BEXLEY, Ohio -- The future of a neighborhood icon is in jeopardy.
Financial troubles could force the Bexley Drexel Theatre’s doors to close for good.
It's up to the community to save it.
Drexel patrons talked to NBC 4’s Ana Jackson about why the theatre matters to them.
“I love sharing the Drexel with my children. It shows movies that we don't get to see other places. It's great to have it here right in the neighborhood,” resident Tami Kamin-Meyer said.
“I have been coming to the Drexel since I've been a young child having been brought up not too far away and always saw the best movies here,” resident Janie Marr Werum said.
Werum said the movie selection cannot be beat.
“I can watch movies with subtitles that were art movies -- things I'm not getting at the big boxes,” Werum said.
The Drexel just hasn’t been drawing in the patrons that big boxes can.
Community leaders, such as Mayor John Brennan, are stepping in to help the owner brainstorm ideas to keep the theatre open.
“I think if he would e-mail friends and just tell them, ‘Hey, I'll hold some tickets at the box office for you. How about sending in a contribution,’ ” Brennan said.
The theatre brings back fond memories for the mayor.
“I can remember as a child growing up, coming down here for a field trip back in the ’50s,” he said.
He said he hopes the community will support this neighborhood icon.
“There's no question that the Drexel has to stay,” Kamin-Meyer said
“It's just a beauty. So, I think it should stay, and I hope it does, and I hope other people come and patronize it,” Werum said.
Some of the other ideas from the mayor included a $5 movie night Monday through Thursday and possibly turning the theater into a charitable organization.
Community members will meet Sunday to discuss all options.
If you would like to donate, you should call the theatre at 614-231-1050.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
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