Saint John — Back in September, Barry Resnick, an unemployed 36-year-old Uber driver, purchased The Lulu, the infamous uptown adult theatre that first closed its doors in 1994. Now, just two short months later, he says it’s ready to open once again.
“I’ve always seen The Lulu as a staple of the city,” he said. “To me, it represents everything that Saint John stands for.”
Resnick noted the many similarities between his story, and that of Jack MacDougall, the man who helped buy and restore the historical Imperial Theatre. A fitting comparison, he feels. MacDougall, who would not comment on the record, vehemently disagrees.
Like MacDougall, however, Resnick has also recently released a book on the subject. Well, a pamphlet. With lots of pictures. In it, he describes his decision to undertake this massive commitment after he was no longer able to find regular work as an Uber driver.
“My rating plummeted after customers found out that Uber actually doesn’t operate in Saint John,” he said. “Also, I don’t have a licence.”
Resnick said he bought the theatre because he believes it can still thrive, even in the age of free online pornography. “People have gotten so used to watching porn alone in their bedroom,” said Resnick. “I think they can forget that it was once a true communal experience.”
But, for Resinick, it’s about more than just business. It’s about family. “My father, and my father’s father used to come here regularly,” he said, wistfully looking around the theatre. “You can trace my entire genealogy on the back of these seats.”
Thanks to a pitiful income and poor upkeep, the theatre had degenerated significantly over the years. Serious maintenance and refurbishment was required before reopening. “We made sure we covered every crack, stain and hole with a pinup poster,” he said, admiring his handiwork.
“Do you have any idea how many old Hustlers we had to dig up to finish the job?…A lot.”
Finally, for the first time in over twenty years, Resnick began to roll the projector. The film? The 1972 Marilyn Chambers classic Behind the Green Door.
The crowd shuffled in. Most covering their faces with the collars of their overlong jackets. Wordlessly, the paid for their tickets and took their seats. Shortly, as the opening credits began to roll, a faint sound could be heard across the theatre. Thup thup thup thup thup thup thup…
“You hear that?” asked Resnick, a wide grin spread across face. “That’s the sound of success.”