Located at West 65th and Detroit, the Capitol Theater re-opened on Thursday evening after a twenty-four year hiatus. After a $7.5 million renovation, the theater has the unique distinction of being Cleveland's oldest and newest movie theater. It opens to the public today.

Thursday's gala reopening included a keynote speech by Gov. Ted Strickland, a $250-per-person fundraising reception, and a screening of the LeBron James documentary, "More Than a Game."

The Capitol Theater first opened in 1921 in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood as a vaudeville and silent movie house, and closed in 1985. It's last performance was a vaudeville show.

With the renovations, the Capitol now boasts all-digital equipment.The vaudeville stage as restored to recreate the atmosphere of the 1920's era movie palace, but with the amenities of the modern theater. Detailed wall murals and classically-inspired architecture have been restored as well.

Owned by Cleveland Cinemas, the three-screen theater will feature independent, foreign and documetary films. It also features an expanded lounge and concession area, which includes a selection of beer and wine alongside traditional movie fare. In other words, it is the Cedar-Lee Theater of the West Side.

Showing this weekend at the theater are:

• More Than a Game
• Capitalism: A Love Story
• Toy Story / Toy Story 2 3D Double Feature

The renovation of the Capitol Theater was timed to be completed along with the completion of a $3 million streetscape project designed to transform Detroit Ave between West 58th and West 73rd streets. It now features wider sidewalks to encourage pedestrian traffic and street cafe dining. Utility wires have bee concealed underground, and new lighting, trees and public art have helped beautify and enhance the Gordon Square atmosphere. Plans are also underway to expand available parking spaces from 159 to 628 by the end of 2010.