These days, Hemet is no longer a farming town, and “moving pictures” surround us every day. But 100 years later, the Historic Hemet Theatre still has a role to play, providing quality entertainment and helping to revitalize Hemet’s Historic Downtown District.

Since opening as a Foundation in 2013, over 60,000 patrons have visited HHT and over 100 different bands have performed. This year, the Historic Hemet Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary with big plans for the future. The City of Hemet has already approved over $1M in improvements to the interior of the building.

Remodel of the lobby is nearing completion, including 3 custom wall murals by artist Dan Melendez. It is hoped that by the end of the year, funding can be found to complete the handicap accessible restrooms.

In addition to the popular “Tribute Mania” Concert Series, HHT hopes to begin showing first run movies again. In 2019, a new projection system was installed to meet current standards. This year, fundraisers are providing the money needed to install $30k worth of surround-sound speakers donated by the old Costa Mesa Mall Theater. This will allow HHT to meet qualifications for showing first-run films.

The redesigned second floor will include a Museum of Early Film, dedicated to William Martin and will feature several pieces of historic projection equipment as well as office space and meeting rooms.

The majority of the renovation funding has been provided by members of HHT’s Century Club. With a pledge of at least $500, Century Club members will have their name added to a special plaque that will become a permanent display in the lobby. Already over 60 local residents have raised $183k for the fund. Information of joining the Century Club can be found at the Box Office or online on the HHT website.

The theatre’s façade has been renovated several times through the years, but HHT will always be a landmark site as you visit downtown. Be sure to visit the HHT website (http://www.historichemettheatre.com) for a more detailed walk through the history of the theatre. And don’t forget to stop by the Box Office and check out the new lobby.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling (951) 658-5950. Box Office opens May 3rd, Monday thru Friday, 11am – 5pm.

Susan Carrier • HHT

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Studio estimates show “Joker” with a slight edge over “Maleficent” in ticket sales this weekend, but the race is too close to call for now

A pair of holdovers had a photo finish this weekend as “Joker” and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” jockeyed for first place at the box office.

Estimates, which sometimes change on Monday when final counts are in, give “Joker” a slight edge: The Warner Bros. villain tale is estimated to make about $18.9 million in domestic sales, while Disney’s fantasy sequel “Maleficent” is pegged at around $18.5 million.

The fact that the two movies are in such close competition is a testament to the success of “Joker,” which has performed well since it opened Oct. 4. According to Disney, “Maleficent,” which opened last weekend to about $9 million below already modest prerelease projections, made an additional $64.3 million overseas Friday through Sunday.  Warner Bros. said that “Joker” picked up roughly $47.8 million in international sales during that period.

Both movies re-imagine well-known villains. “Maleficent,” the follow-up to Disney’s 2014 hit “Maleficent,” casts Angelina Jolie as the evil fairy from “Sleeping Beauty.” “Joker” builds a bleak origin story of the titular DC Comics villain, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Though the movie caused widespread debate when it was released, with some questioning whether it painted a sympathetic portrait of a killer and others viewing that criticism as unjustified, it has had robust ticket sales.

Caption for Joaquin Phoenix 

Joaquin Phoenix in “Joker,” which sold an estimated $18.9 million in domestic tickets this weekend.  Warner Bros

Caption for Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie in “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.”  Estimated weekend ticket sales for the movie came in at around $18.5 million.  Disney Enterprises

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