After decades of providing cinematic experiences to the local community, the Duncan Caprice Theater has announced its permanent closure effective December 30.
This closure marks the end of an era for an essential place in the neighborhood for many years.
Originally opened in 1982 as the Caprice Twin under the ownership of Caprice Entertainment, the theater had a capacity of 665 seats, with Auditorium 1 seating 372 spectators and Auditorium 2 seating 2,293.
Over time, the theater underwent changes in ownership and rebranding, eventually becoming the Criterion Twin Theater after a sale in 2009.
Subsequently, in 2014, it was taken over by the Hollywood 3 Cinemas chain and renamed Caprice Duncan, becoming a hub of first-run attractions.
The announcement of the closure was made via the theater's social media platforms, where management expressed sincere gratitude to the community for its unwavering support over the past 10 years.
The message conveyed both appreciation and sadness, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision while emphasizing the deep emotional impact it had on staff and management.
“On behalf of all of us at Caprice Cinemas Duncan, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 10 years. We couldn't have done it without you! Yes, unfortunately you heard correctly and we will be closed permanently as of December 30, 2023. This has not been an easy decision and we understand that it was sudden, but please know that we are all absolutely devastated by this. Once again, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for these 10 fabulous years. We will miss all your smiling faces (Please keep comments positive and light. If you have any questions or concerns, please send us a private message. Thank you)”
The announcement sparked an outpouring of support and nostalgia from patrons, reflecting the importance of the theater as a communal space for shared entertainment experiences.
Many expressed their sadness at the sudden closure and spoke of the precious memories created within its walls.
'A sad closure of an iconic space with many fond memories. I loved the small town feel. May you move forward knowing that many appreciate you,” said Dom Daviau.
Although the reasons for the closure were not explicitly stated in the announcement, changing consumer preferences, the changing entertainment landscape, and economic challenges facing the industry have often contributed to the closure traditional theaters in recent years.
“It breaks my heart. Thank you for opening your doors to our community for so long,” said Anita M Seymour.
The closure of the Duncan Caprice Theater represents not only the end of a business, but also the end of an institution that held a special place in the hearts of many.
As the curtains close, the legacy of this beloved theater will undoubtedly live on through the memories and experiences it has provided the community over the years.