Contributed photos: Mike Scholtz, filmmaker
Fargo Theatre’s roomier new chairs have been installed.
The new carpet smell is less potent by the day, and the comforting, familiar aroma of hot-buttered popcorn is slowly but surely returning.
It’s safe to say, the Fargo Theatre hasn’t looked better in a hundred years.
Now, as staff, board and volunteers put the final touches on 100th birthday celebrations this weekend, in addition to the 26th annual Fargo Film Festival March 17 to 21, it’s safe to say this community icon is ready for another century of entertainment and connection.
Read more about Fargo Theatre’s renovations
Resplendent in 1920s-themed everything, centennial activities include a high-steppin’ soiree Saturday night at Synclaire event center in downtown Fargo, followed by a giant birthday party at the theater on Sunday, including the premiere of “Fargo Theatre: The First 100 Years,” a documentary honoring the cinema’s impact on the region’s culture.
Saturday: Roaring 20s Soiree
Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
Synclaire, 613 1st Ave N., Fargo
$100 per person
For those with champagne tastes, check out the Roaring 20s Soiree at Synclaire event center in downtown Fargo and watch the 1920s come back to life.
“Our hope is that people who are looking for a more intimate experience will join us to eat abundantly, enjoy Fargo Theatre popcorn and take in the amazing history of Fargo Theatre,” said Karen Hartland, the centennial celebration’s marketing director.
The night includes a champagne toast, cash bar, and a silent auction featuring collectible movie memorabilia, vintage party games with prizes, and a photo booth.
While 1920s attire is encouraged, it is not required for attendance. Tickets for this event are limited due to venue capacity. Proceeds from ticket sales support the work of the Fargo Theatre.
A scene from the short documentary “Fargo Theatre: The First 100 Years” by local documentary filmmaker Mike Scholtz.
Sunday birthday party and variety show
1 p.m. Mighty Wurlitzer concert ft. Red River Theatre Organ Society
2 p.m. Screenings of silent short movie “Felix Revolts” and short documentary ‘Fargo Theatre: The First 100 Years’
$19.26 per ticket
Sunday’s birthday celebration is a variety show-inspired event for the whole family, according to Hartland, and features a screening of the classic silent short film “Felix Revolts.”
A member of Red River Theatre Organ Society performs in a scene from “Fargo Theatre: The First 100 years.”
The Red River Theatre Organ Society takes the stage at 1 p.m. with live music performed on the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, as well as movie-themed performances by local artists.
“I think a big highlight of the show is having Mateo Leslie of the FM Ballet performing Gene Kelly’s iconic dance from ‘Singin’ in the Rain,” said Fargo Theatre Executive Director Emily Beck. “We’re really looking forward to that.”
Additionally, the afternoon will feature a red carpet photo opportunity complete with 1920s-style paparazzi.
Documentary filmmaker Mike Scholz grew up in the Fargo Theatre and jumped on the chance to create a short movie about the theater’s first 100 years.
Filmmaker captures a century behind the scenes
One of the main events Sunday is the premiere of “Fargo Theatre: The First 100 Years,” a 33-minute documentary featuring many familiar faces in the community—and lots of surprising history.
For documentary filmmaker and Moorhead High graduate Mike Scholtz, the Fargo Theatre isn’t just a quaint place with lots of local history. It’s a symbol of personal discovery, creative exploration, and ultimately, community, which is what he set out to capture in the half-hour movie.
Scholtz saw the hallowed theater for the first time himself in 1977 when he saw “Star Wars,” and like so many thousands before him, was immediately enamored by the theater’s majestic drapes, sprawling art deco ceiling and the Mighty Wurlitzer.
“I have no idea how many films I saw there, but it’s a lot,” he said, adding that his own films have been featured at Fargo Film Festivals throughout the years and he continues to travel to the area for projects related to the theater. “So it always meant a lot to me.”
Hartman said The Fargo Theatre has spent a century telling other people’s stories, and she’s happy Scholtz was willing to tell their own.
“Mike’s documentary captures the soul of the theater, and there is no better way to kick off our next century than by sharing that legacy with the people who built it,” Hartman said.
Historian Greg Carlson explains a bit of theater history in a scene from the documentary.
The movie opens with theater staff, board members and local celebrities answering the question “What’s the first movie you saw at the Fargo Theatre?”
“I interviewed about 50 people for the documentary,” Scholtz said. “A lot of people who love the theater as much as I do.”
Fargo Theatre Technical Director Adam Roder attempts to start a 35 mm film projector in a scene from “Fargo Theatre: The First 100 Years.” Contributed / Mike Scholtz
And while we get glimpses into many magical stories that make Fargo Theatre such an icon of Fargo-Moorhead culture, Scholtz’s documentary goes on to showcase some secret spaces and long-forgotten lore.
“For this documentary, we had to go spelunking in the basement and up onto the roof and so it’s just a fun excuse to go to all those places,” he said.
In the basement where today’s staff stash the marquee letters, film crews also found old ticket grinders that ushers would use to destroy ticket stubs, old movie posters, broken up pieces of the theater’s original Renaissance-style wall decor, among other things.
“If you want to know what’s in the basement of the Fargo Theater, yeah, it’s the kind of stuff that film buffs love,” Scholtz added.
At one point, Fargo Theatre’s Adam Roder attempts to fire up a 35 mm projector for the first time in decades.
Does it work?
“Come see the doc and find out,” Scholtz said.
[Photo still of Emily Beck]
Overall, Beck said the documentary does exactly what good documentaries are supposed to do: educate and entertain. She herself was overcome by Scholtz’s ability to share history and all the ways Fargo Theatre has inspired thousands of moviegoers across generations.
“The first time I screened the documentary, my cheeks actually hurt from smiling by the time the credits rolled,” she said. “And then the waterworks came.”
Ultimately, “Fargo Theatre: The First 100 Years” is an homage to the generations that made the cinema such a lasting presence, as well as an artifact of history for future generations.
“We get to help its marquee stay bright for the next century,” Hartland said. “The film is a reflection of that.”
Centennial celebration tickets, information and more
Tickets to Saturday’s soiree are limited, as are passes to access festivities on Sunday, so audiences are encouraged to reserve tickets.
For a list of activities and events, visit fargotheatre.org/centennial.
To follow Fargo Theatre on social media and stay up to date on events and educational programs, go to www.facebook.com/TheFargoTheatre.
For details on the 26th annual Fargo Film Festival, visit https://fargofilmfestival.com/
About Fargo Theatre
Built in 1926 as a cinema and vaudeville theatre, the beautifully restored Fargo Theatre now serves as an art house theatre featuring independent and foreign film. The Theatre is also Fargo’s hottest downtown venue for concerts and other live events.
The Fargo Theatre is a non-profit organization and was placed on the National Register of Historical Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
