METHUEN — The lights are going out at the AMC Theater — at least for now — after the Methuen Health and Human Services Department ordered the theater closed after a theatergoer reported a run-in with a rodent while watching a movie.
AMC Theater closed
Last weekend, the health department temporarily closed the theater, saying “substantial” evidence of a rodent problem had been found in the theater.
The news spread quickly in Methuen and nearby communities, as this theater is one of the most popular in the area.
“That’s crazy,” said one moviegoer. “That’s out of this world. Because we grew up here. This is like a milestone for us.”
“We go there often,” said another patron. “So it makes me think about eating popcorn.”
When will the theater open again?
On Tuesday, WBZ-TV cameras spotted cleaning trucks lining the sidewalk in front of the theater as they ran hoses through the side doors of individual theaters. The city said sanitation and pest control crews have also been hired.
The health department said it found no evidence of rodent problems at the adjacent businesses in the popular shopping center. The health department said it will re-inspect the theater once it has been cleaned and determine if it is fit to reopen.
People who had pre-purchased movie tickets were notified by email about the cancellation of their show and given a refund.
WBZ-TV contacted the AMC theaters several times for this report and received no response.
Brandon Truit
