Loma Theater brings big laughs to Socorro with nationally known comedian

The historic Loma Theater is stepping into the spotlight for something a little different this September: live comedy. On Saturday, Sept. 17, the 217-seat theater will host nationally known Native American comedian Jim Ruel (Ojibawe), best known for his appearances on “Goin’ Native: the American Indian Comedy Slam” on Showtime.

“This is a really big deal for us,” Melissa Hurtgen, the theater’s manager, who operates the venue through On the Break Entertainment. “We’ve never hosted a ticketed, live entertainment event like this before. We love comedy and would love to start having comedy nights and bringing some big acts to Socorro.”

Ruel will be joined by Albuquerque comedian Curt Fletcher, with Magdalena’s Jacob Thomas serving as MC for the evening. The event marks the theater’s first foray into live performances, building on a tradition of community engagement that has included everything from Q&A sessions with film directors to debates for mayoral, city council, and school board races.

The Loma Theater has been part of Socorro’s cultural landscape for more than 85 years. It first opened its doors in 1937 on the plaza, quickly becoming the heart of community life. That changed in December 1956, when a massive fire broke out in a neighboring business and spread to the theater during a showing of The Day the World Ended. Over 200 people escaped unharmed, but the building was destroyed.

Reborn in 1959, the Loma moved into its current home at 107 Manzanares Avenue — the historic Price-Lowenstein Mercantile Building, a turn-of-the-century brick-and-wood structure once used as a general store and later as a National Guard armory. Over the years, the theater has seen multiple remodels, shrinking from its original 600-seat layout (complete with “crying room” for parents’ crying infants and a smoking room with its own speaker system) to its current 217 seats. Today, it blends historic charm with modern projection and surround sound.

“It is a super charming theater, but we do have a new projector and surround sound, and so we have what a new theater would have, but it’s nostalgic,” Hurtgen said.

While most nights are dedicated to first-run films and offer a snack bar– including hot cheetos with cheese– at prices well below big-city theaters, the Loma also partners with local organizations for free community movie nights and summer film series.

“SCOPE Health Council offers a free movie every other last Wednesday of the month, and it’s usually a family-oriented movie, and they also provide free concessions,” said Hurtgen.

Playing on the charm and mid-century nostalgia the historical theatre offers, Steven Rosas of Sofia’s Kitchen shows a nostalgic movie once a month.

For now, Hurtgen hopes the comedy show will mark the beginning of a new chapter — one that includes more live entertainment.

“It’s about giving people a place to escape, laugh, and enjoy themselves right here in Socorro — without having to drive to Albuquerque and pay twice the price,” Hurtgen said.

Tickets for the Sept. 17 comedy night will be available through the theater’s website and at 107 Manzanares Ave., and at the box office.

Updates can be found at www.facebook.com/LomaTheaterSocorroNM, and on their website.