It was hard to tell if the excitement of local leaders was greater than that of the customers who arrived to watch “Mission Impossible” at the Larry D. Striplin Jr. Performing Arts Center Friday night.

Both groups were thrilled no one in the crowd was making the drive to Prattville or Montgomery and local dollars were staying at home. As he welcomed the crowd, Selma Mayor George Evans could not hide his enthusiasm for that the big day had finally arrived. Evans said he is grateful to Sharon and David Jackson as well as the council.

“They have done a fantastic job with this from the start,” he said. “I’d like to thank them and the council for going along with the resolution.”

Friday’s grand opening officially launched the theater into business.

The idea for the theater began when the Jacksons, who were movie enthusiasts from southern California, began meeting with Evans to discuss plans for a theater.

Through the meetings, a plan was launched to convert the Performing Arts Center into a theater. Films will be shown throughout the weekend.

Movies will begin Thursday nights at 7 p.m. and continue Fridays at 4 and 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. The 1 p.m. feature will always be a family-themed movie, Jackson said.

During the theater’s early stages, Jackson said she will monitor the need for a Sunday matinee, which could be added later.

The theater will have full concessions and provide security through the Selma Police Department as needed.