After going dark 18 months ago, the Boothbay Region’s Harbor Theater opened its doors once more. The number of theater goers was small, but they were enthusiastic about the theater being open, and its updates and COVID measures.

The first film to be screened was the animated “Addams Family 2,” a colorful celebration of the Halloween season with that beloved, eccentric and, well, bizarre, yet lovable clan. Insert finger snapping ... and sing ...  “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ookie, the Addams Family.” The family returns for two more showings on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.

Opening night, Friday, Oct. 1 drew nine audience members. Harbor Theater board member Helen Meserve said the mechanical bits – sound and projection – worked perfectly. The number of attendees doubled on Saturday. Attendee Kellie Bigos said, “It’s pretty exciting and the format seems pretty efficient.”

That format has theater goers buying their tickets and concessions at the same counter – the all new, expanded snack area.

Jim and Kate Borsig of Southport were pleased with the safety precautions. Said Jim, “We’ll come here for anything – animated, documentaries ... We’re members of the theater and think everyone should be.”

Ed and Hopie Escabar were equally thrilled to be back in the Harbor Theater. “It’s all good,” Hopie said. “We’ve been looking forward to this,” Ed chimed in, “We’re blessed to have the theater.”

Betsy and Alan Hills agreed the interior of the theater looked beautiful. The lobby and auditorium have been painted a dark blue, the curtains in the auditorium were gone; fireproof, black acoustical tiles and panels were mounted on the walls, replacing the drapery and improving sound quality.

Emily Dow and her son Dominic said they were very excited to be in the theater again as well. Excited was definitely the word of the evening!

Sunday night, Oct. 3 drew 15 more people. The numbers will steadily climb, as more people come and tell family and friends about their experience there, theater board member Helen Meserve said.  ”Everyone had smiling faces, especially the children.”

The theater is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. New movies  open on Fridays and also run Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Coming up in October: Daniel Craig returns as 007 in  “No Time To Die,” the 25th James Bond flick of the series. Opening night is Friday, Oct. 8 with the film playing at 7 p.m.

Helen Meserve said the board decided to open in a big way. “We booked three big movies because we wanted to say ‘We’re open’ in a dramatic way. We’ll be running more independent titles and art films.”

The theater’s Classic Movies open in November with a Hitchcock Festival – “Vertigo,” “Rear Window,” “North By Northwest” and “Strangers On A Train.” Also coming up are “Spencer” and “The Truffle Hunters.”

The theater is at 185 Townsend Ave. in Boothbay Harbor, in the Meadow Mall.

The theater is being thoroughly cleaned between screenings. The restrooms are being cleaned before and during showtimes. Hand sanitizer stations will be set up in the lobby.

COVID precautions: Audience members age 12 and above must show proof they are fully vaccinated (CDC card or copy, or photo on a mobile device). Please be prepared to comply when buying a ticket. Children under 12 may attend with a fully vaccinated parent as long as they wear a mask during the entire film. The number of people in the auditorium is capped at 80 to observe social distancing requirements.

Individual membership is $40 per year, $75 for families (up to five). Joining takes $2 off every ticket and grants free admission to films and events for members only. Fill out membership forms online, or download one and mail it to the theater.

Stay up to date on Harbor Theater and its offerings at https://boothbaycinema.org