OCEAN CITY — The iconic Moorlyn Theater, a beloved boardwalk landmark, reopened its doors last week under new management and a new name, Moorlyn Square Theatre.
After an extensive renovation, the theater promises to bring a blend of classic charm and modern amenities to the community, rekindling the magic of the golden age of cinema at the Jersey shore.
The Moorlyn, located across from the Music Pier at Moorlyn Terrace, has been a venue for entertainment since 1922. Over the decades, it has witnessed the evolution of film, hosted countless premieres and served as a cultural hub.
The theater has recently undergone significant renovations to restore its former glory and update its facilities. The new owners have carefully preserved the theater’s historic architecture while incorporating state-of-the-art technology to enhance the viewing experience.
Partners Clint Bunting, Bret Denafo and Scott Kaufman added the Moorlyn to its stable of theaters. The trio also own theaters in Rio Grande, Northfield, Ventnor and Stone Harbor.
The trio’s plans to reopen the Moorlyn go beyond attaining another theater, as they view it as a revitalization of a cultural cornerstone in Ocean City.
“The city really wanted a theater to come back and they helped facilitate the deal so the property would stay a theater. The council and mayor here have been so supportive and helpful,” Bunting said. “It’s been a lot of work but it’s worth it because I know it’s going to make people happy. They’ll come and get to be entertained in a way they haven’t had the chance to in a long time.”
Bunting, who grew up on the shores of Delaware, has a deep appreciation for cinema that goes back to the first movie he saw as a kid.
“Well, you know, the first movie I ever saw was ‘Jaws,’ so that one really left an impression on me,” Bunting said. “My favorite though is probably ‘Rocky’ or ‘Top Gun,’ the original, although I thought ‘Maverick’ was really good, too.”
The restoration project aimed to maintain the Moorlyn’s historic charm, with meticulous attention to detail in preserving its original features. A new marquee will be installed in the coming weeks, restoring the classic neon lights back to their former glory. Inside, the theater boasts luxurious accommodations with more than 500 seats and improved acoustics with heavy insulation to ensure noise bounce minimization. Each of the four screens boasts the latest projection equipment, ensuring every moviegoer enjoys a top-tier cinematic experience.
“I tried to make it as high-end as possible, but still keep the history of it, the sort of ’30s and ’40s vibes that the theater had before we started renovating,” Bunting said.
The theater’s return is expected to boost local businesses and attract visitors, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the boardwalk. The concession stands will feature a traditional menu of popcorn, hot dogs, beverages and all matter of candied sweets. The interior decor features ornamental sconces that cast warm lighting on the red hues of the theater’s carpet that patrons can follow to their screenings.
With its grand reopening, the Moorlyn aims to create new memories for future generations while honoring its rich legacy.
Visit squaretheatres.com or the box office at 837 Moorlyn Terrace for more information and to purchase tickets.
– STORY by EDDIE D’AMICO/For the Sentinel
– PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff