Williamburg Entertainment: The Kimball Theatre on Merchants Square
The Kimball Theatre, located on Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg, provides a variety of entertainment for College of William and Mary students, visitors to Colonial Williamsburg, and locals. The subdued Georgian building isn't graced with a flashing neon sign, so you have to know to look for it midway the block between the Cheese Shop and Williams-Sonoma.
The Kimball was a favorite of John D. Rockefeller when he visited the 'Burg on restoration trips in the 1920s and 1930s. Nearly half a century later, it hadn't changed much and was one of Williamsburg's main movie theaters in the 1960s and early 1970s. By late 20th-century, though, it had been outpaced and left behind by multi-movie cinemas. It was also rather worn to a frazzle, so Colonial Williamsburg launched a plan and received money to renovate the building and revamp the programming.
Today, the Kimball Theatre shows wonderful art films and some popular movies that have staying power due to controversial topics (like Farienheit 911) and not-promoted-at-first acting (as in Little Miss Sunshine) in its handsome period interior. (I love the chandelier.) Unrated films and documentaries are my favorites, as well as beautifully melancholy movies like The Painted Veil.
Movies are shown in the main theatre and in the screening room. Live performances range from Colonial Williamsburg dramas to College of William and Mary student recitals to modern plays to live jazz music. Stop by the theatre to pick up a monthly brochure. There's something for everyone.
