Four Theaters in One Opening at Orem Center

Managing one theater might seem to be enough work for one man, but one man running four theaters-in-one must seem to some like being the ringmaster of at least a three-ring-circus.

However, according to Brent Hodson, house manager of the new Carillon Square Four-plex Theatre at Carillon Square in Orem, it isn't really that bad; and he added that he hopes to have the tiger by the tail when the complex opens this Friday.

"Bob" Zacha, the Provo-Orem city manager for Mann Theatres chain, which includes th the new multi-plex theaters in Orem, said that Mr. Hodson will is assisted by a good layout and the latest automated equipment.

Mr. Zacha stated that the new complex has four separate theatres that are serviced by one ticket booth and one concession stand. He said because of the modern projection equipment one projectionist can service all movie houses from the central projection booth.

The four theaters have a total seating capacity of about 830. There is also facilities for wheelchairs seating, Mr. Zacha said.

Individual seating capacity for each theater ranges between 175 and 250. The color scheme for the theaters and the lobby is red, white and blue.

According to the Provo-Orem manager, the complex has the potential for showing the same film in two theaters in the case of a particularly popular film.

He said he and Mr. Hodson will be assisted by roving manager, Doug Smith, who will assist at the 4-plex theater and the two theaters in Provo, Provo, the Fox and the Academy.

Mr. Zacha said the Mann operation's objective at the four-plex will be to try to generally provide good family entertainment — as it has in its other local theaters.

There are three movie houses in Salt Lake owned by the Mann operation and a total of about 300 theaters across the U.S.

The new theaters will open this Friday with the following movies: "The Eagle has Landed," "The Cassandra Crossing," "Thieves," and "All the President's Men."

On Thursday night a special press preview and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held with theater personnel industry officials and a special appearance by western actor Chill Wills.

Included at the special opening ceremonies will be: Bill Hertz, director of operations for Mann; Utah district manager, Ed Doty; John Tella, Denver region district manager; Jerry Ireland, concessions director for Mann; Ralph Pizza, Mann film buyer and his assistant, Barry Gibberman; Ed Stuart, Mann director of construction and Mann engineers, Barclay Smith and Marvin Atkinson.