Say Goodbye to the Old, While Ringing in the New

Hello, everyone. I’m happy to share the news that as of January 1st, 2024, Gold Junction Presents will become the new proprietors of the Star Theatre. Over the past eight years, I’ve dedicated myself to elevating and developing the Star Theatre, guided by two core principles: maintaining affordability and contributing to the community. I firmly believe that the theatre is the heartbeat of Whitehall, a role it has played for over a century. It’s been a central gathering spot since its earliest days. While many small towns have witnessed the decline of their local theaters due to aging infrastructure or the challenge of transitioning to digital projection, Whitehall’s citizens recognized the theatre’s significance and helped it overcome these significant obstacles.

My journey with the Star Theatre has been filled with highs and lows, the most challenging being the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty of whether the business could continue and what the future of film would look like post-pandemic was incredibly stressful. Over the years, I’ve done my best to upgrade the theatre, from renovating the concession stand to restoring the iconic marquee. Collaborating with Gold Junction, we’ve broadened the theatre’s film selection, introducing initiatives like the Summer Family Film Series and the Western Series, running for three years now. The theatre should be a sanctuary for all, a place to unwind and momentarily step away from reality, as well as a venue for creating lasting memories for both adults and children alike.

The decision to transition the Star to Gold Junction Presents stems from a few reasons. Firstly, time has become a scarce resource for me, especially as my children grow and become more involved in various activities, leaving me with less time to dedicate to the theatre. Secondly, it’s about the legacy of the Star Theatre. Gold Junction Presents was established with two goals: bringing arts and culture to Whitehall, akin to what larger cities offer, and rejuvenating the Star Theatre to preserve its role as our town’s gathering place. This vision requires collaboration, and I believe Gold Junction is well-equipped to make the necessary improvements to ensure the theatre’s longevity. While I am stepping back, I will continue to assist Gold Junction with film programming and events. I am proud to be a founding member of Gold Junction Presents.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me over the years. Whether you visited to watch a movie or just to buy popcorn, your support has been invaluable. I’m grateful to Kerry Sacry for entrusting me with the theatre’s legacy, to my family for their sacrifices, and to my parents for their unwavering support. A special thanks to Bill Pullman, whose advocacy and support from the beginning have been instrumental in shaping my time with the theatre.

The future looks promising for Star Theatre under Gold Junction Presents. Their leadership promises to infuse our community with more arts and culture. I encourage everyone to continue supporting Gold Junction as we embark on this new chapter.