Midway Theatre

When the Midway Theatre opened it seated 2000.

Wow what a beautiful exterior!

Style is most definitely not art moderne. It's Spanish colonial, with a fake bell tower and everything. It seems to be falling into disrepair (the neighborhood is pretty sketchy).

The Midway was a very popular theatre throughout the 1960s and 1970s when I attended shows there. I remember Jaws and Superman being particularly well-attended shows. I doubt seriously that the auditorium seated 2000, since there is no balcony (there might be a small loge area - can't remember for sure). But it was definitely a large single-floor theatre. My understanding is that it seated about 1000. There was a fire in the 1970s that gutted the lobby. It was rebuilt, but not to its original design. The lobby looks like something from a crummy mall cinema, whereas the auditorim is still in its relatively original condition. The facade is even more imposing than it appears in the photo. By the way, the theatre opened in 1918.

The Midway Theater actually seats 1,500, according to MUVPAC executive director Erin Gilbert. Renovations are underway currently, and they will be showing movies again by this time next year. It is one of the most diverse theaters in the area, and certianly a historic treasure of Rockford.

The Midway is one of two ornately themed movie theatres in Rockford and both are spanish themed; the other being the wonderful Coronado which underwent restoration and preservation in the 1970s. The Midway didn't luck out quite so well as it's in an edgier neighborhood and sufferred a pretty nasty fire in the 1970s that destroyed a lot of it's unique charm. I have great memories of dragging my poor grandmother off to see "Monty Python's Holy Grail" on a double bill with "The Groove Tube" and the poor thing had NO IDEA what she was in for! It also hosted "Rocky Horror" for a number of years on Friday nights.

It's most recent claim to fame was being used in Cheap Trick's "Say Goodbye" video with great shots of the exterior and performance on the inside. Rather appropriate since Cheap Trick hails from Rockford and the video has great shots of the town too. Mostly the Midway is down to concerts and getting a tad ratty. Pity.

If the theatre seats 1500 now then I am sure that when it opened it could hsave seated 2000.

The owner of the Midway Theatre "Tomy Boy" is deceiving the neighborhood youth into thinking that they are going to have a chance of a lifetime to be in the music industry by being a contestant in one of their talent showcases called "The Best of the Midwest". According to Erin Gilbert, the show is held every few months or so. The participants "audition" to be in the show. Once they are selected they have to provide a bio packet which includes their demo cd and a $50 fee to be in the show. ($50 from low income wide-eyed, trusting youth looking to make it in the music industry?... hmmm) The performers are told that there will be judges from very successful and popular record labels such as Sony Records, Aristar, and Columbia, that will be judging them because they are looking for new acts to sign to their labels. They are also told that the winners of the contest will go on to be in a bigger and more important contest which is held by one of the big record labels themselves such as Sony or Aristar.
The shows are rigged by the owner of the Midway Theatre, Tomy Boy. Erin Gilbert and other accomplices help to deceive and convince the people that these contests are legit. Tomy Boy's (the owner) relatives were in the contest. They broke the rules and won the contest and the big trophy. Tomy Boy gave them the trophy himself onstage. The big record label judges were never seen at the contest. They could have been bums off the street for all any of the other contestants knew. Erin Gilbert said the bios and demo cds would be sent out to the big record labels but we think they just went into the trash. The Midway Theatre, its owner and affiliates, is hustling off of the low income youth in the neighborhood. Making big time promises and misleading hopeful wide-eyed trusting youth in the Rockford area.

Interesting view of the clock tower at this link:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/71778737QfnVoL

Here is a photo of the Midway Theatre.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/Illinois%20Theatres/MidwayTheatreNo.jpg courtesy seth

Thanks for the photos of the Midway. Anyone have a photo of the interior? This theatre was one of my childhood memories.

Happened by this place today. It does look a little tired, although in good repair. The only tenant in the office building appears to be the 501(c)(3) running the place. No shows currently listed. There were posters for theatre productions earlier in 2005. I didn't get the feeling that it is exactly a hive of activity.

Standing in front of the doors, there's an overwhelming smell of mold, but the lobby and concession area look clean and ready to go. All the storefronts appeared to be vacant.

The fire that led to the theater being shut down occurred in the Summer of 1980; the last film shown here was "Caddyshack". The posters for the movie remained on display outside the theater's entrance for what seemed like a couple years. I remember driving past this theater with my family on weekend trips to Rockford during this time period and I would always strain to see if the posters had come down yet.

This is a beautiful historic building. Its a shame that its standing still with little or no renovation or entertainment. I am currently interested in this property to assist the owners in making headway to restore this beautiful place. Apparently, years ago there were much activity and now there is none. The storefronts are vacant. What's going on with this property? I would certainly offer my help and service. How do I contact the owners?

I won't to post a comment to musichead. Although your post was at least a year ago, I just now found this site because I am interesting in pursuing to help these owners do the right thing within the community and service to the community and its people. If you are doing business by the book, its amazing how blessing flow. However, if you are deceitful in doing so, then your chances of seeing blessing are lock. This is a beautiful historical building and its a shame that it is wasted on little or no entertainment, services, product, etc. I won't to contact the owners and seriously see where they won't to go in future endeavors. Pursuing a music career is a good thing providing its done on the bases of corporate governance, whereas "ensuring that the business complies with all required regulations, and standards on an ongoing basis; ensure that the quality of product and service is provided with the highest quality and standard;satisfy customers needs and meet compliance requirements;Integrate value and worth within the community but first start with the business; These are just minimum good governance pract for small business. There are a lot of good post here, I hope the owners read them.

According to the Rockford Twp Assessor's Office, the property is held in trust by Chicago Title Land Trust.

Iwebworks, a graphic design firm, lists the address of their Rockford office as 721 East State Street #303. If they are indeed located in the theater building, they may be of some assistance.

Hi everybody,

I couldn't help but notice many of you have questions about what has happened or is happening with the Midway. My family has been a previous owner and is now the current owner, so I'd be happy to let you know what's going on.

My family owned the theater from after the fire in 1980 till 2000, and had to recently take back the theater from "Tommy Boy" in 2006 (he foreclosed). There is another interested party, so it might be changing hands again here in 2007. Current status, for sale with possible sale pending.

So, let me hit on a few features of the interior that make, or made, the Midway special. The auditorium seats 1500 people. Back in its prime when it was operating as a movie theater, it had the 2nd largest indoor screen in the nation. I know some of you remember seeing films there, so I'm sure you can remember what it was like. Unfortunately, that was before my time. Also, the stage is huge (much bigger than the Coronado's)...it's a 3500 sqft thrust stage. Just walking inside the auditorium can make you still say "wow". I always am amazed when I walk in there, and just try to imagine all the people who have ever enjoyed an evening at the Midway.

Many of you wonder why no renovations have taken place and why no shows are going on. It's simple, before performers can be attracted to the theater, it needs to have some renovations. Back in the 90's, $14 million was given to the Coronado for some major overhauling. If you have been in that theater since, it is just amazing. It is VERY ornate, so I'm sure that of the 2 theaters, it was decided that the Coronado would be much more of a site to see when finished than the Midway. Of course, I'm sure neighborhoods, seating capacity, and liquor licenses also made a difference. The Midway is seated in a less than desirable area (that seedy motel next door is being torn down by the way, so hopefully something better will go up in it's place). Plus, if I recall the Coronado has more seating (it has 1 or 2 balconies in addition to its floor space) and a bar off the lobby for those who want some beer or drinks before a show. The Midway has a cafe off the lobby, but it isn't set up for bar operations. I would imagine the large parking garage across the street from Coronado didn't hurt anything either! In any case, whatever the reasons were, the Coronado got the grant and the Midway didn't. While the Friends of the Find Arts have wanted the Midway to be fixed up, they aren't willing to offer the financial support as they did for the Coronado. We, as owners, do not have the funding either. $14 million would work wonders for the Midway, so until someone with unlimited financial resources comes along, renovations aren't in the works. Actually, we hosted the RSO for a number of years, but once the Coronado was restored, the symphony moved downtown. The Midway had better accoustics but the Coronado brought in the crowds.

The guy you referred to as "Tommy Boy" I think had grand dreams of turning the Midway into Rockford's own Apollo (like what goes on at the original in NYC). There were actually 2 guys that owned it...partners. One was somehow teamed up with Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, so I assume he thought she'd be singing there and bringing in the crowds. These guys got in way over their heads with the Midway. They never hosted anything of interest to Rockford's majority, the preyed on the dreams of Rockford's low income youth, they didn't do a single bit of upkeep, and then they got behind in mortgage payments. We had no choice but to take back the theater.

Did you know there was a recording studio in the theater? As far as I know, no one of significant mention has recorded there, but there is always the possibility for someone looking to record artists and have a theater where they can play live shows.

Well, that is about it. I'll keep checking back on the blog if anyone has other questions. Thank you for your interest in the Midway...I'd love to see it great again as well!

Midway Theater - please e-mail me at yellowbird429@yahoo.com Thanks.

This is a close-up view of the Midway Theater.

Midway Theatre: please respond. alheath@aol.com

In response to "Midway Theatre". I agree with every comment that you made about the last owners in your June transmission, but I will not mudsling. You were actually very kind. However I am expressing a high interest in making some use of the theatre in the Winter of 2008 for a community Play as a kickoff to raise funds for one of the city's homeless shelters. If the new prospectives have not purchased the ediface I would like to chat about some possibilities. In addition to that, I would like to know what specific upgrades/renovations are needed and what grants/monies are available for historical/preservation projects if any. Thanks for any attention to respond. Dies Irie!!

A Moller theater organ opus 2509 size 3/13 was installed in the Midway Theater in 1918 at a cost of $5000.00.

How much would it cost to purchase the Midway Theatre? And what would the terms of use/service be for after it has been sold?

I was living in Rockford when the front of the theater burned, started in a bar in a store front if I remember correctly. It completely gutted the stores, apartments and lobby. The roof caved in and then the weight of the marquee bowed the front of the building. I never thought it would be rebuilt with that amount of damage. Having survived this long it would be a shame to be lost now.

Here are some photos of the Midway Theater. Either click on the thumbnails to expand them or click on "next" underneath the main photo.

Photo of a crowd waiting to enter the Midway Theatre, January 24, 1932.

Does anyone have a vintage photo of the marquis of the Midway from 1918 - 1932? I don't think the current marquis is the original one.

Architect was J.E.O. Pridmore

According to this website: http://www.urbanremainschicago.com

The theatre is being salvaged. Anyone have an update?

November 9, 2007 - Battling to save Midway Theater

A local businessman had a plan to restore and reopen the Midway for performing arts. It fell through.

From the Rockford Register Star

February 7, 2008 - Local Businessman makes offer for Midway Theater

March 5, 2008 - Cheap Trick guitarist Nielsen joins Midway effort

April 28, 2008 - Midway Theatre renovation up in air

From the Urban Remains newsletter:

"May 2008 we will begin sal­vaging the midway theater located in rockford, il. The theater was designed by j.e.o pridmore in 1918. the marquee, lobby detail and auditorium plaster will be removed. The building will be converted to condos in late 2008"

I wonder if it was converted to condos in the end, given current turmoil in the financial markets.

I went by the building yesterday and it’s for sale.

Here’s the web site:

http://rockfordcommercialrealestate.com/property/property.asp?MLS=13754

Only $312K. Wow.

Yeah, that seems cheap. Not sure what the level of Cheap Trick's Rick Neilsen was initially going to be. (March 2008)
I believe he is already involved in the development of a giant hotel/entertainment complex in Rockford.
This could be a neat thing for him to pick up to further bolster the other project though. Show financial commitment to restoring the historic, while building the new, etc.
C'mon Rick. You're all allright!

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I would like to start a Not For Profit "Save the Midway Theatre". I am willing to put 100% of my passion, persistence, and patents into this project and will go at it full time, so we can get it purchased, up to code, and reopened to hold fundraisers for further restoration.
I will not let this beautiful piece of Rockford's heritage fall into ruin. We owe it to our future generations. The Midway is just begging to become a community creative and performing center/music venue. Who's with me? zuvuya.arts@gmail.com

And of course, movies.....we could have a showing of Caddyshack when we reopen it.

Just looked in the windows today and it's in pretty bad disrepair. Cracked marble, all painted surfaces are flaking, broken windows, graffiti, and most of the ceiling tiles have fallen out.

I just went and had a peek inside. It is pretty bad. I tried to get a hold of the realtor and he hasn't gotten back to me. I'm going to get a hold of the Rockford historical organization. If anyone would like to have a look inside get a hold of me. We need to get the ball rolling before it's too late.

Hi, How would one be able to look around inside, always wanted to understand what the interior was like, especially now. Thanks!

I can answer a lot of questions here. Aside from the owner I know more about the inside of the Midway than anyone in Rockford.
A little inside info:
The Theater is in a heavy state of disrepair mostly due to 3-4 years of water damage. This damage is mostly flooring, sub floor and plaster repair. The roof needs to be completely redone. The damage to the theater itself is less than that of the front floors but is sill in very bad shape, estimates for repairs are between 2 & 3 million.
The good news: If all goes well, I'm gonna fix it. Wanna help?

We have an army of volunteers.

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/281636?m=91e6b129

Over 425 in 6 days.... it breaks our hearts to see her in such disrepair.

The year given for this photo is 1983.

I have formed The Midway center - Gateway Foundation and now have control of the Theater.
We are a 501.c.3 non-profit and intend to bring her back to life with a solid business foundation and much more.
We are seeking foundation volunteers to help in all aspects of this project but most importantly fund raisers.
Please E-mail me at sonny@midwaycenter.org if you would like to volunteer in any way.
Go to:
http://www.midwaycenter.org
for more information

Is there 2 different groups trying to save the Midway?