ESQUIRE TO REOPEN; THETER TO BE HOME FOR GOSPEL MUSIC

The Esquire Theater, which closed its movie operations in 1986, has been purchased by the Gospel Connection Music Theater, and will open as a gospel music theater Friday.

"We're involved in preparations for opening," said Rich Reeder, who heads the group that purchased the theater. "We're installing a concession area."

The new operation will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., said Reeder.

"Once a month we will feature a full-fledged concert with some national quartet or gospel group," said Reeder. "We'll be featuring local gospel groups, regional gospel groups, and area church choirs and youth choirs"

Reeder, of Scott City, moved to the area three years ago from Kansas City. He has been in evangelistic work for 25 years and is a member of the Rich Reeder Gospel Trio.

"We've produced one album," said Reeder.

Other members of the trio are his wife, Sandy Reeder, and daughter, Candy Reeder, 18. Another daughter, Krysta Reeder, is a member of the band. Completing the band is Shawn Wren, who plays bass guitar.

"We have two other daughters," said Reeder. They are Jill Fuqua and Nikki Nance. Fuqua will help in the operation of the theater. Nance lives in the Kansas City area.

The Esquire Theater opened in 1947. Dubinsky Brothers Theaters acquired the theater in December 1949, and operated it until December 1984, when it closed the first time.

The theater was acquired by Ed Fairbanks of McClure, Ill., in 1985, who operated it as a movie theater until it closed.

The theater was used as a live entertainment center for a brief period in late 1989.