For generations, the Warwick Theater has been more than just a place to watch films; it has long served as a gathering space where neighbors, families, and film lovers of all ages come together. Now, thanks to new leadership, strategic upgrades, and a renewed vision, the Warwick is entering an exciting new chapter, one that blends respect for its history with a forward-looking approach to moviegoing.
That future is being shaped in part by Tim Nasson, whose new role at Warwick feels less like a job and more like a homecoming.
“Theaters are in my blood,” he said, explaining that he has been involved in the movie business his entire life.
After meeting owner Johnny Ray and learning about the opportunity, Nasson knew immediately it was the right fit.
“I just really want to see this theater succeed and think that I can help that happen by working with Johnny side by side,” he said.
Nasson’s résumé reads like a love letter to cinema. He began working in movie theaters at 15, but his passion started even earlier.
“My favorite thing to do was build movie theaters with Lego blocks,” he recalled. “In 1982, I built a Lego movie theater with 18 screens and would change the marquee every week.”
That childhood obsession grew into decades of experience running theaters, interviewing celebrities, and booking films for venues across the country.
At the Warwick, Nasson is especially drawn to its intimate atmosphere. With two small screening rooms, he describes it as “a very intimate feeling… and it sells out quite often with the right movies.” More importantly, he sees firsthand how much the community values it.
“I’ve seen groups of teenagers, older couples, families — it’s a whole diverse cross-section of people. I just think it’s a special place for the community,” he said.
Looking ahead, Nasson plans to expand programming beyond traditional screenings.
“One of the big things I’m planning on doing is having Q&A’s with celebrities,” he said, along with free advance screenings for newsletter subscribers and special events that make moviegoing feel like an experience again.
While programming shapes what audiences see on screen, the experience also depends on what happens behind the scenes. That’s where Total Cinema Solutions comes in.
Vice President of Operations Brian Vita, whose company specializes in independent and “mom and pop” theaters nationwide, has recently begun working with the Warwick.
“We do projection and sound systems, and also operational consulting,” Vita explained, noting that his company helps theaters with everything from equipment installation to staff training. His connection to cinema is just as personal: “I always tell people I wanted to be in show business in the worst way, and I’m in show business.”
Total Cinema Solutions began working with the Warwick just last month, stepping in when the theater’s systems needed immediate attention.
“The projection and sound systems definitely need some love, and we’re triaging right now,” Vita said.
Looking ahead, he’s optimistic.
“Talking with Johnny, there are plans to do some upgrades… People in Marblehead will be very happy with the world-class theater,” he said.
For Vita, the Warwick represents something rare and worth preserving.
“No one wants to get their hands dirty on the little guy,” he said of the industry’s focus on large chains. “But we specialize in independent theaters.”
His closing thought was simple and hopeful: “I see good things happening in Marblehead. I’m excited to be working with the crew out there.”
At the center of it all is Ray, whose vision for the Warwick balances nostalgia with reinvention. After meeting Nasson, Ray knew immediately they were aligned: “We were kindred spirits in our vision for the theater,” he said. “He’s vastly experienced — just a wealth of knowledge about the industry.”
Ray said he is committed to working with local partners, including Total Cinema Solutions, based in Peabody, to keep the theater running smoothly and professionally. These upgrades, he believes, will “make working at the theater a lot easier for the staff and create a better experience overall for moviegoers.”
That experience will soon include more than popcorn and soda. Ray shared plans for elevated concessions, including “adult snacks like biscotti, an espresso machine, and different flavored sodas and coffee drinks.” The goal is simple: comfort, quality, and a touch of indulgence.
Another feature of the Warwick is Dave Aldrich’s non-profit, Grab The Bagel, which will be operating in the theater every weekend.
Programming will also expand well beyond first-run films.
“We’re going to get very creative about what we put into the theater,” Ray said.
Plans include film festivals, the return of the Jewish Film Festival, documentaries paired with live performances, and even non-film events like comedians and spirit mediums.
“We’ve done it before, and it worked really well; we want to do it more often,” Ray said.
As Nasson put it best, “We don’t want to see it close. We just want to see it get better and better as time goes on.”
