Residents lament closing of theater

A Southern Nevada landmark has closed its doors, but residents are hopeful it's not for good.

"Prince of Egypt" and "A Bug's Life" -- the last film titles to grace the Boulder Theater's marquee -- have been replaced with letters that spell "For Sale."

Robert Scaringi, who has owned the building for more than a quarter-century, said he and his wife, Helga, are ready for retirement.

"We are tired and want to retire," said Scaringi, who added that when the most recent theater managers, father-daughter team J.J. and Sherry Brennan, decided to move on, Scaringi decided to sell.

"We live in Mexico for six months out of the year, and we can't worry about the business. Who takes care of the store when we're not there?"

In addition, competition from the Henderson Cinedome 12, several miles away on Boulder Highway, hurt business some, but Scaringi said it was the casinos and the lure of free movie passes that put a real damper on attendance at the theater.

The 550-seat movie house at 1225 Arizona St. was popular with locals, according to Cindy Bandy, spokeswoman for the Boulder City Art Guild and Gallery.

"It was one of the important places in town. It has a lot of history, and that history was respected," said Bandy, a resident since 1973. "It's an operation that will be sorely missed by all ages."

Across the street from the theater at Nevada Drugs, manager Justine Conover said she also was saddened by the theater's Jan. 1 closing.

"We just feel really bad, because it is the historical part of town," she said. "It is sad that they couldn't keep it open."

Scaringi acknowledged that residents will miss going to the movies downtown.

"The whole town is pretty upset," the 30-year resident said. "It was a nice place for them to congregate."

Resident Marilyn Neidlinger said she thought it was nice to have a local hometown theater.

"We're hoping someone else will take over," the six-year resident said.

So does Scaringi.

He said he has had several inquiries about the building, which dates back to 1930 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. The sale price is $700,000, which includes everything down to the popcorn machine.

In addition to its original art deco wall sconce, chandeliers and curtained stage, it also boasts one of the largest screens in Nevada, according to its owner.

"I have two people really interested that want to keep the (movie) theater and also make it a live theater," Scaringi said.

When Hoover Dam was being built, the theater drew crowds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although more likely for its air conditioning than its flicks. According to Scaringi, it was the only air-conditioned building in Southern Nevada at the time.

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