OBERLIN — An invitation-only ribbon-cutting Friday afternoon to mark the reopening of the Apollo Theatre will be a star-studded event with appearances by Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman and 1962 Oberlin College graduate Jim Burrows, co-creator of “Cheers.”

While the ribbon-cutting is not open to the public, there will be a free showing of “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” at 10 a.m. Saturday with distribution of the free tickets starting at 9 a.m.

When the 96-year-old Apollo Theatre reopens after $1.2 million in renovations, you’ll see a crisp picture from an HD projector, hear a new sound system and get popcorn and treats from an expanded concession stand. About 300 seats are being removed from the 800-seat theater, which will remain a single-screen facility.

DeVito and Perlman, whose son attends Oberlin College, became involved in the renovation of the historic theater along with Burrows.

Besides being the co-creator of “Cheers,” Burrows directed the first episodes of “Taxi,” “Frasier,” “Third Rock from the Sun,” “Friends” and “Two and a Half Men,” and he has been nominated for an Emmy every year since 1980 with the exception of 1997. He directed every episode of “Will and Grace.”

DeVito and Perlman are both well-known in Hollywood, having appeared in movies and in popular TV series — DeVito on “Taxi” and Perlman on “Cheers.”

Following the renovation, ticket prices are going up — but not too much.

The new ticket price is $4 for students and $5 for adults, except for Thursdays when every ticket is $3. Free popcorn will be available on Tuesdays.

Tickets used to be $3, with a bargain price of $2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Apollo, 19 E. College St., was built in 1913 and was owned for many years by twin brothers William and Sandy Steel, who sold it earlier this year to College Properties of Oberlin, a subsidiary of Oberlin College. Renovation of the Apollo Theatre meets eligibility requirements for Federal and Ohio historic rehabilitation tax credits.

A second phase of future renovations to take place will add a screening room and an educational media center on the second floor.

The college subsidiary has a five-year contract with Cleveland Cinemas to manage the theater.

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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