Hugh Jackman is marking the reopening of a small movie theatre in Iowa

A renovated opera house in a small US city that has served as a movie theatre for decades will get a dose of star power when actor Hugh Jackman visits for its reopening.

The international star’s appearance at the 114-year-old Metropolitan Theater in Iowa Falls in northern Iowa on September 21 may seem unusual, but new theatre owner John Whitesell does not think so.

He says the Australian actor, who is a family friend, called him a few months ago expressing appreciation for his efforts to restore the rundown theatre.

John, a retired lawyer, bought the building out of bankruptcy in May and has spent the summer renovating it, including installing two digital projectors.

Now, all the old theatre needs is visitors. John and other organisers are hopeful Hugh’s visit will be the right start.

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