Black Owned Pikesville Theater Gets Second Chance
Black Owned Pikesville Theater Gets Second Chance Under New Ownership
Moviegoers across Baltimore were stunned late last year when Next Act Cinema, Maryland’s only Black-owned movie theater, abruptly announced its closure. The theater had become a cultural gem and community favorite, making the announcement especially difficult to digest.
Now, five months later, the lights are back on at 921 Reisterstown Road. The venue has a new name, a new owner, and a renewed mission, The Baltimore Banner reports.
Michael Eugene Johnson, a 69-year-old Baltimore native, activist, and lifelong film lover, has stepped in as the new owner and operator of Pikes Studio Cinema, formerly known as Next Act Cinema.
The building’s marquee still reads “Pikes,” a nod to its long history. First opened in 1938, the white brick structure has been a neighborhood landmark for generations.
“What excites me most is giving films a home on the big screen again—and giving artists a place to showcase their talent,” Johnson said.
Under Johnson’s leadership, Pikes Studio Cinema will screen a mix of new releases, independent features, and timeless classics. The theater features two intimate screening rooms with 45 seats each. The revamped space also features a podcast studio and is available for rent for private events.
While the official grand opening is set for Friday, Johnson has already been hosting free Wednesday night screenings throughout the past month as part of a soft launch. Movie lovers have already enjoyed titles like What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and In the Heat of the Night.
His programming will continue to spotlight classic films, starting with a tribute series featuring the legendary Sidney Poitier.
“You can never run out of great classic films,” Johnson said.
Unlike its predecessor, Pikes Studio Cinema will not serve alcoholic beverages. However, traditional movie snacks, popcorn, candy, and soda are still on the menu. In a new twist, the theater is teaming up with local restaurants to allow patrons to bring in their meals.
“It’s going to be a great experience for movie lovers,” Johnson said. “Whether you’re seeing something new or reliving a favorite from your youth, Pikes Studio Cinema will have something special for you.”
This isn’t Johnson’s first venture into cinema. He once studied radio, television, and film production at the University of Maryland before finishing his degree in speech communication at Morgan State University. In the late ’90s, he operated three small theaters in Baltimore County.
Those years were tough for indie cinema. With VHS, DVDs, and the growing dominance of major theater chains, Johnson eventually closed his theaters in the early 2000s. He went on to work for the City of Baltimore, including in the housing department, and even made an unsuccessful run for City Council. He retired in 2017.
Now, he sees this theater revival as a way to give back.
“This is an opportunity to do something meaningful for the community after all these years,” he said.
Pikes Studio Cinema is already planning special events, including a Father’s Day movie and brunch, and an HBCU Weekend at the Movies celebration.
The Pikes location has deep roots in the community. The original theater opened in 1938 and operated until 1984. Next Act Cinema, operated by Anthony Fykes and Robert Wright for about seven years, closed quietly in December with a “last act” toast on New Year’s Eve.
Now, thanks to Johnson’s passion and vision, the story of this beloved venue continues.
Black Owned Pikesville Theater Gets Second Chance Under New Ownership was originally published on wolbbaltimore.com
