The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Case in point: The Lake Theater & Cafe. Opened in 1940, admission was 25 cents to see a movie. Today, when a matinee at Bridgeport Cinema will set you back $9, the Lake Theater has been featuring $1 matinee showings of The Lego Movie.

In the 40s, the Theater was considered the entertainment hub of Lake Oswego. Today, after an extreme makeover, The Lake Theatre & Cafe strives to be the same, complete with state of the art projection equipment, an event space featuring cabaret style seating and food and drink that you can enjoy while watching the show or enjoying the view from the outdoor deck.

In case you haven’t checked how the new and improved version of this historical spot in town, here are five reasons why you should.

1. The price is right. In addition to the $1 matinee showings of The Lego Movie (you can still catch it today, Sunday, June 1 at 12:00 p.m.) admission prices for both matinees and evening shows are cheaper than what you’ll find at cineplexes like Bridgeport. Check the lineup here.
2. Because man does not live by popcorn alone. Now you don’t have to choose between dinner or a movie…or dinner first and then a movie. Place your order for menu items like a chick pea and spinach burger or fresh mozzarella salad at least 15 minutes before show time, and dinner will be served while you relax in your reclining seats.
3. Because you wanted someplace special to host your next reunion or auction party. In addition to a theater with stadium style seating, the Lake Theater & Café offers an event space that will accommodate up to 100 seated guests and 200 standing. The possibilities are endless with cabaret style seating, access to the private deck, dance floor, a stage and outdoor fireplace. At the grand opening reception, owner Drew Prell explained that several high school reunions had already booked the space.
4. Trivia Nights. Find out everything you did or didn’t know about a myriad of random topics on Wednesday nights from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. As the website says, “The Lake Theater & Café is no longer just about going to the movies.” Entertainment takes many forms here and trivia night is as good an excuse as any to check it out.
5. Cyber-Seniors Documentary. On Wednesday, June 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Thursday, June 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Lake Theater & Café is hosting one of the nationwide viewings of the Cyber-Seniors Documentary which will leave you laughing and feeling good about the teenage generation. It follows a project started by two sisters who saw the difference learning how to use the Internet made in their grandparents’ lives and wanted to pass that along. By enlisting the help of friends, they set out to bring residents at a local retirement home up to speed on things like Facebook, YouTube and email. The results are nothing but refreshing as we’re reminded that you’re never too old to learn something new and never too young to make a difference. Admission is $7 with a portion of the proceeds going to the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center and Elders in Action. Call 503.635.3758 for more information.

The Lake Theater & Café is located at 106 N. State Street. 503.482.2135

As you can see, I’m good at finding reasons to do things. If you’re looking for a reason why you should move up, move down, move to Lake Oswego, or stay where you are, I’d love to help you decide. Just contact me at 503.939.9801 or costellok@hasson.com.