs to dig into its pockets to find the funds to bring the technology to the theatre necessary to present motion pictures with the highest possible quality.

This Saturday, the Ralston Grange will conduct a benefit event on behalf of the theatre. Everyone is encouraged to visit the grange for an evening of bingo with cash and prizes available. The grange doors open at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, and the bingo games begin at 5 p.m. All ages are welcome.

—Stephen McFadden