Dear Editor,

For the first time in 5 years, I went to the theater, Nederland’s own Backdoor Theatre. Being an “older adult” now, I like matinees so I can be home before dark, especially in the winter. Also, unlike my young adulthood when it was the thing to do to meet all your friends on a Saturday, it’s quiet.

I remember when the Backdoor Theatre began, and it has always been unique. I felt as though I was at a private showing. Liked and learned some things from the trivia and history facts pre-film, and the coming attractions turned me on to a film I probably never would go to see but am looking forward to now.

It took a little bit to get used to the open captions. The key is to look straight at the screen, not down at the bottom. At first they were distracting. After a while I didn’t notice them. However, they came in handy when it was difficult to understand what the character(s) might be saying or talking in another language.

Where else can one see a first run film anywhere like Nederland’s theater with a $7 admission, and concessions between $2-3?

In my “way back machine,” there were newsreels—cartoons—a movie short—coming attractions, and the movies were shorter. And there was a 15 minute intermission to go to the bathroom and get more concessions

The only suggestion I have, and you’ve probably heard many times now, is: with films being a lot longer now (2-3 hours), please bring back intermission so we can take a bathroom break, get more concessions, and not miss any of the film.

Thanks to all the volunteers, the theater board, and “paid” staff for continuing this as a magical Nederland tradition. BTW, I watched the new Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. And, thanks to the theater person who suggested that I not leave when the credits were rolling because there was one last scene. It was worth it!

Atashnaa Medicineshield Werner

Nederland