Comments from Luis Vazquez

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Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Stanley Theatre on Nov 23, 2006 at 3:20 am

Does anyone know if there are organized tours of the Stanley?

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Nov 21, 2006 at 6:49 am

I was at the Sunday evening showing of Casino Royale and it was heartwarming tp see the theater about 80% full! I’m recommending to all of my frineds that they see this film here. I’m buying my tickets for Dreamgirls this afternoon. The previews looked great!

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Nov 18, 2006 at 5:43 am

I too was at the screening last night! It was my first visit to the Jersey. I came from Manhattan and convinced a few friends to join me. We all had a great time and we will be back! None of us had ever seen the film before and I agree with the above posters about the quality of the film and especially the sound! Even the popcorn was great!

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about New Amsterdam Theatre on Nov 16, 2006 at 6:02 pm

I just came back from Opening Night of “Mary Poppins” at The New Amsterdam! Lots of celebs, but the real star for me is this theater. I went with a friend who had never been to this theater and so I was able to see it anew through his eyes. He was awed at its beauty, as was I. This truly is one of the most beautiful and unusual (there are few art noveau theaters) that I have ever seen. While I give the show a “6”, the theater gets a perfect “10”. A nice touch after the performance….as we were leaving we all got Mary Poppins umbrellas……and it had just started to rain!

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Beacon Theatre on Nov 16, 2006 at 5:38 pm

Maybe, I’m being naive, but since I was introduced to this site just over a year ago, I have read many a plea for people, corporations, cities, anyone who has money, to restore our old theaters; our old treasures. The reality is that there is not enough money to go around. Not enough of the old theaters are economically viable to warrant the investments needed. So I am thrilled that a corporation has stepped in with a long term lease and has agreed to spend “at least $10MM” on a renovation. It is $10MM more than anyone has offered and an upgrade is desperately needed. Again, maybe I’m naive, but I want to give the new leaseholders the benefit of the doubt. Who knows, maybe they’ll include a screen and schedule movies as part of the rotation of concerts and corporate events. I can dream and I will always remain an optimist.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Beacon Theatre on Nov 16, 2006 at 5:21 am

The Beacon is to receive a $10MM renovation beginning in 2008! The theater will be closed for up to 9 months while restoration is completed. The following appeared in Crain’s New York Business web site yesterday, 11/15/06. Great News!

From Crain’s:

Come January, the famed Beacon Theater will join the Cablevision
family of music venues, adding a relatively intimate 2,800 seat house to a performance space selection that includes the vastly larger Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden.

“The Beacon completes our product line,” said Cablevision Systems Corp. Chief Executive James Dolan, at a press conference Wednesday at the Beacon.

News of Cablevision’s deal to sign a long-term lease for the theater was first reported in Crain’s New York Business.

Cablevision’s plans for the Beacon include broadening the range of offerings to include corporate events, and a minimum $10 million restoration that will begin in 2008. The Beacon will close its doors for the seven to nine months required for the work.

The landmark theater opened as a vaudeville house in 1928, and was last restored in 1974.

“[A renovation] is due,” Mr. Dolan said.

Terms of the lease were not disclosed. Mr. Dolan said Cablevision was not required by the lease to keep the Beacon name, but that no decision has been made to change it.

Mr. Dolan was joined at the press conference by legendary singer Gregg Allman, whose Allman Brothers Band has played the Beacon every year since the early 1990s.

“It’s not too big and it’s not too little,” Mr. Allman said of the theater, which is one of the last mid-sized venues left in New York.

Asked what he’d most like to see restored, Mr. Allman said, “The dressing rooms. They’re four flights up.”

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Kings Theatre on Oct 29, 2006 at 2:20 pm

The city does finally appear to be serious about saving The Loew’s Kings. As mentioned in above posts the city has in fact issued a “Request for Expressions of Interest” from developers who are interested in saving The Kings. As part of the process, the city organized a tour of the theater for all people interested in submitting a proposal. I had never previously been to the Kings, but nonetheless I have been following the efforts to save it. I grew up going to Loew’s Valencia and have wondrous memories of that palace. It pained me to see that the Kings was the only one of the wonder theaters that was not restored.

Though I was not a potential developer I was allowed to sign up anyway. I had never been to that part of Brooklyn even though I’ve lived in New York all my life. (Born in the Bronx, raised in Queens, now residing in Manhattan). I was surprised to see how relatively nice the area was. The only empty storefront on Flatbush Avenue was indeed The Kings.

When I walked into the theater, I thought I smelled old popcorn! It wasn’t! It was more of a musty smell. :–) The theater truly looked like its been abandoned for 30 years. It must have been an impressive sight in its day and it still is now! The seven chandeliers are spectacular and appear to be mostly intact.

The initial question and answer period was held in the grand foyer in front of the grand staircase leading to the upper level. The Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, was hosting and told the story of how he had his first unescorted date there and how he wants to save The Kings to be Brooklyn’s main performing art center. (I assume he meant after The Academy of Music of course.)

Then the city’s economic development people took over. I think there were about a hundred people there and, luckily for the Kings, it appeared that most of the people there were truly there to see what they could do to save this theater. I overheard people talking. Some were from Forest City Ratner. Others were from the firm that restored Kansas City’s old train station which apparently was in much worse shape than this theater. I also met an architect who had worked on the restoration of The New Amsterdam in Times Square which is arguably the most spectacular theater in New York. That theater had gaping holes in the ceiling before renovation was undertaken. He felt the Kings, though with many problems, is eminently savable and has great bones. He was looking to find a developer to work with.

We proceeded into the main auditoium and I was in awe of the vastness of the space! It was painful to see the tremendous water damage on parts of the walls. The seats are all there though and, to me, looked quite comfortable. The seats appeared larger than what we have today and the rows had amazing amounts of legroom; much more than you see in today’s theaters.

The walk up the grand staircase is majestic. Though the balcony is relatively small, it is spectacularly beautiful. What I found funny is how far away the screen is from the furthest seats in the orchestra and balcony sections. I could never see a movie from these seats! I would need opera glasses.

We also went into one of the basement levels under the grand foyer. It was big enough to have a makeshift basketball court set up. Apparently, the ushers played there between shifts. There is also a basement space beneath the theater itself though we didn’t get to see it.

We learned that the exterior vertical Loew’s sign that once adorned the theater above the marquee is alive and well and being stored by the city. The city is asking, though not requiring, that the sign be reinstalled with any restoration of the theater. I am in agreement with above posters that the original marquee may be underneath the square one currently in place. You are able to see the curves when you stand underneath the marquee.

Very few of the curtain fabrics in the theater remain though some do.

I also was surprised by how small the candy counter was! It was tiny! I was also surprised at how small the bathrooms were especially for a theater of this size.

It was an incredible expereience to take this tour and I am hopeful that a tangible, functional plan comes about as a result. Brooklyn, a borough of 2.5 million people, has incredibly few performing arts spaces. Let’s hope that the city can finally get the ball rolling on this.

Finally, I want to make something very clear that is important to CT members: The city’s proposal is very clear on one point: The city’s goal is the total restoration of the theater and all of its architecturally significant details. Any development of the surrounding lots and air rights must ensure that the theater is restored!

If anyone who reads this was on the tour as well, please share your thoughts. I’m curious about other perspectives.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about DeWitt Theatre on Oct 20, 2006 at 4:11 pm

Based on above comments this listing should be changed to demolished.

This appeared to be a huge theater. Anyone know the style? Was it lavishly appointed or utilitarian?

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Kings Theatre on Oct 16, 2006 at 2:43 am

Article in today’s (10/17/06) New York Post about the city’s efforts to save The Loew’s Kings theater. Go to www.newyorkpost.com and type in Loew’s Kings in the search field to find the article. It looks like the city is finally serious about saving this incredible landmark!

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez on Oct 15, 2006 at 1:24 pm

It appears from the above postings that the status of this theater should ba changed to closed.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Liberty Theatre on Oct 11, 2006 at 1:25 pm

Several posts have made mention of a conversion of
the Liberty’s space to an Events Space/Night Club. Does anyone have any update on where this stands?

I would imagine that this theater is landmarked and I would also assume that a determination has been made that it is not feasible to return this theater to movie or legitimate use. If all of that is true, then a night club use would be a great idea. Many old theaters have been successfully used as dance clubs in New York. The most prominent success stories: The Saint (Loew’s Commodore), Club USA (Movieland/Forum) and The Palladium (Academy of Music). They lasted until rising land values no longer made financial sense to keep operating them. The Saint is now a Condominium, Club USA is now a W Hotel and The Palladium is now an NYU dorm. The one big exception to this trend was Studio 54 which lasted for over 15 years and has successfully made the transition back to legitimate stage musicals such as Cabaret.

The Liberty, presumably under landmark protection and with an excellent Times Square location, would make an ideal location for an elaborate club. What we don’t need is another church! :–)

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Orpheum Theatre on Oct 10, 2006 at 11:53 am

Thanks Will and Jack! I didn’t notice the related website link. It truly is a beautiful theater!

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Orpheum Theatre on Oct 9, 2006 at 4:47 pm

This sounds like a beautiful theater so it is very frustrating that virtually none of the links above work. There are no interior shots. Does anyone have any to share? Both historical and current?

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Jackson Heights Cinema on Oct 9, 2006 at 10:52 am

or a bank!!!

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Oct 7, 2006 at 4:47 am

Who knew the actual words to Greased Lightning were so uh…..off color? I didn’t! I went to last night’s Grease sing a long and had a great time. The theater was a little over half full and the crowd was incredibly enthusiastic. Clearview needs to get the word out about their classic movie showings. I think consistent marketing will bring the people out, but they need to know that it’s there.

It was great to see so many people at this theater. Before the movie, they played the preview for the new 007 film “Casino Royale” which apparently will open at this theater.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Jackson Heights Cinema on Sep 26, 2006 at 11:10 am

I have to admit, though I said above that subtitling is no big deal, I now remember that it was an acquired taste. Way back when, I didn’t see subtitled movies because I found them annoying, but over the years I realized that I was missing out on incredible films and so I began to watch and got accustomed to it. Now, I don’t have any problem at all with them.

I think what also helped was that I had subscriptions for many years at NYC Opera and The Metropolitan Opera. The only reason I got the tickets was because I could read the subtitles. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have the foggiest idea what was going on. I know that the purists still complain about the intrusion, but if it weren’t for the titles I would never have gone at all. I think that is the lesson here at the Jackson. It probably is the reason that this theater is still open. Without subtitles, many of the local population who now go wouldn’t.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Jackson Heights Cinema on Sep 25, 2006 at 4:56 pm

The market in Jackson heights is there for Spanish subtitling or they wouldn’t do it….If there were a movie theater in Chinatown, I would feel the same about Chinese subtitling.

For me (and I am just speaking just for me) subtitles are no big deal. If a theater goer finds it so annoying then yes, they should go to another theater. It’s not like they are dubbing the dialogue; they are just subtitling.

Note to Bway: Please don’t misunderstand. I am not trying to be mean, but do you see any foreign films? Do you see them only if they’re dubbed? If you do see them and they are subtitled, what’s the difference?

One more thing….Let’s say the theater stopped subtitling and a big part of their audience stopped going to the theater. The theater stands a real chance of closing. Then, everyone has to go to another theater or the DVD. I’m just saying that the management has determined that this helps their business and it is, after all, their business.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Jackson Heights Cinema on Sep 24, 2006 at 11:37 am

I hate to rehash an old topic discussed above, but here goes…..I was born and raised in the US and speak perfect English. I also speak Spanish fluently. When I see the latest Almodovar film or other Spanish film I insist that the film be subtitled in English. Why? English is my first language and while I speak and understand Spanish quite well, there are some things I have trouble with: sometimes accents, sometimes very rapid speech, sometimes words I am not familiar with. So, even though I understand Spanish, having subtitles adds to my enjoyment of a film so that if I missed something that was spoken I can read it in English. Since I go to a movie to be entertained I think this is a great feature. The same situation applies to all of the Spanish speaking immigrants in Jackson Heights. They may and probably do know some English, but they go to the movies to be entertained. Having the Spanish subtitles enables them to enjoy the film and learn English at the same time.

I also insist on subtitles when I go to the Opera, even when the Opera is in English since I don’t always understand the singers words.

There is obviously a market in this neighborhood for sub-titled movies. If it bothers you, then you should go to another theater.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Regal Times Square on Sep 21, 2006 at 10:49 am

Hasn’t AMC adopted the “AMC Loews” name as its corporate name for the acquired theaters? Loew’s has a very powerful and historic name in the New York metroplitan area and I think it would would incredibly stupid of AMC to throw that away. The Loew’s name should stay, even if it has to be paired with AMC.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Warner Theatre on Sep 20, 2006 at 9:03 am

Ouch!!!

I wish better for Pittsburgh than lainnman. I visited last summer (‘05) for the first time and was surprised at how desolate the downtown area was. I had heard that Pittsburg had made great strides in recovering from the steel economy and I believe that it has, but I was expecting a greater vibrancy. My friends and I saw “Tommy” at a beautifully resored theater (I feel terrible that I don’t remember its name). The immediate two block area around the theater had a great buzz before the curtain with many patrons eating at the surrounding restaurants, but a short walk in any direction put you in a no man’s land.

What makes it sadder is that it looks like Pittsburg was quite prosperous at one time. I’m amazed that all of the department stores are gone! The key, of course, is to bring people back downtown to live and play. Theater restorations play an important role. I wish the new mayor well. He’s got a big job ahead of him.

p.s. I loved Kennywood and The Andy Warhol Museum!

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Adams Theater on Sep 19, 2006 at 5:35 pm

So it’s been 9 months since the Press Release outlining Detroit’s renaissance. Has anything happened?

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Cathay Theatre on Sep 19, 2006 at 12:16 pm

Does anyone know how a theater in Malaysia got to be designed by Thomas Lamb? Was it is a western style or did it offer a local architecture style? What is it’s status today? Any info would be appreciated.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about RKO Alden Theatre on Sep 18, 2006 at 10:50 am

Thanks for the info! Now I remember that I was just out of college when I saw Creepshow. I know The Alden was already divided. I think I remember being in one of the upstairs theaters because it felt like a balcony. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the appreciation for old theaters then that I do now and so I don’t remember very much about the actual theater and what kind of ornamentation was still visible. Has it been determined if the theater is still there behind the dropped ceilings and retail walls?

Way back when, the only theaters I was passionate about were The Valenica and Radio City Music Hall. I can’t believe how many other incredible theaters were around back then that I never got to see like The Madison (from what I’ve read), Loew’s Pitkin, The Midway (Before the plexing), The Triboro, and it goes on and on and on. I’m even sorry about the theaters I only got to see only once like RKO Keith’s in Flushing and the Elmwood.

Nonetheless, for all that we’ve lost I am also grateful for what has been saved though it will never be enough.

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Kings Theatre on Sep 18, 2006 at 4:58 am

I know, but I’m still very hopeful!

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez commented about Kings Theatre on Sep 18, 2006 at 4:41 am

Fantastic News!!!! I hope to be there!