Clare’s Ideal Theatre Has Big Plans for Reopening

The historic Ideal Theatre in Clare has been closed since March 2020, and they’re taking advantage of the time to restore and repair the theatre.

In April, four sisters from Clare bought the theatre to keep it open for the community.

“This kind of lull has given us an opportunity to learn more about the history of the theater, so that as we move forward with renovations and updating, we can ensure that we preserve all of that,” said Ideal Theatre Director Lisa Benic.

While they’re still getting official plans together to renovate the building, they want to make the theater wheelchair accessible, open up the lobby, and make the 1930 theater safer for their visitors.

“We feel this theater belongs to the community, and that’s what we’re really trying to establish and continue,” said Benic.

Their goal is to continue to provide affordable movies and concessions to the Clare community.

They hope to reopen in early 2022.