Historic Ute Theatre to reopen next year

The Historic Ute Theatre in Saguache will reopen under new ownership./Photo by Teresa Benns

SAGUACHE — The Historic Ute Theatre in Saguache, which has been closed for two and a half years, has been purchased by a Crestone resident who hopes to bring back theatrical performances to the theatre and make it a true gathering place for the community once again.

Heidi Wong purchased the theatre in August from former owner Christine Gydeson, who had operated the Ute since May of 2009. Wong says she has been visiting Saguache for a decade, is very fond of the town and its residents, and appreciates its historical significance. 

Saguache treasurer Mary Morfitt invited Wong to attend the Saguache Museum’s 50th anniversary celebration on Memorial Day. Wong accepted her invitation and, while watching the parade on 4th street, noticed the theatre door was ajar, and decided to peek in!

Gydeson and Virginia Drake, founder of the San Luis Valley Theatre Company, just happened to be inside. They offered her a “flashlight tour,” and the possibility of the project “just seized me,” Wong said. She secured a loan and put an offer in on the theatre the following week.

Wong says she is in the clean-up and renovation stage of her journey to reopen. It’s a slow process, she said, explaining she is in a “discovery phase right now,” trying to gather ideas and local wisdom to decide what attractions at the theatre would best suit the community. She definitely wants to revive community theatre and the types of productions once organized by Gydesen and Drake, she said, and also wishes to attract other local and not-so-local theatre companies and performers.   

She has already booked for next June the award-winning two woman-musical from Hawaii entitled “Money Talks: But What the Hell Is It Saying.” This entertaining and provocative show, says Wong, explores the themes of money, success, failure, and self-worth. For further information, visit: www.ilovemoneytalks.com 

Wong hopes to eventually feature documentary films, art films and international film fest films, but will not run standard new releases and the usual movie house fare. “I have no desire to compete with Cozy Castle,” a popular movie theatre in town, she said. She also hopes to feature puppet shows, workshops, musical performances, talent shows and in general showcase what she believes to be to be an abundance of creative talent in Saguache.

“I want this to be a place for everyone to enjoy,” Wong stressed. “I love kids and want to provide a healthy outlet for them.” She is taking each day at a time, and says she can’t make any promises, but hopes to open by May of next year.

Theatre history

According to various articles published online by previous owner Christine Gydeson, the Ute Theatre was originally built in 1916 by Judd Keyes, beginning its life as a livery stable, blacksmith shop, and even an auto mechanic shop. Ross Lambert bought it in 1947 and added the second story, transforming it into what is now the Historic Ute Theatre.

After a few years, Luis Groy, took over the theatre operations. His daughter Josie and her husband were able to keep the theatre open for many years. They sold the business to Rod Hines, who ran it for a short time then sold it to Susan Crutchfield. 

When Gydeson purchased it in 2009, she kept the original seats, the old 1952 popcorn machine, and antique projectors. She bought newer movie theatre style seats for the center section of the theatre and made major renovations to the lobby. Thanks to Gydeson’s efforts, the theatre enjoys non-profit status and, through grant monies, was gifted a 3-D movie projector in 2015.

Longtime locals recall the theatre’s heyday in the 1950’s, when theatres in small communities across the nation were booming. One old-time photo pictures lines of people wrapped around the block, waiting to enter the theatre.  Those were the days when people visited the theatre not just for movie-viewing, but also to watch current news reels. Over the years, theatre managers have come and gone, and the theatre has been sitting empty for too long. Wong hopes to change all that.

For the latest progress on the Ute, visit: theutetheatre.com