Ever since the first moving picture show shocked and amazed audiences, going to the movies has been an exciting, entertaining, and enriching experience. In 1956, that experience came to Grand Falls-Windsor with the opening of the Classic Theater.  

While the theater has changed ownership several times - most recently in 2011, when Shawn and Jackie Feener took over operations - it’s still the perfect place to spend an evening with friends and family.  

The theater, located at 10 High St., shows the latest blockbuster films, but also classics, holiday specials, and has recently even opened up to stand-up comedy, musical acts, and other performing arts.  

“As kids ourselves at one time, the theater left a very lasting impression and was such an integral part of our childhood,” Shawn says. “From Saturday afternoon matinees with our friends when we were younger, to coming-of-age movies as we went into our teens, to first date nights, and beyond. The theater was always central to entertainment for so many of us through the decades in our community.” 

The Feeners want to keep that tradition and experience alive for today’s generation too, while giving back to the community as much as possible with a weekly ‘cheap seats’ night, seniors’ nights, and community-sponsored film tickets for those who otherwise couldn’t afford a night out at the movies.  

But it was more than nostalgia that kept the theater running during tough times since the Feeners took over.  

“Our favourite part is definitely the interaction with the public,” Shawn says. “We have a very loyal, long-standing clientele who are super supportive and have stuck with us since we took over, even through the pandemic.  
“During that time we started an at-home snack delivery service and it was extremely successful. Our community pulled us through lock down after lockdown and we are so thankful for them and their support. The ability to give back to them when we can, leaves you with a feeling second to none.”