MICHIGAN

Community unites to save iconic movie theater

The Detroit News
Rick Andrews addresses a Dec. 11 community forum at The Bay, the only movie house in Leelanau County. Andrews will head a nonprofit group beginning Jan. 1, 2019 to keep the iconic venue open.
Rick Andrews addresses a Dec. 11 community forum at The Bay, the only movie house in Leelanau County. Andrews will head a nonprofit group beginning Jan. 1, 2019 to keep the iconic venue open.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
An overflow crowd fills the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay at a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 where discussion was presented in hopes of finding a new owner for the venue, which is closing at the end of the month. The Bay is the only movie house in Leelanau County.
An overflow crowd fills the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay at a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 where discussion was presented in hopes of finding a new owner for the venue, which is closing at the end of the month. The Bay is the only movie house in Leelanau County.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
Robert Bahle, in a blue jacket at the door, thanks people at the completion of a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018.
Robert Bahle, in a blue jacket at the door, thanks people at the completion of a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
The 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay held a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in an attempt to find a new owner for the venue, the only movie house in Leelanau County.
The 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay held a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in an attempt to find a new owner for the venue, the only movie house in Leelanau County.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
The 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay held a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in an attempt to find a new owner for the venue, the only movie house in Leelanau County.
The 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay held a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in an attempt to find a new owner for the venue, the only movie house in Leelanau County.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
Robert Bahle talks about The Bay theater at community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in an attempt to find a new owner for the venue, the only movie house in Leelanau County.
Robert Bahle talks about The Bay theater at community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in an attempt to find a new owner for the venue, the only movie house in Leelanau County.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
Erik Bahle, manager of the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay, Michigan holds a digital hard drive which contains a movie, replacing the old 35-mm film that was used to show movies.
Erik Bahle, manager of the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay, Michigan holds a digital hard drive which contains a movie, replacing the old 35-mm film that was used to show movies.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
The concession stand at the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay is always busy prior to a movie showing.
The concession stand at the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay is always busy prior to a movie showing.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
Plastic marquee letters used at the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay are kept in the projection room.
Plastic marquee letters used at the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay are kept in the projection room.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
Erick Bahle, manager of the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay, addresses the crowd.
Erick Bahle, manager of the 200-seat Bay theater in Suttons Bay, addresses the crowd.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News
Rick Schmitt of the Garden Theater in Frankfort, Michigan, addresses an overflow crowd at a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in Suttons Bay. The 200-seat Bay theater is slated for closure at the end of the month, and the forum was held in hopes of finding a way to keep it operating.
Rick Schmitt of the Garden Theater in Frankfort, Michigan, addresses an overflow crowd at a community forum Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in Suttons Bay. The 200-seat Bay theater is slated for closure at the end of the month, and the forum was held in hopes of finding a way to keep it operating.
John L. Russell, Special To The Detroit News