Located just 10 minutes south of Portland, the Lake Theater first opened in 1947. Designed by celebrated local architect Richard Sundeleaf, “The Lakeâ€Â was for the first decades of its life the entertainment hub of downtown Lake Oswego. By the 1990s, however, it had fallen into disrepair, better known for its sticky floors and gum on the seats than for its movies.
Drew Prell purchased the theater in 1996, giving it a much-needed facelift and restoration, honoring The Lake’s heritage with historical accents in tribute to the golden age of theater-going. Under its new name the Lake Twin, attendance thrived for a time, but the dual rise of the megaplex and the arthouse cinema has provided increasingly difficult competition.
Prell is rising to the challenge: the first half of 2013 will be dedicated to extensive renovations and additions, from which the reimagined Lake Theater and Cafe will emerge. Boasting a full kitchen and bar serving beer, wine, and liquor, it will no longer about just going to the movies. The lobby and outdoor deck will be transformed to accomodate casual dining and easy socialization in a warm, modern environment. The first auditorium will be dedicated to cinema, updated with state-of-the-art digital projection, its floor rebuilt to supply stadium seating, with plush, spacious reclining chairs installed. The second auditorium will be equipped with adjustable cafe / nightclub seating, lakeside access, and a stage, host to live music, comedy, even your own private event.
At present, the theater is under daytime construction but is OPEN FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL weekday evenings and weekends. Please note that although we do not yet have a bar or kitchen, we have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, the usual broad selection of concessions, and the best popcorn you're likely to ever taste (with real butter, too!). Check online via the website of your choice for the most up-to-date showtimes.
Services/Products
Ticket prices
$8.50 Adults, General Admission
$7.50 Adults, Matinee (shows starting before 4pm)
$7.00 Seniors 60 & over and Kids 12 & under
$4.50 Mondays (all shows, all ages, all day)
Payment
We accept credit cards. We also havean ATM, for some reason.
Parking
For our usual business hours (after 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends), we recommend parking at Lakeside Plaza, the office building just south of the theater, located at 8 N State St. Additionally, a public lot exists at the intersection of State St and Foothills Rd, and parking is free for the first 3 hours at Lake View Village (the shopping center adjacent to Millennium Park Plaza). Many of our customers park across the street in the Albertsons lot, and while we've never heard of anyone being ticketed or towed, at least understand that you're parking there at your own risk.