A Letter From Lori

Our Theater Manager Says Goodbye

My Tropic friends,

I find myself (never at a loss for words), really struggling to put my feelings into words.  My love for the Tropic and for all of you is so very hard to condense into a few short paragraphs.  These have been undoubtedly some of the very best years of my life – professionally and personally – and you must know that leaving the Tropic breaks my heart.

When I came here in 2006, there were just two theaters, The Carper and The Taylor, a tiny little concessions area, but even then, you had a vision for the Tropic.  You let me know exactly what you needed from me to help advance that dream.  To just be kind, manage with mutual respect, and to never forget that the Tropic and its patrons are one of a kind.  Many of you are truly, truly unique, and I laugh out loud as I think about some of the crazy shenanigans that have gone on here.

I tried really hard to learn everyone’s name and after twelve years, just as I’ve managed to get that under my belt, darn it, I’m starting to forget them!  That’s how it goes when we start getting a little older. I do look forward to a little slower pace in the next few years, which will definitely include seeing more movies at the Tropic — whole movies, not just the end credits — which is where I usually come in now.  Stopping me in the aisles at the grocery store to offer “Tropic improvement suggestions” may not be something we’ll share anymore, but rest assured, I’ll always have the Tropic show times on my phone.

In 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and there were people who said I should just stay home, concentrate on my treatment, and come back when I was better.  I needed so very much to be right here at the Tropic.  I couldn’t bear that my life was so focused on that very scary thing, and right here at the Tropic is where I could still feel like myself.  I could be bald, and that was so liberating – no bad hair days for me for months.  You prayed for me, cooked me soup, held my hand and squeezed into my office for hugs.  But most importantly, you told me to put on my big girl panties and fight!  I did, and three years later, I’m still cancer-free.

Many of you may recall that poster I had on my wall for a few years – the guy wearing just a big smile and an accordion – one of the most fun events ever!  Rocky Horror Picture Show, our annual Oscar parties, the really hip visiting Burlesque team, an a cappella choir, and the gospel group for Martin Luther King Day, just a few of the memorable good times here.  The things I have seen (and some that can’t be unseen) at the Tropic Cinema! We’ve had a blast, haven’t we?

I’ve learned from the best – Scot, George, and Matthew, and worked with the best – John, Patricia, Jane, Carla, Norwood, Mitzi, Steve and Bob, and many others.  I leave the Tropic in the best of hands, some who have been here for years, and some that are new, like Heather, your next Theater Manager, and Austen, a new Floor Manager, but all as eager to carry on what we’ve created here as I ever was.  I will miss you all so very much – you will always be in my heart.  I know I will take so much love (and my Denzel posters) when I go.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Lori