Classic Cinemas in Oswego Will Reopen April 15

OSWEGO, IL — Classic Cinemas is set to reopen its 13 Illinois theaters April 15 — including the one in Oswego — after lengthy closures due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

With the reopening comes increased safety measures, in addition to following nationwide Cinema Safe guidelines, Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson told Patch. Most of the theaters will be able to accommodate 50 percent of their capacity, per current Illinois guidelines.

Johnson said they've also worked to increase the outside air flow in the theaters by 50 to 100 percent by opening the dampers on their HVAC fiters wider. The air filtration systems have also been upgraded with MERV 11 air filters.

Employees and customers will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing, Johnson said. Customers can take off their masks to enjoy concessions and theaters will still offer free refills, but will replace your cup or container with each refill.
Other safety measures include "increased diligence and cleaning," Johnson said.

Classic Cinemas temporarily reopened several of its locations in June 2020. That reopening was short-lived due to a lack of movies and additional costs.

Johnson said he's eager to welcome moviegoers back to Classic Cinema locations throughout Illinois.

"We're just so excited to see the happy faces of people getting out, getting back to normal and enjoying their time away from home...just the joy of getting together with friends and family and taking in a good movie," Johnson said.

He went on to explain that while streaming services have gained popularity, especially during the pandemic, there's nothing quite like the experience of going to the movies.
It's more than watching the content; it's about the relationship between you and the people you're there with," Johnson said.

He added that people actually turn their phones off and get to "Kick back, relax and take it all in."
"It's such a unique experience these days," Johnson said.

Kendall 11 is located at 95 Fifth St. in Oswego.