Rosebud Cinema Trial Run Goes Smoothly

The came back to life Wednesday night.

The couches, clean and comfy, some of them new, were lined up in rows, ready for movie-goers to relax.

The concessionaires were prepared to fill orders for drinks, snacks, appetizers and dinners.

The projectionist pronounced all systems were go.

The owner and managers of the Rosebud offered invited guests – many of them other local business owners – a sneak peek at the refreshed theater with a free showing of "The Bourne Ultimatum," third in the "Bourne" series.

The fourth, and a current first-run release, "The Bourne Legacy," opens the latest chapter in the Rosebud's long history this weekend.

Wednesday's trial run was a success, with no more than a couple of small glitches to attend to.

There was a short delay in getting the decorative wall lights down at showtime, easily rectified.

There was some leakage of lobby chatter through the theater doors, perhaps calling for some acoustic panels.

Beyond that, things proceeded smoothly toward Friday night's official public opening. The film rolled, rich sound filled the house, and food orders appeared to be coming out promptly.

Just before showtime, introduced himself and welcomed his guests back to the Rosebud. He promised to also have the on Vliet Street up and running soon – within a month, he said.

The Rosebud opens to the public Friday with a 6:30 p.m. showing of "Bourne Legacy," to be followed by the late showing at 9:30.

Evening shows Saturday are at the same times, and there will be two matinee presentations as well, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $9 for adults, $7 with ID for seniors, students and members of the military, and $5 for all at matinees (shows starting before 5 p.m.).

The Rosebud will host a grand opening the next weekend, on Sept. 7, with a showing of "WaterWalk," a film shot largely in the Muskegon, Mich., area but with some scenes done in Wisconsin.

Its about a successful, workaholic writer who has been less successful in connecting with his son – until his son challenges him to join him on a 1,000-mile canoe journey retracing the route of explorers Louis Joliet and Pere Jacques Marquette to the Mississippi.