Back in the days when you could take your family to a double-feature for a couple of bucks, movie enthusiast David Nedrow was thrilled with the atmosphere of the theater. The young film buff reveled in the cheesy sci-fi and thriller films of the late 60s and decided to make cinematography a central point in his life.
Today, with ticket prices nearing $14 a pop, Nedrow has put his efforts into making the theatre-going experience worth your while. Specifically, it’s worthwhile to Grandview Heights and Tri-Village residents, as Nedrow has completely remodeled and transformed the trademark Drexel Grandview Theatre into something modern and while keeping ticket prices reasonable (ticket prices range from $5 for a matinee to $8.50 for adults).
Locals still remember the crumbling Drexel, with thoughts of cheaply priced, classic films, sticky floors and seats broken in by generations of movie-goers. When the theatre closed its doors in September 2008, Nedrow and business partner Jennifer Stancel began devising ways to totally revamp this historic venue.
Controlling what is most familiar to him, Nedrow handles the technical aspects of the job like managing the projection booth, the sound equipment and various other IT tasks. Stancel focuses on the special event planning and theatre rental opportunities oversees the finances in the front of the house. With only two key people doing these imperative jobs along with one or two other employees, the Grandview Theatre has become known for its efficient and personable service.
Considered a very small business in comparison to the nearby AMC theatre at the Lennox Center, the Grandview Theatre is not intended to grow. A single-screen hall with one set of bathrooms and a concession stand will not bring in a tremendous amount of money, but the business partners understand and accept the limits within which they work.
“We didn't re-open the theatre expecting to make millions of dollars. Our goal for the theatre is to get it to the point where it makes enough money to cover its bills, with enough left over so we can take enough of a salary to pay our own bills,” says Nedrow. “We don't show movies to make more money. We make money so we can show more movies.”
With the initial goal to renovate the theatre’s concession stand, bathrooms and lobby, the managers soon realized that much more needed to be done to adapt the neglected building to today’s standards. From reupholstering the seats, buckets of fresh paint and dealing with rotting drywall and plaster, the theatre had problems at every turn.
Since the theatre was first opened in 1926, it was important that renovations held to the traditional feel of the venue. The marquee, which was painted an aging avocado green in the 1980s, is a classic feature that Nedrow and Stancel hope to re-create in the coming year using a more modern-yet-traditional approach. A larger, more advanced screen has replaced the older model, greatly increasing the impact of the cinematography. Adorning the outside and inside of the location is a contemporary style will help to draw in new patrons, as well as contribute to the local look of downtown Grandview Heights.
Apart from the topical restorations that were necessary to make the place habitable, the new owners truly wanted to change the movie-going experience.
Obtaining a liquor license, Nedrow and Stancel made it possible to sell wine and beer. Candy and popcorn come cheap. Instead of sitting through endless movie trailers and advertisements, the theater plays old-time cartoons (like Bugs Bunny), and only the trailer for what is playing the next month.
Though Nedrow’s main love is providing classic entertainment, he also has been striving to contribute to the Tri-Village community in other ways. He and Stancel have a heavy hand in promoting other local businesses in the area, making connections and building relationships to make Grandview Heights businesses integral parts of the region.They also involve themselves in civic organizations such as the Grandview Heights Chamber of Commerce, public libraries and education issues.
Locals know that the fresh and polished Grandview Theatre will be around to stay for many years to come, and more and more Tri-Village residents will begin to plan their movie nights around the affordable tickets, diverse concession items and traditional atmosphere of the theater.
Rae Hellard is a contributing writer for Tri-Village Magazine.