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November 25, 2008
Hatteras Island has a new movie theater By AMBERLY DYER  Just when you thought culture left the islands with the movie theater in Avon closed and Ocracoke’s Deepwater Theater saying “au revoir” until the spring, a new adventure popped up in the heart of Kinnakeet, just waiting for your visit. The Art House of Cape Hatteras in Avon opened with a small splash Halloween week but with a big commitment to bring a variety of events and happenings in the coming year. Owned and operated by local attorney David Dixon, the theater offered a number of movies its first weekend. Not quite up to trick or treating or parties, we kept to the Halloween spirit by watching the opening film, thriller classic “The Exorcist.” The theater is a cocoon inside the Big Wave Dave store (formerly Kinnakeet Corner) and a pleasant surprise. You purchase tickets -- $7 for the evening shows -- and enter through the convenience store. This may not spell “ambience” in your book, but its casual welcome should make you feel at home. Candy, popcorn, and sodas can be bought in the store. While there is a wider variety than your average theater, you might miss a few movie standbys, such as Snow Caps or Good & Plenty. For the adult showings, beer and wine is available inside the theater. Brenda Horan operates the concession stand with a warm smile and invitation. We passed on our visit, but selections appeared to be above your average “on special this week” variety. Discerning tastes will appreciate this point. On Halloween night, we did not fight for seats, but there was room for only 24 people. Dixon pointed out that he will be installing eight additional chairs in the next few weeks for a capacity of 32. The walls and floors are covered with a retro-styled fabric of deep purple and black designs to make you feel hip, even if you are in sneakers and jeans. Each chair is a “rocking” style with a big cup holder. Our vote: Bad for the arm around your girl, but good for rocking yourself silly if the movie is scary. Comfortable all around. “Welcome to the Art House of Cape Hatteras,” Dixon told the audience, and the show soon began. The screen is worth the trip if you enjoy films “on the big screen,” so to speak. To those who wonder, it is bigger than a plasma TV and even larger than in-home cinemas I’ve seen.  Dixon said he would be experimenting with content and events in the next few months. In addition, the facility will be available for private parties and screenings. A child’s birthday party is planned in the near future. Other special events may be featured in coming months. Next summer season, Dixon plans on inviting stand-up comedians and musicians and offering independent films. “Our summer guests have quality tastes,” he says. He hopes the Art House is going to help fill this entertainment niche. For the winter, activities are currently planned for some weekends. Dixon told us that the film “Gonzo” about Hunter S. Thompson (“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” author) is coming over Thanksgiving weekend. And for Christmas, he plans to show “The Christmas Story,” which Dixon wrote in the 1980s. It was filmed in 2005 on Hatteras. “It’s a 20-minute short that tells a story of five different people, each with a need, who find the meaning of Christmas (whether they want to or not) in a Christmas tree sales lot. Among the number of actors involved, our own Jarvis Williams and his big red tow truck steal a scene.” He added that the theater is going to try to show recent films. “I don’t like to drive to Nags Head to watch a movie most of the time,” he noted, “and I’m sure there are plenty of others like me.” He plans offerings for the younger set at more affordable prices. Matinee tickets for “E.T.” cost $5 each. Whether you enjoy recent releases, classics, edgy documentaries, or live entertainment, it’s worth checking the Art House schedule for upcoming events, be it winter or summer. “We’re still evolving and seeing what works,” Dixon notes, and he is listening to the customers. FOR MORE INFORMATION The schedule for Thanksgiving Week: • “Iron Man” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Nov. 26-29. • “Gonzo” at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. • “Veggie Tales” on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 2 p.m. For schedule information, call Big Wave Dave’s convenience store at 995-7033. Tickets are limited and can be purchased in advance at the store on Highway 12 in Avon at the Harbor Road stoplight -- $7 for evenings and $5 for matinees. |
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