Susan Kelly, Nederland. Back in the day, before Covid-19, there was something suspenseful and exciting about driving by the Nederland Community Center as the weekend approached. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, the marquee, perched high above town, greeted pedestrians and motorists alike, announcing the new blockbuster film which would be showing at the Backdoor Theatre on Friday and Saturday. Sadly, On March 14, 2020, Covid-19 took the main stage, and because of recommendations from Boulder County Public Health regarding Covid-19, that beloved marquee grudgingly declared the Backdoor Theatre “closed until further notice.” 

Here is the good news!  The long, arduous wait is over. The marquee finally beckons: “Backdoor Theatre reopening May 28, 2021.”  Hooray!

Located inside the Nederland Community Center, the 18-year-old Backdoor Theatre is a non-profit organization and a beloved venue in Nederland. Although it stood empty during the pandemic, many behind-the-scenes improvements were made in anticipation of its eventual reopening. 

As soon as the Covid-19 pandemic shut the theatre down, the Community Center suspended its rent payment, allowing the Backdoor Theatre’s board of directors to focus more on making it a safer, cleaner, and better place than worrying about closing the venue down permanently. In turn, the Backdoor Theatre donated all its inventory of concessions to food pantries in Nederland and Gilpin and made an additional donation of $500 to the Nederland Food Pantry. 

First, the heating, ventilation, and cooling systems were upgraded to support the CDC recommended bipolar ionization. Next, an electrostatic disinfect and handheld sprayer, purchased for the entire Community Center, was used to sanitize every seat. Each seat was power vacuumed and the floor was power washed. Finally, the neglected seats that had been broken over the years were repaired. 

In addition, an American Cinema equipment technician was hired to service the projector and other equipment, commenting that it was in good condition compared to similar equipment he had worked on over the last year. The Backdoor Theatre is now sparkling and inviting. Waiting with open arms for our mountain community to be entertained.    

To Kayla Evans, founder of the Backdoor Theatre and emcee extraordinaire of the candy raffle at the beginning of each movie, safety is paramount. “We are going to be so glad to see one another, but we want to have fun safely.”  

Transitioning from earlier pandemic restrictions, like wearing masks, to the “new normal” is challenging, but the board feels it is best to be cautious at first. Therefore, the seating will be every other row and masks must be worn while in the theatre. (Hint: It would behoove all movie-goers to arrive early as the theatre will be at half capacity.) Reluctantly, popcorn will not be sold right now, but there will be plenty of candy and soft drinks. Plus, just like always, there will be a candy raffle!  

Mulan 2020, a fantasy/action/drama film based on a Chinese folk tale, receives the honor of being the first movie to be shown this year, a great film for kids and adults of all ages. Taking place in Imperial China, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior disguises herself as a man in order to take her ailing father’s place in the imperial army. Believe it or not, the Backdoor Theatre is so excited for this film and the reopening that tickets will be for donations only. (Hint: Donations are needed badly after a full year of closure.) 

The movie will be shown Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m., plus Saturday at 2 p.m. with subtitles. 

Everyone, please come to the Backdoor Theatre this weekend and enjoy reconnecting with your mountain neighbors. And remember, the theatre relies on its volunteers.  If you are interested in volunteering, contact bdtvolunteercrew@gmail.com.

For more information on the Backdoor Theatre, check out the website at https://thebackdoortheatre.org/.