The State-Wayne Theater: A Piece of Wayne, Michigan History and a Great Value

Unfortunately for residents of Westland, Michigan, the city has no movie theaters of its own. The Quo Vadis Theater(which was designed by Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the World Trade Centers) across from the Westland Mall closed many years ago, and the Showcase Cinemas Westland also closed down a few years ago. But of the nearby theaters that Westlanders tend to patron, one is a gem both historically and cinematically. I am talking about the State-Wayne Theater, located on 35310 E. Michigan Avenue, Wayne, Michigan.

The State-Wayne Theater does not show first-run movies, but instead is known as a "dollar theater", showing movies at a price of $2.50 or adults, $1.50 for seniors and children, and $0.99 on Thursdays. This theater represents a refreshing alternative to the super-luxurious mega-theaters that dominate the area.

Outwardly, the theater(which was built just after the end of World War II) hearkens back to another time, with its art deco façade and mural on the side of the building that portrays the history of the city of Wayne. Inside, the period-themed décor continues, with a tiled floor and concessions center that sells popcorn, candy, and drinks for REASONABLE prices.

The State-Wayne Theater has four screens, each of which always has ample, comfortable seating and clean floors. If you are looking for the latest in Dolby sound systems or the highest-end projectors, you will have to look elsewhere. That's not to say that the cinema quality is poor. For the vast majority of movies, you will notice little-to-no difference in picture or sound quality. The possible exceptions are movies that are heavily-laden with the latest special effects or audio.

What really endears people the State-Wayne Theater is the overall experience. Part history and part entertainment, the value represented by a visit to this theater is unmatched. Based on prices of other theaters in the area, I can often pay for admission for my entire family of four what I would pay for just one ticket at one of the more modern theaters.

And besides, unless you have money to burn or simply cannot wait another second to see a particular movie, waiting a few weeks for the movie you want to see isn't going to kill you. And since the movies shown at the State-Wayne Theater are "sub-run", or movies that have already made the tour of the mainstream theaters, there tends to be far less crowds. Sick of being crammed into a theater with oodles of loud, rude, and inconsiderate patrons? The State-Wayne Theater may be just the relief you are looking for.

So give yourself a break, economically as well as therapeutically, and go check out a movie at this little piece of Michigan history, the State-Wayne Theater.