The Flying Monkey enhances and entices Plymouth nightlife

The Flying Monkey movie house and performance center on Main St. has an atmosphere as amiable as its general manager, Lisa Lovett. Lovett welcomed The Clock inside for an in-depth look at the freshly renovated theatre. Although the double door entrance to The Flying Monkey is unassuming, it takes just one step inside to realize just how much work and "TLC" has been put into the once crumbling building.

The new name of the theatre is the result of a performance Common Man Restaurant-owner Alex Ray participated in two years ago – as a flying monkey. The costume he wore sits in the lobby and sets the tone for the personality of Ray's newest business endeavor. Last winter the Common Man opened the entertainment venue with its new name as a basic movie theatre prior to the major changes that the building underwent the following April. It re-opened to a fanfare on July 23 with live performances. 

The building itself was built as a Vaudeville theatre in 1928, and the new ownership has put through efforts to retain much of its historic charm throughout the renovations. Rather than detract from the historic spirit of the building, Alex Ray and the Common Man team have expanded the usability of the space by reworking the entrance and lobby layout. Walking into the main lobby the concessions sit to the left while comfy chairs and a sophisticated staircase is straight ahead, with plenty of room for mingling and discussing the performances before, during and after. Lovett said that before the renovations the lobby, when it was a small hallway-like space, it felt like a quiet area. The basement was formerly unused, with a boiler room as its sole occupant. In the future the basement will contain both a screening room and a recreation room. There is also a new set of handicap accessible bathrooms as well as an elevator. Situated next to the recreation room, the "star room" is accessible by a different set of stairs. This room is a place in which visiting performers are encouraged to feel the warm reception of the Plymouth community.

The décor has remained true to its 1920's roots. The walls are painted a deep purple and adorned with old movie posters and autographed photos from visiting performers. Customers can now enjoy shows in the large performance hall on the main level. The room was transformed from two screening rooms by removing the wall down the middle that was built in the 1980's. With the consolidation of the two rooms came the opportunity for a section of risers, which serves food for up to 120. Overlooking the stadium seating and stage is the bar, which can be reached from the main staircase in the lobby, and is outfitted with a plethora of comfy stools and tables. The bar also has a mini-stage in which live entertainment will be showcased.

The Common Man Restaurant team has a reputation of good food, or "eats" as Lovett, general manager referred to them. Currently, The Flying Monkey has been utilizing the small kitchen on the premise as well as importing food from the Common Man restaurants, including Fosters and the Italian Farmhouse. Food served includes standbys like pizza, macaroni and cheese, and artichoke dip. The drinks are something unique as well. Instead of coming in normal glasses, these refreshments are served in glass Ball Jars like the ones used for home canning. The Flying Monkey will require reservations for food orders for those purchasing show tickets in order to continue providing the exceptional food and service that people have come to expect from their establishments.

"Everyone has Netflix and a big screen T.V. at home," Lovett mentioned while discussing the plans to bring live entertainment and a charming atmosphere to the local venue. She hopes to provide enticing attractions for the local community at Plymouth. In addition to a full schedule of musical entertainers, The Flying Monkey is going to have ‘Green Drinks,' ‘Funniest Man on Campus,' and second run films, with first run films following shortly thereafter. 

‘Green Drinks' will be one night a week during which people who would like to discuss any topic that is ‘green' from recycling to other sustainable living methods can join in the fun free of charge, with refreshments on hand for purchase. This Sat., the "Bread and Puppet Theater" is in town. October festivities include a midnight showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." These are some attempts The Flying Monkey is making to draw in some of the college population. 

The business is not unaware of the demographic in their backyard. "We want the feedback," Lovett said of PSU students. "We want to know what college kids want," she added. One way in which they are embracing the youthful community is affordable ticket prices for college students. Knowing that most students are on a budget, The Flying Monkey has made entertainment cost a mere five dollars, something that will certainly be agreeable with those on campus. 

Any inquiries on performances, movies, or ticket purchases can be directed to Lisa Lovett at lisamonkey@thecman.com or the Common Man Restaurant website, www.thecman.com. Students are also encouraged to take a quick trip to see the newly renovated theater at 39 South Main St. in Plymouth.