The Rise of the Tilton Square Theatre
A luxurious entertainment experience comes to the Mainland
By Ryan Gerace
Tilton Square Theater is poised to be this area’s hottest new movie theater experience. Owned and operated by the masterminds behind the famous Harbor Square Theatre in Stone Harbor, NJ, the Tilton Square Theatre aims to bring that same success to Northfield.
Previously known as the Tilton 9 Theatre, a long-time movie theater staple of the Mainland area, the Tilton Square Theatre is currently in the works of becoming this area’s best new movie theater. From new remodeled concession stands to luxurious reclining seats, this will be a far cry from the Tilton 9 Theatre of old.
“Converting the theater’s seats into recliners was the biggest challenge” explained Brett Denafo, one of the leaders behind this project.
The reclining seats in this theater will be the real stars of the show once the theater opens next month. The recliner chairs are so large that one row of the new recliners would be equal to two rows of the previous seats that were in the old Tilton 9, according to Denafo. All that hard work will be well worth it for moviegoers come April once the doors are open to the public. In addition, all seats will be assigned to guests upon purchasing their tickets.
“The best seats in the house are now closer up front” said Denafo. This is due to the recliners allowing the audience to see the movie closer without the discomfort of the typical movie theater chair. It will definitely be thrilling to see the new Avengers movie up close in a recliner seat.
Brett Denafo expressed him and his team’s desire to have the theater open in time for the new Avengers: Endgame which is slated for an April release date this year. It is expected to be a huge box office success and Tilton Square’s impressive I-MAX theater would be the perfect option to see the film in.
Without a doubt, the crown jewel of the soon to be Tilton Square Theatre will be their I-MAX theater. As you walk into the I-MAX theater, the screen is both imposing and breathtaking. The sound system is said to be as equally impressive. This is definitely the theater you would want to go to see a Star Wars or action film in. This I-MAX theater came with the property but, Tilton Square is both enhancing and optimizing it for their audiences.
Not only are the theaters inside the premises completely renovated, but the entire lobby, hallway, concession stands, doors, bathrooms, and most of the exterior has been or is currently being remodeled. Construction has been running a bit behind schedule according to their Facebook page but, everyone there is hard at work and motivated to making this property a whole new movie theater.
After taking a tour that Brett Denafo so graciously gave me, I can honestly say that this theater is sure to be a hit with local moviegoers. While there was much to be completed inside, I can already tell that it’s going to be amazing and worth the hype when it is completed next month. To see more photos and to keep up with the progress of this highly-anticipated theater like them on Facebook @tiltonsquaretheatre.
Ryan Gerace is a recent graduate from La Salle University with a Master’s in Strategic Communication. Born and raised in Linwood, NJ. He enjoys cooking, baking, and community events.
