Montello Theater Reopens, Aims to Keep Cinematic Experience Affordable

MONTELLO, Wis. (WMTV) – The big-screen experience has made a comeback in small-town Wisconsin after the Mann family reopened the Montello Theater with a three-night showing of the Back to the Future trilogy.

Jenell and Kerry Jr. Mann purchased the theater in August after it remained closed following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elayne Kalman drove two hours to see the first Back to the Future movie on Friday night and the sequel on Saturday night.

“It doesn’t get any better than that. I love history and there is a ton of history in this building!” Kalman said.

Kalman also wanted to support the small business owned and operated by his niece Jenell’s family. Mann’s daughters work in dealerships.

“It’s all of us working together, which is really amazing to have something in this little community to be open again, it’s just amazing,” Jenell said.

She said the first night sold out 150 seats, showing that the Montello community can keep the classic cinema experience alive.

“When they were kids, they could come here and now and they have kids and grandkids and they bring them here now, which is a really great experience,” Jenell said. “People who come in and shake your hand and say, ‘Thank you for reopening this business! It’s just really huge and it makes you feel good inside that you’re doing something to keep family prices down and keep it going.

The Manns plan to keep the cost of a ticket at $5.

People can find tickets or buy merchandise at the Montello Theater website.

Back to the Future III airs Sunday night at 7 p.m. for the third and final grand reopening film.

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