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New amenities set to wow crowds at McHenry Outdoor this spring

Things have been a little messy inside the concession building at the McHenry Outdoor Theater this winter.

But it's all part of the plan, said owner Scott Dehn as he stood near some exposed masonry in what is transforming into a completely renovated bathroom, where even the high-tech mirrors will wow guests.

“I'm so excited,” he said, adding he's gearing up for opening weekend May 5-6, featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” “There's so much going on this season.”

Dehn has been busy this winter not only overseeing upgrades at the theater at Chapel Hill and Lincoln roads in Lakemoor. He's also been forging dynamic partnerships to provide visitors an even more spectacular movie-going experience.

“Welcome to the Bremer Team Tap House and Snack Bar,” he said, as he took a visitor through the ongoing off-season construction, where a sponsorship from The Bremer Team, Keller Williams Success Realty is offsetting costs. It's also where free popcorn will be provided on Monday nights all season long to visitors who mention “The Bremer Team,” scoring themselves a voucher, as they pass through the box office.

And when they enter the concession building, anyone who's been there will be sure to notice many improvements, Dehn said. New floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, countertops, sinks, toilets and a fresh coat of paint are on the way.

“We will have ‘smart mirrors' over the bathroom sinks that actually can show video, like trailers and ads and trivia games. So, the entertainment won't stop outside,” he said. “Everything is basically being replaced.”

Given the theater's newly acquired liquor license, the north side of the building will feature an area where beer and wine will be available to those over 21 who were not stamped on their way in as their vehicle's driver.

Toward the south side of the building, all-new food prep areas and appliances are being installed, Dehn said.

“I've had a long-term plan,” he said. “Last year's goal was to replace the screen — more of a focus on the outside. This year, we're renovating the inside.”

The Bremer Team Tap House and Snack Bar won't be the only place to grab a beer or glass of wine, either. Dehn also is building a “Behind-The-Scenes Tap House” in the tower, directly under the big screen. McHenry Outdoor merch, such as hats, T-shirts, discs and more, will be available at both locations.

Along with the new amenities, a tremendous movie lineup is in store, including highly anticipated films such as the new “Little Mermaid,” plus new installments in the “Spider-Man,” “Transformers,” “Indiana Jones,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Expendables” franchises — and more.

In addition to films, special events are frequently a part of the fun at the McHenry Outdoor. For example, opening weekend May 5-6 will feature live music by The Bridgeport Ramblers before the shows.

Be sure to check the McHenry Outdoor Theater - Golden Age Cinemas Facebook page for frequent updates, and visit goldenagecinemas.com for season pass or regular admission details, as well as other helpful visitor info.

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