If there is one task Lebanon Entertainment Cinemas General Manager Mike Eastman has as a goal, it is to preserve the newly-opened theatre as spic ‘n span as possible.

“We take a lot of pride in keeping our theater clean for all those who visit here,” said Eastman. “We’re very thankful for all the hard work our crew does.”

With a post-pandemic re-opening of October 8, 2021, the theater has a new inside look with a dedicated and hard-working staff of five, excluding Eastman, who was hired as GM in June 2020 – although he has been employed in and out of the Cinema since 2007. And, although he oversees the running and maintenance of the business in Lebanon, he refuses to take sole credit.

“It’s all about the staff,” he stressed. “I want them to be enjoying themselves while they work. They should have fun. It’s a great crew with lots of smiles and laughter. We all work together – including me - by jumping in and helping each other.”

Gone are the old white shirts worn by staff members, replaced with black polo shirts with the Entertainment Cinema logo. And the public can also get to know them by accessing the theater’s Facebook page, gleaning their favorite movies, actors, and snacks.

So far, the theater has drawn hundreds of paying visitors who are lining up to see the latest in Hollywood films, including a sold-out theater for Dune. Prices have risen a dollar because of the upgrades but “people are fine with that because the seats are more comfortable, and it’s cleaner,” said Eastman.

Adult admission after 5 p.m., for example, is now $11; matinee prices before 5 p.m. are $9; senior citizens, Dartmouth College students, and children are also $9; bargain Tuesday all day is $6, and the early bird special on Saturday and Sunday is $6 for the 11 a.m. show. Costs of concession snacks are varied; the most expensive of which is the Combo, priced at $13.

A theater may be rented out for such events as birthdays as well.

This monetary increase is not surprising with the re-facing of all six theaters. Right now, there are four open with a seating capacity of 58 each. Larger reclining chairs with greater space in between is now the new look. After each round of film showing, the theaters are cleaned, mopped, and sprayed down. COVID-19 guidelines are followed as well.

“It’s all about customer service and satisfaction,” Eastman noted.

Theaters 5 and 6 are in the process of being refurbished, including a new screen coming for theater 6 and electric seats for both.

Responses to the new movie complex have been very favorable, as evidenced on its website. Such compliments as “the team has done an amazing job,” “super-comfy seats,” and “super clean,” “very good Mike Eastman and crew!” are not unusual. 

Welcome back Entertainment Cinemas!