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The 1932

Criterion Theatre

feature by Ki y Stolzenbach Photo by E. Majonen, courtesy of the Criterion Theatre

The Criterion Theatre is a splendor of Art Deco design and the jewel of downtown Bar Harbor. “The theatre is an old-school
movie palace that has morphed itself into a performing art center,” said theatre Executive Director Amy Roeder. Built in 1932 by
George C. McKay, its opening night was filled with speeches, vaudeville performances, live music, and the film “Arsene Lupin”
starring the Barrymore brothers, John and Lionel. The theatre now hosts musical artists like Judy Collins, Billy Bob Thornton and
the Boxmasters, and David Crosby (coming June 2019), as well as comedians like Jay Mohr. The Criterion also features first-run
films from the Star Wars and Avengers franchises, but relishes “finding and amplifying independent films and film makers” with
films like “Farmer of the Year.”
In 1966, the Criterion was purchased by Betty Jane “BJ” and Peter J. Morison from George McKay’s daughter, Dr. Marguerite
McKay Dwyer. BJ loved the theatre and could be seen nightly taking tickets or working the concession stand. She didn’t put up
with necking in the balcony and she made patrons spit out their gum before entering the building. BJ was a local legend, and many
Bar Harbor residents have their own BJ stories.
In 2014, the theatre began a restoration headed by former owner Michael Boland. With a generous $2 million dollar anonymous
donation and a team of volunteers, a nonprofit was formed to bring back the Criterion to its famous Art Deco glory. From the iron
lanterns on the marquee to the color of the carpeting in the theatre, not a detail was left out as the theatre was lovingly restored. There
are several features of the building that make the Criterion truly an Art Deco stand out including the original house chandelier pur-
A view of the gallery
chased by McKay. The chandelier is cleaned annually taking 90 minutes to both lower and raise it again. Amy says she cannot be in
the theatre while it’s being lowered and is always relieved when it goes back up. The concession stand is a delight and the floating
balcony is an architectural miracle. Along with structural and decorative repairs, the Criterion is making technological upgrades
like closed caption in-seat listening assistance and open caption shows. These will soon be available for the hearing impaired com-
munity.

The theatre is open year-round. You can find out about show times, events, how to donate or become a business partner, and
more on their website, criteriontheatre.org. The phone number is (207) 288-0829.

Photo by George Soules, courtesy of the Criterion Theatre.
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