In 1925 Milburn “Judd” Kenworthy bought the Crystal Theater Opera House, where it opens as a movie theater one year later, where it became the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. Although many things have changed at the Kenworthy since then, it still stands as a proud member of the Moscow community. But what makes it so beloved? The theatre has undergone many changes since 1926. One of the main changes was its transition after being donated to the Moscow Community Theater in 1999. This brought the ability for the theater to overgo remodels, increase the number of events, and generally produce more productions.
Concerts, birthday parties, plays and much more are now held at the Kenworthy. It is not only a place to hold events, but a place to connect with the Moscow community, and a space to express yourself with similar people.
According to Kenworthy manager Ben Ramalingam, the theater has been able to increase their programming, and “reach out to as many businesses as possible.” These strategies can welcome more people to experience the theater and increase possibilities for the community to find something that interests them.
The more the Kenworthy puts on movies, the more people are willing to come to support and watch. Whether it be a local punk show, or a showing of “La La Land,” anyone can find something catered towards themselves. Ramalingam says the increase of diverse events can cause “more people care about the theater.”
The different types of shows that are featured at the theater are what makes the Kenworthy, the Kenworthy. Although they do show movies, it is a different experience when a person goes to watch. With the ability to find people who have the same interests, to find new things to participate in, it draws all kinds of crowds.
The theater is a place for the Moscow community, but also a place to find a personal community as well. People who haven’t visited Moscow in years still hold the Kenworthy close to their heart. Friends, family members, classmates, even teachers recommend the theater. Which in turn, recommends a way that the community can be closer together.
If you’re feeling lonely or bored, the Kenworthy is guaranteed to be showing something of interest, and it’s a great way to get out and become one with Moscow itself.
Tilly Magness can be reached at [email protected]