NewEnglandFilm.com

Susan MacNeil is smiling a lot these days. And with good reason, too. The interim director of the Colonial Theater is witnessing the theater return to its former glory after a long 75-year history. With the exception of fixing the Grand Marquee out front, the Keene, NH, theater is almost fully renovated. Since opening on January 29, 1924, the theater has been graced with opera performances and film engagements, as well as lectures and readings by Amelia Earhart and Thornton Wilder. Today the Colonial is a full concert venue, and independent films are shown year round.

I spoke to Susan MacNeil about both her career and the history of theater, which, indeed, seem to run parallel.

EA: Tell us a little bit about your background and how you reached your current position at the Colonial.

MacNEIL: I’m originally from Connecticut, but came up to New Hampshire with my husband at the time, who was a disc jockey. I was working at Keene State College and was always a patron of the theater. At that time, in the ’70s, they only showed films, so I remember seeing movies like the "Pink Panther" and Laurel and Hardy.
      In the late ’80s, the theater had great performers like Bonnie Raitt and k.d. lang appear, but then the Colonial closed. This is when I got involved as a volunteer. I also started writing for the local "Entertainment Times," and in 1994 got a chance to cover "Jumanji," which was filmed on location in Keene. It was after putting together a cast party for the film that I realized that I wanted to work there full time. In September of last year, I became director of Sales and Marketing, and in March of ’99, I was pleasantly surprised when I was recommended to be interim director.

EA: As the Colonial celebrates its 75th anniversary, can you comment on a seemingly renewed interest in old theaters and their restoration?

MacNEIL: It seems to me that perhaps people used to take them for granted; that is, seeing theaters in all their grandeur. By the late ’80s, due to neglect, the Colonial was in a state of decay. It seemed that it would go the way of the other four theaters in town–shut down altogether and, heaven forbid, become a mall. People saw this coming, which is why the Colonial Foundation was formed in 1993 to save the theater. But to answer your question, I think what has renewed interest is the very growth of the mall multiplex. People saw–and still see–going to a movie at a multiplex as a stale, unpleasant experience that will blow a hole in your wallet. Restoring old theaters brings revenue to other downtown businesses as well.

EA: One last question. As current director, what gives you more pleasure: is it seeing an audience enjoying a good film, or watching a crowd get excited by a live performance?

MacNEIL: The answer is, makes absolutely no difference. The other night I enjoyed seeing people discuss the ending to Robert Altman’s "Cookie’s Fortune." They were so engaged as they walked out of the theater. However, I also love seeing a crowd get blown away by the playing of Branford Marsalis. So it really doesn’t make a difference to me. It boils down to how people feel that really matters.