Varsity Theatre closes today after 68 years

The Varsity Theatre is located at the corner of University Avenue and Coyne Street near the University of Hawaii (UH) campus.  It opened in 1939 and is a one of the few reminders of an era that has passed.

The land parcel is 1.7 acres in size and owned by Kamehameha Schools, a charitable trust for children of Hawaiian ancestry.  Kamehameha Schools has not disclosed what they intend to do with the property.

As a student at UH in the 1980's I used to watch movies at the Varsity Theatre periodically.  It was within walking distance from campus housing and across the street from Buzz's Steak House, where I worked as a waiter.

Last night the TV news mentioned the closing of the Varsity Theatre with a brief history.  Originally it was one large theatre and at one point it was converted into a twin.  I thought it was interesting that Consolidated Theatres, operators of the theatre, only recalled that the conversion took place "sometime in the '80's".  I remember going to the theatre prior to the conversion, then it was closed for a short period, perhaps a week or two and reopened as a twin theatre.  My recollection is that the conversion took place sometime between 1983-1985.

If you're on Oahu, consider catching a movie at the Varsity Theatre tonight.  Checkout the neon lighted sign out front and old projectors on display in the lobby.

Last night we went to the Varsity and watched "Away from Her," a movie about a woman losing her mind to alzheimer's, and the problems she and her husband faced.  It was different and interesting.

Varsity Theatre in Honolulu closes on June 17, 2007

My girlfriend outside Varsity Theatre on June 16, 2007

• Moiliili neighborhood

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