Originally printed: Bucketville News, Issue 291, June 2025
Who doesn’t love a good movie in the theater? Sure, you can stream almost anything at home these days, but let’s be honest—it’s just not the same. The giant screen, the surround sound, the shared laughter (or gasps) with a room full of people—it’s magic. And that magic is
alive and well in Dover, Vermont.
Welcome to Memorial Hall Center for the Arts (MHCA), where movies—and the love of the arts—take center stage once again. Once the go-to spot for live performances and art shows, this space has always had creativity in its bones. Now, it’s been beautifully reimagined into a state-of-the-art movie theater, complete with Sony® 4K Ultra-High Definition Projection and Dolby® 5.1 Surround Sound. According to MHCA board of directors chairman Dan Facilla (and backed up by sound pros), the audio setup is top-notch—it’s like the theater is giving your ears a standing ovation.
MHCA is a nonprofit powered entirely by volunteers who believe that theater and the arts should be a joyful, affordable, and accessible part of everyday life. Their goal? To create a space where everyone of all ages can enjoy films that are thoughtful, well-written, and maybe
even a little bit life-changing. Recent showings include The Amateur, The Friend, and The Penguin Lessons—titles that make you laugh, think, and maybe text a friend afterward to say, “You’ve gotta see this.”
The theater itself is as charming as it gets: 181 seats, clean, cozy, and nestled right in the mountains. You won’t find long lines or packed lobbies here. Just show up 30 minutes before showtime and grab your tickets at the box office—no stress, no sellouts. And here’s the best part, every dollar you spend—whether it’s on a ticket or a treat from the concession stand—goes right back into the theater. That means better movies, better maintenance, and exciting plans for a second projector and an additional screening room coming soon.
Memorial Hall Cinema thrives on heart, generosity, and the vibrant spirit of its community. Whether you’re a year-round resident, a second homeowner, or simply visiting, bring your family or friends, enjoy a thoughtfully curated film, and leave with the kind of lasting impression that only a shared experience can create. So come see what all the buzz is about. Take a break from the couch and rediscover the joy of movies—shared stories, big sound, and the unmistakable hum of a local crowd captivated by something special on screen.
So come see what all the buzz is about. Take a break from the couch and rediscover the joy of movies—shared stories, big sound, and the unmistakable hum of a local crowd captivated by something special on screen.
For showtimes and more information, visit www.memhall.org or call the box office at 802-464-8411. Tickets are reasonably priced: Adult $10, Senior $8 (age 65 and older), and Child $6 (age 12 and under). MHCA accepts cash, check, credit cards (Visa, M/C, Amex, Discover). Editor’s note: Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning starring Tom Cruise will be showing from May 23-June 5. Rated PG-13.
Last modified: June 21, 2025
