Entertainment

November 7, 2011

Fargo Theatre

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Written by: Staff
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Let’s all go to the Fargo Theatre to get ourselves a treat…and see a movie…or a live show.  Heck, let’s just all go to the Fargo Theatre to see what they have in store for this month.The Fargo Theatre originally opened in 1926 as a cinema and vaudeville theatre. It has been entertaining Fargo for the last 85 years with independent movies, big name acts and theatre performances. In the past such acts as Sara Bareilles and comedian Lewis Black have performed at the historic theatre.In July, Emily Beck replaced longtime executive director Margie Bailly, who headed up the Fargo theatre for 14 years. Bailly left big shoes for Beck to fill but Beck feels she’s ready for the task.  “Margie Bailly was an iconic personality in the community,” Beck said. “She did a lot of amazing things for the theatre. So of course there’s some pressure to fill those shoes but she was also a very good teacher so I learned a lot from her. I’m feeling really optimistic moving forward.”

Beck graduated from MSUM with a degree in film history and criticism and worked for Marcus theatres before getting the job as director. In other words she’s found what few have found before, her dream job.

“I’m passionate about movies,” Beck said. “That’s what I love. I get to be surrounded by that and work with that everyday. That’s a dream come true.”

Although Beck found a dream job she still has to deal with the nightmare of trying to keep the theatre afloat despite an economy that’s hurting and advances in technology. Many movie theatres are moving to digital and the Fargo Theatre will have to follow in the near future.

The Fargo Theatre has many ways to help keep it afloat. It offers memberships ranging from a $25 student deal to a $2,500 super star package. Donations can be made through its website at fargotheatre.com. Beck said that one of the best ways to support the Fargo Theatre is to go to movies and shows and “buy the popcorn.”

Despite the financial struggles facing the theatre and a decline in interest in the art sector the Fargo theatre will remain resilient. The future looks bright through the eyes of workers at the theatre.

“There seems to be disconnect between the film art scene and the general public, a very unfortunate disconnect,” said Fargo Theatre worker Anthony Pilloud. “However, despite these hardships and setbacks, the theatre is resilient and the staff is dedicated. I think there is nothing but potential for it, people just need to know about the great things that actually are going on there.”

The Fargo Theatre tries to switch a movie every week.  Movies are watched in bigger cities to see how they perform then, depending on how they did, are brought in.
“My goal is to always have something for everyone,” Beck said.

Fargo Theatre November Events:
Away in the Basement: A church Basement ladies Christmas- Nov. 25 and 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Nov. 27 at 2 p.m.
Rosanne Cash- Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.
Roy Clark- Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.






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