Cranford Theatre Closing? Here Is What We Know

CRANFORD, NJ - For the second time in as many months, New Vision Theatres has unexpectedly closed down a Union County location that has been an iconic business in the community. Last month, it was the Rialto Theater in Westfield. Thursday it will be the Cranford Theatre.

An observant resident noted that the theater was no longer selling tickets past Wednesday evening and informed Cranford officials, according to Mayor Patrick Giblin.

Giblin said the governing body is monitoring the situation. His complete statement is below:

"Last week, Westfield was very surprised by the sudden closing of the Rialto Theater. We proactively reached out to management regarding the rumors that its sister theater in Cranford was also closing.

The Township and DMC were given multiple assurances that the Cranford Theater would not be affected. Both movie theaters are operated by the same company, New Vision.

This morning we were notified by a resident that the Cranford Theater was no longer selling tickets after tonight. The DMC Director and Township Administrator reached out to New Vision’s management.

New Vision Management could neither confirm nor deny that the theater is remaining open ‪after tonight‬ and they were not ready to make a statement regarding its future.

I spoke to the property owner extensively this afternoon. He also owns the Westfield Rialto property. He was unaware of plans for New Vision to close, but also indicated that he was not made aware of the Rialto closing.

The Township Committee and DMC will keep you posted of any further developments."

Patch reached out to the theater management and received no reply. New Visions operates several theaters around the country and had three in New Jersey. One remains open in Sparta.

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