Business & Tech

Three Screens At Rheem Theatre Go Dark

Update: Moraga theatre needs to replace staircase elevator to comply with Americans With Disabilities Act code; upstairs screens dormant as of Jan. 18.

Updated, 3:15pm Wed.

The three upstairs screens at the New Rheem Theatre in Moraga are closing as of Friday, Jan. 18.

The theatre has received complaints from residents about lack of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act due to an old, out-of-repair elevator that can lift one wheelchair at a time up the sweeping curve of the theatre's staircase.

The elevator will cost $30,000 to replace and could take three months to complete, the Contra Costa Times reported. A fourth screen on the ground level remains operational.

"I think it is very important to have a local theater," wrote Lafayette resident Claire Phillips. "I always make the effort to see any film at either Rheem or Orinda or the CineArts theater in Pleasant Hill if given the chance. I think the Rheem Theatre has been very creative in trying new things, such as film festival movies, different types of seating, etc. I hope this issue can be resolved to keep them open, or everyone loses."

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here