But I believe in dreams.  And apparently Mike does too.  Because after not too long a wait, along came Guy...an Israeli native, a military paramedic and - most importantly - a passionate movie buff.  

We met Guy at 4:30 in the afternoon at the First Aid room on Peak 8 where he works as an EMT for the ski area.  He didn't get off until 5, but the summers are generally slow on the mountain, so he agreed to talk to us here - his ear alert to the chatter from the radio by his side. Mike was busy at the Daycare Center which he runs with his wife, Jennie.   But at 5 o'clock, they each (and sometimes Jennie, too) would don new hats and hustle down the hill to the Speakeasy to prepare for the evening show.

It was a beautiful mountain day - so we sat lazily outside in the sun  - I love this job - while Guy, his sense of humor tucked right behind his enthusiasm, gave us a quick and easy lesson on how to run a business on a shoestring.  First:  Get a day job.  Second:  Listen to your audience and Third:  Dream big and move slowly. 

We covered the day jobs.  Next, showing just the right films is essential, so selecting them is based on staying in touch with the current film releases, studying reviews, but most importantly are those exchanges in the grocery store.  "Hey, Guy! or Mike!  Did you hear about...?" 

A movie theatre is not by nature a lucrative business.  But with thoughtful creativity, realistic planning, financial wisdom and support from the right people...you've heard of Cannes, haven't you?  Talk about humble and obstacle-ridden beginnings. (Read the story here).   

The Speakeasy is the only theatre in Breckenridge.  Colorado Mountain College has agreed to release their own theatre on certain nights for the Speakeasy, which is located on the lower level of the college.  It seats 155, ample space for a growing business. 

The tag line of the Speakeasy is "Avant-garde movies with a personal touch."  Here's why.

A typical night at the Speakeasy begins around 5:00 p.m. when Mike or Guy arrives and gets the popcorn going, makes the tea (a popular addition to the snack bar), assures the tickets are in order and the film is in the projector and ready to roll.
Sometime between 5:30 and 6:00, movie-goers begin to arrive and buy their tickets and snacks. While they wait for the movie to start, they can stroll around the lobby and view  the work of local artists. The art gallery is part of the Speakeasy and offers the community a way  to exhibit various venues.  The current exhibit is painting, but others have included sculpture and jewelry.

The movie begins "promptly" when ticket sales slow and it appears that all who are coming have arrived.  Mike or Guy - whoever is free - then moves to the projection room and begins the movie.   When the movie is over, the guests are greeted once again as they leave.  Now that's personal.

The movies are mostly independent films, but just to "spice it up", Guy says, they add popular or family-oriented flicks sometimes.  For example, Finding Nemo played on the 4th of July - in between other more provocative films such as Riding Giants, Festival Express and The Corporation.

Together these two young men have brought new and progressive energy to the theatre.  There is no question they are excited about the possibilities for the future.   But they have no illusions about the reality of their venture.  They're in it for the long haul. But when you love the movies...it's a no brainer.  They're gonna be big (and this is not the custard guy). 

If you're visiting Breckenridge, a night at the Speakeasy is a new and unusual experience that you probably don't get in your hometown.  It's easy to get to - just 3 blocks off Main Street at 103 South Harris between Lincoln and Washington.  For a nice map, current times and movies, you can check their website.  Or just sign up for the weekly email listings.

As for me...I've gotta get some popcorn. 

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