OROFINO, ID – The historic Rex Theater on Johnson Avenue in Orofino is embarking on a new chapter under the new ownership of CC Horton and Barbara-Lee Jordan. “Originally opening in 1914 and enjoying a heyday through the 1920’s with silent movies and welcoming the post WWI crowd for some needed peace, we can only imagine the days during prohibition when Orofino residents proved resilient after a devastating era,” says a press release.
According to Horton, the Rex Theater has been the Wagner family since 1955. Excitement, relief, and celebratory peace washed over Chris Wagner as he turned the keys, and the legacy, over to Horton and Jordan on Monday.
“The new owners bring a vibrant vision that honors the theater’s rich history while introducing fresh opportunities for artistic and cultural enrichment,” says the release.
“We want to bring more than movies, and have some fun. My passion for the arts goes back to my dad as a musician and author, and my mother making the most decadent cinnamon rolls on the planet,” Horton explains. “I’m thrilled to help the theater shimmer again in our community and am so excited to discover the history and bring our community’s heritage to life through every movie, performance, and event.”
Barbara-Lee Jordan echoed sentiment, sharing, “I’ve been wanting to buy the theater for the last 10 years in hopes of bringing the Arts back to the area, but it never did come to fruition. Amazingly, a few short months back, I was visiting with CC at Augie’s one afternoon and we discovered a common vision for the Rex. It will take a lot of sweat equity, but my goal is to make the Rex theater the “go to” place for the community to experience new & old movies, live plays and concerts and a venue for conferences. It will take a few years, but with the community as partners, we’ll make it happen.”
CC Horton, Barbara-Lee Jordan and Chris Wagner in front of Orofino’s historic Rex Theater.
The Rex Theater will continue to showcase movies and will also introduce live performances, such as theater and music. Additionally, it will partner with public and private entities to provide workshop and conference spaces for rentals for workshops, screenings, parties, private concerts and more. “What we imagine, we can achieve,” Horton adds.
The new owners are asking the community to reach out and let them know what’s important to them related to the Rex Theater and entertainment in Orofino. Feedback and suggestions for the theater’s new usage are welcome, and a request list is being maintained for community ideas.
