Magic Lantern Theater Spokane is a historic theater located in Spokane, Washington. It has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it was first built. The theater has undergone several renovations and changes over the years but has managed to retain its original charm and character. Originally known as the Columbia Theater, it opened its doors in 1909 and quickly became a popular entertainment venue in the area. The theater primarily showcased silent films during its early years and featured live music and vaudeville acts to accompany the films. Throughout the years, the theater underwent several name changes and was even used as a movie house for a period.
So, even though you might be able to magically sense the world around you, that doesn’t mean you let just anyone know what you’re thinking (and most importantly, feeling). You might bottle up your feelings until they become dangerous to you or others, because you feel them so much that you might be a little afraid of what would happen if you let them out. You’re a deep well, and depending on what’s down at the bottom, you may not even want to look at it yourself, let alone let anyone else in there. And here’s the tough part: Gemini has an incredible memory, and can often remember faces or names of people or things from ages ago. But Gemini usually lets go of feelings pretty easily, especially traumatic ones. But you have that old Cancer moon just next to you, and Cancer does not let go of feelings (at all). Unfortunately it means that if you have suffered trauma in your early life, you are likely to carry it with you, and you might carry vivid memories of it as well. You’ll also carry pain, and that pain can become the thing that defines you if you aren’t careful. It’s a tough thing to manage: a lot of people who suffer trauma often shield themselves from it, even unconsciously, and can have gaps or blank spaces in their memories as a way to protect themselves. You often aren’t so lucky, and your pain sits just below the surface of you. It’s a burden you tend to want to carry alone, so even when you love people you try to protect them from your own pain. And you’re good at it- many of your closest friends might not know what you’re feeling, even if they sense that sometimes you’re not doing so well.
There are even people that I have met only once or twice that, despite all reason and logic, I have felt that cliched yet entirely true sensation that I had known them all my life. She might not have been psychic, but she was right about me after a few weeks of bluffing on the street corner, I could tell by the way someone walked if they were a Sagittarius or a Taurus, and I could see the unmistakable forehead crease of an Aries from down the block.
Throughout the years, the theater underwent several name changes and was even used as a movie house for a period. However, in the 1980s, a group of dedicated theater enthusiasts came together to save the building and restore it to its former glory. They renamed it the Magic Lantern Theater Spokane, inspired by the traditional magic lantern shows that were popular in the late 19th century.
Magical Coffee
This recipe was inspired by a drink I love at a local café. (Theirs is "magic coffee.") After my first taste, I went home and immediately started tweaking a recipe. They brew the coffee hot, but since it was summer and I am lazy, I wanted to use a cold-brewed coffee base, and I started with a recipe from the New York Times. There's lots of room for variation depending on what flavors you like—I did a Scandinavian version with white sugar, almond extract, and crushed fennel seeds too. —ErinH
Test Kitchen Notes
"One of those recipes that's a great concept rather than a precise formula, ErinH's iced coffee takes inspiration from both her local coffee house and Mexican café de olla. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon and a few spoonfuls of dark brown sugar to the coffee as it cold-brews gives it a lush sweetness and a hit of warmth. After a night in the fridge, you strain the coffee and pour it over ice cubes. Then comes the cream. (Or milk, depending on your mood.) And then, as ErinH says, you 'die of happiness.' We loved this iteration and think her 'Scandinavian version' (using almond extract and fennel) sounds like a winner too." –A&M
"When we talk about new and better ways to brew coffee, we usually talk about new methods (like cold-brewing, or new machinery)—but today I need to talk about a coffee that’s all about the ingredients. It’s called magical coffee, and it’s going to change the way you think about iced coffee. What makes this coffee so special is the use of cinnamon, a brewing method popular in Morocco and the Middle East that adds spice and complexity to even the most basic cup of coffee. Coupled with a few tablespoons of dark brown sugar, the flavors in this overnight recipe are so much more than the sum of its parts. In the morning, add the milk or cream—or add a Scandinavian touch, as the recipe’s originator does, with fennel and almond extract—and there’s your magical coffee. The heat in this rich and full-bodied cold brew will wake you up like nothing else. What really makes this coffee magical, though, is how forgiving and adaptable it is. If you like, try cardamom in place of cinnamon, or both! And if you like a more velvety formula, do as the Vietnamese do, and use condensed milk instead of cream. No matter how you make it, the end result is something so delicious, it tastes like witchcraft." –Karen Lo
"Every so often you eat something magical. Something so special you can’t decide between taking your time to savor it, or chewing it as fast as possible so you can swallow it, so you can tell everyone around you just how good it is. These are mystical moments, far and few between. The experience of drinking this Magical Coffee is just that. Community member ErinH, who originally graced our site with the recipe, says she got it from a nearby cafe. But it's so good, we’re prone to thinking that maybe it came to her in a vision. Is it magic because it tastes amazing? Or because it’s so wildly simple to make? We're thinking a little of each. She starts by mixing coffee grounds, freshly grated cinnamon, and a pinch of brown sugar in a jar. These get covered in water and left alone for a night of beauty sleep. The next day, she pours the content through a sieve and into a tall glass of ice. She adds some milk or creamer (drinker's choice). And for the adventurous, Erin recommends a Scandinavian twist with almond extract and fennel seeds. You may be thinking: This is too easy. Well, it is! And it's a good thing. It's beautiful, in fact. In a world of hard things, maybe there's relief in knowing that this one easy thing really works. It sits all night, waiting for you in the morning, to wake up to and pour. And with that first sip, you're almost guaranteed to start your day feeling pretty magical yourself." –Valerio Farris
A perfect pick-me-up any time of the day, this coffee method relies on a low-effort cold brew, which also allows all the lovely flavor to imbue overnight as it rests. We love the suggestion of fennel and almond, as fennel provides a dark licorice-like, slightly savory flavor that's perfect foil to the sweet, marzipan-esque notes of almond extract. —Food52
- Test Kitchen-Approved
I still don’t know how true it all is, or if that even matters, but what I do know is that over time I learned how to read and interpret astrological charts so well that I turned it into a job myself at certain points, though now I mostly reserve it for friends and family as a birthday gift. I also learned that inevitably, I am drawn to and find that some of my closest friends seem to cluster around a certain period of time that astrology likes to call the cusp of magic.
The renovations included preserving the theater's beautiful architecture and revamping the interior to create a comfortable and modern space for moviegoers. Today, the Magic Lantern Theater continues to showcase a diverse selection of films, including independent, foreign, and classic movies. It also hosts special events, film festivals, and screenings of local and regional films. The theater is known for its cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a capacity of around 300 seats. The space allows for a unique and immersive cinematic experience, far from the commercial multiplexes that dominate the industry. The Magic Lantern Theater prides itself on curating an eclectic mix of films, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests. In addition to its regular screenings, the Magic Lantern Theater Spokane has also become a hub for the local film community. It supports local filmmakers by providing a platform for their work and offering workshops and networking opportunities. The theater has cultivated a supportive and inclusive environment for film enthusiasts and creatives alike. Overall, the Magic Lantern Theater Spokane is not just a historic landmark, but also a cultural institution in the city. Its commitment to showcasing quality films and promoting the local film scene sets it apart from other theaters. Whether you're a film buff looking for an alternative cinematic experience or a filmmaker hoping to showcase your work, the Magic Lantern Theater is a must-visit destination in Spokane..
Reviews for "Music and Movies: The Magic Lantern Theater's Unique Blend in Spokane"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I visited Magic Lantern Theater in Spokane and I was highly disappointed. The theater was outdated and dirty, with worn-out seats that were uncomfortable to sit in. The sound quality was poor, and the projection was blurry, making it difficult to fully enjoy the movie. The staff was rude and unhelpful when I voiced my concerns. Overall, I would not recommend this theater to anyone looking for a quality movie-watching experience.
2. Mark - 1 star - My experience at Magic Lantern Theater in Spokane was extremely disappointing. The theater was overcrowded and lacked proper ventilation, making it stuffy and uncomfortable. The concession stand had limited options and the prices were high. The movie selection was subpar, with only a few outdated films to choose from. The overall cleanliness of the theater was questionable, and the restrooms were dirty and poorly maintained. I would not recommend this theater to anyone who wants a pleasant movie-going experience.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high expectations for Magic Lantern Theater but unfortunately, it fell short. The seats were old and uncomfortable, making it difficult to sit through the entire movie. The sound quality was average at best and the screen was small compared to modern theaters. The concession stand was overpriced and lacked variety. The staff seemed uninterested and unengaged, providing poor customer service. Overall, I was not impressed with this theater and would not visit again.