You’ve seen the marquee. If you live anywhere near the Main Line, you’ve driven past that splash of Art Deco terra cotta on Lancaster Avenue a thousand times. But honestly, for the last few years, the Anthony Wayne Theater has felt more like a ghost than a landmark. Since the doors locked up in 2020, it’s been sitting there, semi-gutted and silent, leaving a massive hole in the heart of Wayne, PA.
People called it "Fried's Folly" back in 1928. Harry Fried, the local theater mogul, built it at the edge of town when everyone thought he was crazy for going so big. 1,600 seats? In the suburbs? It seemed like a recipe for a spectacular bankruptcy. Instead, it became the anchor of downtown. Now, in 2026, we’re finally seeing the first real signs that the "folly" isn’t over—it’s just getting a massive, multi-million-dollar second act.
What’s Actually Happening Inside Right Now?
If you’ve peeked through the glass lately, it’s a bit of a mess. But it’s a productive mess. After years of the building being listed "For Sale or Lease" by owner Stephen Bajus, a nonprofit group led by Todd Scott (the Platoon Fitness guy) and a roster of local heavyweights—including Ishana Night Shyamalan—has officially taken the reins.
They aren't just slapping on a new coat of paint. This is a full-scale reimagining.
💡 You might also like: Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail: Is the New York Botanical Garden Event Worth Your Money?
The old "five-plex" setup—which, let's be real, was kinda cramped and depressing—is being scrapped. The plan is to consolidate. They’re moving toward two high-end screening rooms for those big blockbusters and indie darlings, plus a third "flexible" space. Think stand-up comedy, live music, and maybe those TEDx talks that everyone loves to talk about. There’s even talk of a speakeasy in the basement and a podcast studio on the second floor. It’s a lot. But after the "Save the Anthony Wayne" campaign fizzled out back in 2018, this new nonprofit energy feels like the real deal.
The Louis Kahn Connection You Probably Missed
Here is a fun bit of trivia to drop at your next dinner at White Dog: the Anthony Wayne Theater might actually be an early work of one of the greatest architects in history.
While William Harold Lee is the name on the official papers, a young draftsman named Louis Kahn likely had his hands on the design. Yes, that Louis Kahn. Before he was designing the Salk Institute or the Kimbell Art Museum, he was a kid in his 20s working for Lee’s firm. If you look at the original renderings, you can actually see his signature tucked into the corner.
📖 Related: Diego Klattenhoff Movies and TV Shows: Why He’s the Best Actor You Keep Forgetting You Know
That Art Deco facade isn't just "old building" pretty. It’s historically significant. The terra cotta was sourced from the Conkling-Armstrong company in Philly, the same folks who did the work on some of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers. When the nonprofit group talks about "revealing" what’s hidden behind the drop ceilings and faux walls added in the 90s, this is what they’re excited about. They want to find the original proscenium arches that the corporate chains covered up to save a buck.
Why Not Just Go to King of Prussia?
It’s a fair question. Why spend millions to fix a 100-year-old theater when the IMAX at KOP is right down the road?
Basically, it’s about the experience. Watching a movie in a "soulless box" (Todd Scott's words, basically) isn't the same as walking into a lobby with tile mosaics and a history you can feel. The new vision for the Anthony Wayne Theater is all about "boutique" vibes.
👉 See also: Did Mac Miller Like Donald Trump? What Really Happened Between the Rapper and the President
- Real Butter: They’re promising actual butter on the popcorn, not that yellow oil.
- Adult Beverages: Finally, a place in Wayne to grab a cocktail while watching the movie.
- No Screaming Kids (Mostly): By focusing on "elevated" dining and programming, they’re aiming for a crowd that actually wants to watch the film.
The Timeline and What’s Next
Don't expect to buy tickets tomorrow. This is a multi-year project. The group is currently in the thick of fundraising and demolition. They’ve seen what happened with the Bryn Mawr Film Institute—how it took a grassroots effort to turn a crumbling theater into a community powerhouse—and they’re following that blueprint.
They’re calling it the "Anthony Wayne Theater Organization," and they’re looking for more than just big-donor checks. They want the community to actually own a piece of the revival.
Actionable Ways to Get Involved
If you're tired of seeing the marquee dark, you don't have to just sit there.
- Check the Progress: Follow the Anthony Wayne Theater Organization’s official updates. They’re pretty transparent about where the money is going.
- Volunteer: Since they’re a 501(c)3, they’re going to need more than just money; they’ll need people for events and community outreach as the reopening gets closer.
- Spread the Word: The biggest threat to small theaters is the "I'll go eventually" mindset. Talk about it. Make sure people know that "Fried's Folly" is actually coming back.
The goal is to have the ribbon-cutting ceremony happen right around the theater's 100th anniversary in 2028. It’s a poetic target. From a silent film house in 1928 to a modern cultural hub in 2028, the Anthony Wayne is proof that some things are worth the effort to save. Keep an eye on that marquee—it won't be blank for much longer.