Something new at Middlebury’s Marquis Theatre evokes old-school excitement about going to the movies. Anyone who’s strolled the town’s Main Street this month has likely noticed the cinema’s new façade: There’s a bright-blue sign, accented by pale yellow and vertically spelling out the theater’s name in gray letters, that references the art deco style of movie theaters from the 1920s and ’30s, adding a vintage touch to the street.
Employees of New Haven’s Silver Maple construction company have worked since March to install the sign as the second part of a longer-term renovation project at the Marquis, according to theater owner Ben Wells. Rehab began in December 2023, when the theater’s stucco cracked and its overhang collapsed over the front doors of a building that’s stood for more than a century.
Once the necessary structural work was complete, Wells decided to keep going. At a time when small movie theaters are struggling to stay in business — Seven Days has previously reported on the closures of Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas in Burlington and the Palace 9 in South Burlington — Wells thought a new façade would encourage locals to think positively about the Marquis and its place in the community.
Diving into the history of American movie theaters, he resolved to heighten the nostalgic appeal of the Marquis’ exterior. Art deco, a modernist style known for its geometric forms, bold colors and close ties to the tradition of cinema-going, seemed like the perfect fit.
Adhering to town ordinances on lighting and signage was a challenge, and Middlebury’s Design Advisory Committee rejected Wells’ first draft. Kathryn Torres, codirector of the Better Middlebury Partnership, witnessed the evolution of the façade through its many design iterations and praised its final form.
“It’s very in keeping with the town, and it also brings some color and some light to that part of the town, so we’re really excited about it,” Torres said. “I love the idea of taking something that’s classic … and bringing it into the 21st century.”
“It’s a style that I hope will stand the test of time,” Wells said, “and contributes to the vitality and the vibrancy of Main Street.”
And of the Marquis itself. The pandemic, the 2023 Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes, and the increasing popularity of streaming services have all taken a toll on theaters in Vermont and across the country.
Wells said this year has been hard, too — one blow was the ice storm that occurred the same March night as the new Snow White release. But he manages to keep the business alive by maintaining its restaurant, trivia nights and other forms of entertainment, such as kids’ movie screenings in the café. A few months ago, Wells also purchased new laser projectors to improve image quality.
He hopes the newly completed exterior, the installation of which shuttered the theater the entire month of April, closes the deal.
“Having a façade like this on the outside,” Wells said, “it’s a really strong outward message to people in the town that, Hey, this is a special place. There’s great energy inside this. This is a great place to be.“
This article appears in May 28 – Jun 3, 2025.
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