A star is born

A two-page centerspread heralds the Barrymore Theatre's grand opening. Among the festivities: theater tours; screenings of Charlotte's Web, John Cassavetes' Big Trouble and the reggae documentary Cool Runnings; and performances by Puppet Power, Womonsong and the Tony Brown Band. "After considerable help from the community and other concerned individuals and organizations, we are opening our doors to you," say the organizers, noting the grassroots effort to transform the former Cinema Theatre, which had most recently shown X-rated features, into a neighborhood cultural center. "Our main features will include independent films, second-run film classics and children's programming," notes the ad copy. "We will also offer live music, theater, dance performances, civic events and anything else that we or our patrons can dream up." Over the ensuing 20 years, the Barrymore's emphasis has shifted from films toward live music, but it remains a vibrant centerpiece of the revitalized Schenk-Atwood neighborhood.