In Carson: Opening night at the Galaxy

It's doubtful if regular movie patrons at the spanking new Galaxy Theater above the Casino Fandango on South Carson will enjoy the kind of reception that 300 opening night guests enjoyed Thursday evening.

Dolly Parton and Marilyn Monroe greeted and posed for pictures with visitors. Snow White (minus the seven dwarfs, too late at night for them) and Prince Charming with Cinderella were gracious, Darth Vader was menacing. And the finger-food was excellent, served by beautiful Imelda; the beverage bar service splendid and the buttered popcorn better than the usual movie fare. And they can hardly expect to see Gov. Jim Gibbons dueling with Darth Vader while the Gary Claude Trio plays.

Regular patrons will, however, be able to enjoy movies in the newest, digital format in the plush, 10 room, 400-seat, inclined-seat theaters that will do away with the derisive tag of "armpit" houses.

And there is a special digital "loop" for patrons with hearing problems, as well as the more common stereophones. And ample, lighted parking.

That's what $15 million will add to the movie experience.

Then there's the regular menu: Nachos, hot dogs, popcorn from $3.75 to $4.25, a special Kids Pack for $4.75, and ice cream, pizza, jalapeno poppers. Beverages include colas, lattes and candy bars. And the arcade tucked off in a corner has the newest games.

Why go home?

The Galaxy opens for business today with matinee films, including the highly praised "Bourne Ultimatum," plus nine other films. Ticket prices will vary with the films.

Supervisor Pete Livermore was on hand to call the new showhouse "the greatest thing to happen to the city in years." Gov. Gibbons, originally schedule to present a plaque to the management, at first begged off but then decided "it was too important to the city not to show up."

Galaxy President Rafe Cohen was naturally upbeat about the opening. "We felt this was an underserved market so we felt confident that a it would be a success. With the casino just a walkway and escalator away, we felt this could be a complete entertainment experience for Carson City and tourists."