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Lyric 3 re-opens with gusto

Shows start at 11 a.m. Saturday

Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm businesswoman and Lyric 3 owner Mary Ann Christensen, left; theater General Manager Brandon Jackson, center; and maintenance man John Pfeiffer of New Ulm try the new, plush, electric reclining seats with trays and cupholders on for size. The theater opened Friday and features “Frozen 2” over the weekend.

NEW ULM — After a couple weeks of extensive renovation, it’s everything you dreamed about and more. The Lyric 3 theater re-opened with style downtown Friday night.

Amenities include brand new, numbered, luxurious, power reclining leather seats with trays and cupholders, new carpeting, exterior paint, signage and a new, expanded concession area.

The theater opened at 3 p.m. Friday with “Frozen 2.” The 2019 American computer-animated musical fantasy film was produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Staggered weekend showtimes begin at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday shows begin until 10 p.m., 9 p.m. on Sunday.

New movies begin Tuesday with different productions in all 3 theaters.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch A newly expanded concession area is part of the Lyric 3 movie theater renovation project.

“We wanted something fun for the community. We wanted to do something for people that work their butts off all day, all week,” said Lyric 3 owner and New Ulm businesswoman Mary Ann Christensen, who leads the local ownership group, Standing Room Only, LLC.

“These renovations offer New Ulm and the surrounding area a luxury theater unlike any other currently available,” said Phil Zacheretti, President and CEO of Phoenix Theaters Entertainment.

“Around the country, many small-town theaters have closed, forcing moviegoers to drive to other cities and counties to enjoy a movie,” Zacheretti said. “Standing Room Only recognized the importance of not only keeping the theater open as part of a vibrant downtown business district and decided to invest in providing a first-rate movie going experience as well.”

Christensen said the big, new seating reduces seating capacity a bit, but she feels it’s well worth it. The 3 theaters seat up to 171 people at once.

Expanded row spacing allows moviegoers to relax, stretch out and enjoy the movie. The large, new, power reclining seats are the latest movie theater trend around the country.

New concession stand offerings include Orville Redenbacher popcorn, Coca-Cola products, Icee drinks, hot dogs, pizzas, nachos, soft pretzels and a number of candy varieties.

Online reservations may be made for individuals, couples, families or groups.

Tickets are on sale at PhoenixTheaters.com, in person or by calling 354-2015. Seating is numbered. Reserving seats is recommended.

Regular customers are rewarded with a theater loyalty program. Free members for the Motion Picture Points program are available at the box office or online.

The theater is completely handicap accessible with special equipment to assist moviegoers who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or with low vision. Gift cards are available and can be redeemed for tickets, food or beverages. They never expire and make great gifts.

“Frozen 2” had its world premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Nov. 7, 2019. It was widely introduced in the United States by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on Nov. 22, 2019. It received generally positive reviews from critics who praised its animation and songs.

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