RACHEAL ALVSTAD / Scroll

Bringing ‘Romance’ back to Rexburg

Ben Caballero CAB03003@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Efforts are being made to bring the “romance” back to Rexburg by renovating the Westwood Theater, formerly known as the Romance.

The city is working in combination with the newly formed Save the Romance Committee to wipe away the dust of disuse and turn the theater into a downtown gem.

The 420-seat Westwood Theater, located at 2 E. Main St., has been unused since 2001. The theater was bought by the city last July for $133,000.

“I think it was a wise investment for the city,” said Mayor Shawn Larsen. He noted its historical value and said he thinks it will become an asset and showpiece similar to the city’s tabernacle.

Jack Bowman, director of Rexburg’s Parks, Recreation and Arts, said the future multi-purpose theater will be good for the city.

“I love it,” he said. “It was unfortunate when the doors closed. We got it at a good price [and] we truly feel it will be a benefit to the community.”

Local resident Jake Fullmer heads the Save the Romance Committee, which is responsible for helping to raise funds and shape the theater’s future.

While the City Council will ultimately decide on the theater’s functions, he has big ideas for this downtown destination.

“It’s going to be a place where people can use their talents and where they can enjoy one another’s gifts,” Fullmer said.

He envisions a community center for both college students and local residents, which can provide plays and concerts and give the community a setting in which local talent will be displayed.

The committee and City Council will meet regularly as the project moves forward. Both Fullmer and Mayor Larsen want local residents and BYU-Idaho students to contribute to the project.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunities for students to get involved in the restoration and they can benefit from having another location to go and take a date,” Larsen said.

Fullmer said he is looking for ambitious individuals to provide ideas and to spread the word.

Those interested can contact him at jakefullmer@gmail.com.

The city plans to fund the renovation and operating costs through donations and revenue. Larsen said the only cost so far has been the building itself.

Renovation will include adding lighting and sound for live productions and some form of retractable screen for movies.

The Westwood Theater will premier Higher Ground, a Warren Miller ski production on Nov. 11 to help fund the renovation.

Tickets can be purchased at the BYU-Idaho ticket office or City Hall. Members of the improv comedy group Comic Frenzy will also perform as “The Hysterics” at the theater on Nov. 17.

“The Hysterics” was recentyl formed to provide the community of Rexburg and surrounding areas an improvisational comedy group that would be family friendly and provide an adequate entertainment outlet. The group is made up of some members of the improv comedy group “ Comic Frenzy”. Where tickets will be sold and the price are currently being finalized.

The funds from both of these shows will be used as fund-raising projects for the Westwood.

The theater was built in 1917, sustained damage from the Teton Dam Flood, and was most recently used as a Carmike Cinema until 2001, according to www.cinematreasures.org.