Oaks Theater Undergoes Makeover As Small Theaters Begin Making A Comeback

OAKMONT (KDKA) -- When the Oaks Theater of Oakmont opened its doors in 1938, the seats were immediately packed with customers.

But decades later, competition from suburban multiplexes marked the end of many single-screen theaters. Unless they could adapt to the times.

Co-owners Joe Wichryk and Tony Serrao have managed a massive makeover of the Oaks, and a well-stocked bar is only part of it.

At the rear of the theater, Wichryk says, "Basically, what we have here is an 800-square-foot platform that we leveled off in the theater, so we could bring cabaret-style seating in."

A seat at a table is just a couple bucks more than one of the 355 traditional seats. Today's Oaks Theater is a mix of old, and new.

"There's the stage up front which you can see there," the co-owner adds. "We're concentrating on mainly cult and classic films. But we wanted to open up to a variety of entertainment."

It seems to be a trend. The century-old Strand Theater in Zelienople is successfully following the same formula, as is the newly-renovated Manor in Squirrel Hill. Dormont's Hollywood Theater, once left for dead, has regained prominence as a neighborhood destination.

The Denis Theater in nearby Mount Lebanon also has high hopes. The marquee came down years ago, but local citizens haven't given up. A foundation has bought the building, and hopes to reopen it as a combination theater and community center.

As for the Oaks, Wichryk says Oakmont residents had a request regarding the sculptures on the walls.

"Don't take the oak leaves away. Don't touch the oak leaves. So we wanted to make sure we kept those," said Wichryk.

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