Getting to know your neighbor: Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at the Joylan Theater

There’s no need to travel far to get some good, old-fashioned entertainment, with Springville’s very own Joylan Theater in the heart of the village.

Owners Debby and Ted Adams call the movie house they operate “Springville’s theater,” and said they take pride in offering their friends and neighbors Hollywood’s newest and best on one of the largest movie screens in Western New York.

The Joylan Theater, built in 1949 by original owners Peter and Lena Bifarella, stands on the site of what used to be the Utrich Hotel, one of the village’s oldest landmarks. The Adams bought the theater in 1995 as what Debby Adams called an avenue to help put the couple’s kids through school. Additionally, the Adamses own a consulting firm upstairs from the theater.

The art deco movie house, which has been featured in “Smithsonian Magazine,” seats 655. Ted Adams called it “very practical and simplistic - exemplifying the pulse of Springville,” and noted that the building’s natural acoustics heighten the movie-going experience. “You can stand on the stage and talk at a normal tone of voice and can be heard all the way at the back wall. It’s phenomenal,” he said. The slope of the theater floor makes it easier to see the screen.

Saying that the theater is his family’s way to invest in the community and give back to Springville, Adams said that he and his wife “think we understand Springville’s moral values,” and choose movies they think the community will enjoy. “When a good, wholesome movie is displayed, you’ll see the response,” he added.

Debby Adams chooses the movies that play at the theater, and said she tries to give the locals a variety of genres to view. “We try to choose the best out there,” she said. “We don’t want to bring in stuff that isn’t appropriate. We’re not the movie police, but we do try to look at the bigger picture.”

When a newly-released movie is shown at the theater, the Adamses have to keep it running for about three weeks. The minimum time varies for movies that have been out for a while, but a contracted time is still fixed. “If it’s a dud, there’s no out [for us],” Debby Adams said. “I want to make sure we bring you the best that’s out there.”

Because the theater has just one screen, the owners said they have to ensure that they choose movies that will attract the largest audiences. “We do want to emphasize kids movies, because it’s a win-win for everybody if we get movies families can go to,” Adams said.

If movies’ lengths allow, the Joylan Theater can sometimes show two movies, one after the other, one usually being a matinee.

The new year brought a new digital projector to the Joylan Theater, further expanding the quality of the movies offered on the big screen. While the theater has been using the 35 mm film projector traditionally utilized by movie houses, Adams said the purchase of the Dolby server projector made sense. “Within one to two years, they won’t be making movies on the 35 mm film anymore,” she said. “It was a huge investment. We’ve upgraded because we want Springville to stay alive. We want people to come into Springville to do business.”

According to CNNMoney.com, digital cinematography “will overtake film as the predominant movie projector technology in the world’s cinemas.” CNN also predicted that, by next year, only 37 percent of cinemas will be exclusively showing film. Staying with the times, the Adamses chose to upgrade the Joylan Theater’s equipment to continue showing their audiences the best of the best. “By eliminating film and going to digital, the quality of the picture and sound is better,” Adams said. “The quality is amazing.”

Debbie Adams said she is also looking into bringing 3D capability to the theater. “We want the very best for Springville,” she said. “I want families to still be able to go to the movies.” “War Horse,” which opened Jan. 13, was the theater’s first digital offering. While the new projector is fully installed, the theater still has the capability to run 35 mm film movies.

The Adamses’ three employees, Ashley Beeman, Emilee Hoelscher and Amy Adams-Bobseine, sell tickets and run the concession stand. In addition, Hoelscher takes the theater’s promotional photographs and the three also run the website, www.joylantheater.com. “The girls put their imaginations at work decorating for special movies or holidays,” Adams said. “We have the most amazing workers. They are exceptional girls. They are the heart and soul of the theater.”

Popcorn, soda pop and candy are sold inside the theater, including $1 candy, which Adams said allows visiting children to be able to buy their own goodies.

The theater’s prices do not fluctuate based on which movie is showing; “Everyone pays the same,” Adams said. Joylan hosts family night on Thursdays and movies are offered that evening at a discounted rate.

“You’re not a number,” she added. “You’re a person. I want to thank the people that support the theater by giving them the best.”

To find out what movie is currently playing at the Joylan Theater, visit its website or check the “Springville PennySaver” every week. For more information, call 592-7402.