MetroWest Movie Theaters May Not Reopen Until End Of July

FRAMINGHAM, MA — If you were planning to escape to an air-conditioned movie theater during this week's steamy weather, you're going to have to put those plans on hold.

Phase 3 of Gov. Charlie Baker's reopening plan began on Monday, and that means movie theaters can begin to open again with screenings limited to 25 people or fewer. But no major movie theater in MetroWest will reopen this week — and likely won't until the end of July.

Located at the nexus of Framingham's Shoppers World and the Natick Mall, the AMC Dine-In theater may not open until July 30, according to the company. Kansas-based AMC is also in the midst of a major financial struggle. The company said it might have to close for good due to coronavirus, but may have found a way to stay afloat, according to recent reports.

Regal, which operates a cinema at the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough and one in Bellingham, plans to reopen its theaters on July 31. Showcase Cinemas, which operates theaters in Dedham, Worcester, and Millbury, has announced a reopening plan, but hasn't scheduled any showings.

Local theaters like the Elm Draught in Millbury and the Fine Arts Theatre in Maynard also remain closed.

As of Wednesday, the only movie-going options in the area were drive-in theaters. The Mendon Twin, 35 Milford St., is showing older movies, from "Grease" to "Black Panther." The Leicester Drive-In is offering a double-feature of "Ghostbusters" and "Jurassic Park" this weekend.