The Magic Lantern’s grand gala Feb. 8 was the place to see and be seen. In one of the most anticipated events in Bridgton’s history the red carpet was rolled out, the kleig lights shone into the starry sky and the staff dazzled in black tie and tails.

The line at the door wound around the building as hundreds of lucky ticket holders finally got a look at what we have all been waiting over two years to see. A veritable “Who’s Who” of locals were in attendance, from business owners and politicians to artists, musicians and movie lovers. Many were dressed in evening gowns, tuxedos and costumes, and the air was electric with excitement. Everyone seemed to know each other, and all the talk was about how gorgeous, elegant, magnificent, fabulous and huge the new theater is.

Rick and Judy Whelchel of the Noble House Inn, where the movie “Baby It’s Cold Outside” was filmed and later screened at the old Lantern, were two of many local residents enjoying the festivities. Rick said, “We’re almost crying we’re so excited!”

Chamber of Commerce Director Mike McClellan added, “they really went all out, respecting the history of the place and the town. It’s a perfect night.”

As attractive as the cedar-shingled exterior is, nothing could have prepared us for what awaited inside the doors. The expansive lobby is cheery and bright, with the original ticket booth at the entrance and the restored “Mayfair” marquee, which had been found rotting in the woods two summers ago, mounted on the wall. The modern concessions area and Tannery Pub; which will be used for musical performances, live theater and meetings, are set to the back. The three theaters boast reclining chairs, wide aisles and state-of-the-art sound systems. They offer all the 21st century amenities of big city mega-plexes, while retaining the charm of the original Magic Lantern’s Victorian, Art Deco and old Hollywood glamour.

Co-managers Tom Watkins and Jim Hill were gracious hosts, manning the ticket booth, giving tours and answering endless questions from attendees. Patti Murphy, Nancy Weiner, Justin Kiger and all the Down East employees pitched in to make the night run flawlessly. Weiner spoke for everyone when she said “This is so exciting, I love movies and I feel like we’ve been waiting forever for tonight to finally come.”

Dick Knight is back as the staff projectionist after working for the Lantern back in the late ’70s and ’80s, and said he was most excited about screening the new “Alvin and the Chipmunks” movie “because it plays with the cutting-edge digital DTS sound system technology. It sounds fantastic, and the town is really lucky to have the Lantern back.”

Watkins graciously thanked Frank and Nicky Howell for what he calls “their vision and support for such a great project. The Magic is back! ” As caterers flitted among the crowd with silver platters filled with canapes, crabcakes and champagne flutes, Frank Howell and Hill appeared at the wrought-iron balcony overlooking the lobby to christen the new Magic Lantern.

“It’s been awhile since Bridgton has seen a night like this,” Howell said. “Thank you to everyone here. We’re really stepping out tonight!” With that, hundreds of toasts were raised in cheer and celebration, and a new era began.

Frank Howell, owner of Down East Inc. and the Magic Lantern Theater prepares to gather opening night visitors together for a toast Feb. 8.Magic Lantern Theater Manager Tom Watkins exudes elegance in the box office on opening night, Feb. 8The Mayfair is one of three theaters inside the Magic Lantern Theater, rebuilt to honor the past names and iterations of the old theater razed in 2006.

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