Dreamland Theater - Nantucket

The above photo shows the Dreamland Theater about 20 years ago. Closed for renovations this year, the project is typical of what many theater restorations face: how to upgrade and improve the facility while keeping an eye towards the tradition of its past, as well as how the community balances tradition with the needs and expectations of the future.

The building is from the 19th century, before there were movies. Obviously it already made a huge transformation unique to its earlier era. Now it must be brought forward again under guardianship of business, commerce, and art. It is unlikely to be bedizened with neon and gaudy trappings. If the gray-weathered clapboard with the white trim has not told you already, this movie theater is located on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket. Strict codes will ensure that it conforms to the Nantucket look, where the only ostentation will be found on the screen.

For more on the Dreamland Theater renovation, have a look at this article from the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror.