Midland Theatre

Wow, fabulous and ornate theatre! Anyone have any pics of what it looks like today? Also the new link for the official AMC is http://www.amctheatres.com/theatres/domestic/midlandtheatre/index.html

The Midland, along with many other theatres in the area, will be visited this summer during the 2004 Conlave of the Theatre Historical Sociey of America in Kansas City. Further information can be found at www.historictheatres.org under the section headlined "2004 Conclave Sneak Preview."

In 1979 the Theatre Historical Soc. of America did an entire ANNUAL on this theatre, titled: "The MIDLAND THEATRE, Kansas City, MO" and the dozens of vintage photos therein reveal a most luxurious design by noted theatres architect Thomas Lamb, a biography of whom is included there. Latter day photos there reveal that the wonderful design of the upswept legs of the grand drapery on the proscenium, as originally installed, were not replaced during a recent refurbishment, and the photos reveal what a loss this is! Sixty-foot-long swags of fringed velvet would be impressive in any setting, but here with a royal crown motif as the center of the drapery it is a fitting and wonderful aura of design. The MIDLAND has been illustrated elsewhere as in the landmark book of 1927--1930: "American Theatres of Today" (which is in some libraries and sometimes available from www.Amazon.com,) and it is also illustrated in other of the Society's publications, such as the 2003 ANNUAL about the San Francisco FOX theatre. The 42-page 1979 ANNUAL will please anyone loving beautiful theatres.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE:
To obtain any available Back Issue of either "Marquee" or of its ANNUALS, simply go to the web site of the THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA at:
www.HistoricTheatres.org
and notice on the sidebar of their first page the link "PUBLICATIONS: Back Issues List" and click on that and you will be taken to their listing where they also give ordering details. The "Marquee" magazine is 8-1/2x11 inches tall ('portrait') format, and the ANNUALS are also soft cover in the same size, but in the long ('landscape') format, and are anywhere from 26 to 40 pages. Should they indicate that a publication is Out Of Print, then it may still be possible to view it via Inter-Library Loan where you go to the librarian at any public or school library and ask them to locate which library has the item by using the Union List of Serials, and your library can then ask the other library to loan it to them for you to read or photocopy. [Photocopies of most THSA publications are available from University Microforms International (UMI), but their prices are exorbitant.]

Note: Most any photo in any of their publications may be had in large size by purchase; see their ARCHIVE link. You should realize that there was no color still photography in the 1920s, so few theatres were seen in color at that time except by means of hand tinted renderings or post cards, thus all the antique photos from the Society will be in black and white, but it is quite possible that the Society has later color images available; it is best to inquire of them.

Should you not be able to contact them via their web site, you may also contact their Executive Director via E-mail at: execdir@historictheatres.org
Or you may reach them via phone or snail mail at:
Theatre Historical Soc. of America
152 N. York, 2nd Floor York Theatre Bldg.
Elmhurst, ILL. 60126-2806 (they are about 15 miles west of Chicago)

Phone: 630-782-1800 or via FAX at: 630-782-1802 (Monday through Friday, 9AM--4PM, CT)

Rather a pity the current photos shows only the back of the auditorium, since it is the stage aspect that shows the non-Opera House look of the dramatic proscenium when it originally had the two legs of the grand drapery descending from a plaster 'crown' and then upswept in arcs to mountings on the proscenium frame: a unique design, and most beautiful. Almost as nice as the original of the KINGS in Brooklyn!

The "Big Theatre List" published in 1991 by Theatre Historical Society of America gives the Midland's seating capacity as 3,573 and claims it was the 33rd largest movie/vaudeville theatre in the USA. According to that list, only 17 USA theatres had seating capacities of more than 4,000, with Radio City Music Hall as the largest in that group with 5,940, and the Minnesota/Radio City in Minneapolis as the smallest with 4,028.

Warren could you list the 20 largest theatres in the U.S I also would be interested in seating compared to the size to the actual theatre. In recent years many theatres have been renovated or restored and there seating capacity reduced. If I am correct I think the top ten with theatres still standing would be 1 Radio City 2 Detroit Fox 3 St. Louis Fox 4 Atlanta Fox 5 Chicago Uptown 6 Boston Wang 7 Jersey Stanley 8 Kansas City Midland 9 Chicago Chicago 10 Pittsburg Stanley. But I could be wrong. I do know the four largest theatres West of the Mississippi would be 1. Oakland Paramount 2. Fox- Oakland 3. Seattle Paramount 4. Portland Portland. Only the Fox- Oakland hasn't been renovated or restored.brucec

From the list of the largest USA movie/vaudeville theatres:
1-Radio City Music Hall, NYC, 5,940 seats
2-Roxy, NYC, 5,886
3-Capitol, NYC, 5,230
4-Hippodrome, NYC, 5,105
5-Fox, Detroit, 5,045
6-Fox, St. Louis, 5,035
7-Fox, Atlanta, 4,950
8-Mastbaum, Philadelphia, 4,717
9-Fox, San Francisco, 4,651
10-Metropolitan, Boston, 4,407
11-Stanley, Jersey City, 4,332
12-Uptown, Chicago, 4,320
13-Warner, Atlantic City, 4,189
14-Fox, Brooklyn, 4,088
15-Paramount, Brooklyn, 4,084
16-Michigan, Detroit, 4,050
17-Minnesota, Minneapolis, 4,028
18-Marbro, Chicago, 3,931
19-Stanley, Pittsburgh, 3,886
20-St. Louis (now Powell Hall), St. Louis, 3,881.

Tour of Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas Theatres in 2004
From June 26 through July 1, 2004 the Theatre Historical Society of America will tour a number of theatres in Kansas City Missouri and surrounding areas, including theatres in Lamar, Joplin, Richmond, St. Joseph and Springfield, MO, as well as Miami, OK, and these cities in Kansas: Leavenworth, Kansas City, Emporia, El Dorado, Augusta, Wichita, Hutchinson, McPherson, Salina, Concordia, and Topeka. More information is contained on their web site: http://www.HistoricTheatres.org and special photos and information concerning the Kansas City theatres: UPTOWN and the MIDLAND is available on this temporary page of their site at: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~angell/thsa/fromarch.html A glossy brochure about this "Heart of America" Conclave is available from the Society's headquarters listed on their homepage, via E-mail to the Ex. Director, or via snail mail. Membership in the Society is not required to attend the Conclave and tour the theatres, but fees do apply as detailed on their site. Bring your camera and lots of film, for it is usually difficult or impossible to enter these theatres for photos, and some of them will surely not be with us in the years to come.

Therer is no question that this is a Thomas W. Lamb theatre but according to record Boller Brothers were the supervising architects according to the 213 pages on file with the Western Historical Manuscript Collection in Kansas City, Mo.

So AMC is still running this house, though not as a movie theater? If so, that's pretty remarkable. I wonder if any other chains have repurposed their venues without selling or ababndoning them.

The only AMC house I've been in that does not have cup holders!

I used to attend roadshows here with my grandmother when I was a child in the 1960s. Incredibly ornate, massively huge movie palace was totally overwhelming to me as a child. I saw "The Sound of Music", "Thoroughly Modern Millie", "Funny Girl", "On A Clear Day" and "Fiddler on the Roof" here. We always sat in the center orchestra and I was awestruck at the size of the screen. Many happy memories of seeing great films in an unparalleled setting. I'm so happy to know that it still exists. I haven't been back to Kansas City in decades, but I spent many joyful hours in the past at this gorgeous theater.

The Midland hosts the Kansas City Pops during the season and The Phantom of the Opera every winter.

Link to photo from 1955.

Oops. http://www.kclibrary.org/localhistory/media.cfm?mediaID=7465

More:
http://www.kclibrary.org/localhistory/media.cfm?mediaID=7464
http://www.kclibrary.org/localhistory/media.cfm?mediaID=34839

They just keep on coming:
http://www.kclibrary.org/localhistory/media.cfm?mediaID=7462
http://www.kclibrary.org/localhistory/media.cfm?mediaID=7463
http://www.kclibrary.org/localhistory/media.cfm?mediaID=7466
http://www.kclibrary.org/localhistory/media.cfm?mediaID=7467
http://www.kclibrary.org/localhistory/media.cfm?mediaID=7468
http://www.kclibrary.org/localhistory/media.cfm?mediaID=7469
Photos of construction on this site - too many to list

Here is a color photo of the Midland Auditorium.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/Missouri%20Theatres/MidlandTheatreKansasCityMo.jpg

These are vintage photos of the Loew's Midland in Kansas City. Photo1. Photo2. Photo3. And Photo4.

The Midland seems to have booking problems by the news reports I have read. AMC wants to reposition the Midland when the Empire is renovated into a multi screen theatre as part of The Entertainment distict that will be built in this area. The Midlnad doesn't seem to book any Broadway shows like they had in the past. I would like more into if it is available.bruce

A Robert-Morton organ Size 4/20 was installed in the Midland Theater in 1927. Note: Listed as Loew's Midland Theater.

The Robert Morton is now installed in the KC, MO Civic Center Music Hall, 13th and Wyandott. It is now a 4/27 Robert Morton.

It is understood this historic instrument is about to undergo massive changes to its original winding system to make the instrument
more "Wurlitzer-like".

An original Robert Morton organ can be a fine instrument when installed to its company's original standards and properly regulated.

Hi,Warren,You missed the Virginia Theater of Danville,Va,of all places.The remarkable palace had 5,000 seats.Your list of the biggies needs that one.The list I'd pay to see is actual,real,certifiable movie palaces that still show scheduled theatrical releases.

Bad News for Kansas City's beautiful Midland Theater. The developers of the Power and Light district plan on converting the
Midland Theater into a super night club and take out the auditorium's main floor seats for most of them, tier it for table seating and install a dance floor. In additon, there will be some private boxes installed in the balcany and a lot of glitzy lighting etc. Everyone I know agrees that the Midland should be left as a performing arts center with traditional theater seating. If the stage were made larger, it could handle more touring shows.
The Empire Theater down the street has been gutted and should have been the theater turned into a "House of Blues" style night club.
The Midland is listed on the National Historic List - therefore, I do not thing the auditorium should be altered, which is planned.
AMC could easily build a new 6 or 8 screen digital theater on the Empire Theater block and have a win-win situation, especially since their world headqquarters is just down the street. Help save the Midland Theater

What is the latest news on the Midland? You would think with all the development in the area this theatre would be secure not the other way around. I cannot understand the City government not providing funds to help secure this theatre as a performing arts center when they are spending so much redevelopment money on the Power and Light District.brucec

It does not surprise me, Brucec. Politicians exist for the purpose of gathering money and power to themselves, so when others with money approach them with secret offers of LOTS of money for their 'campaigns for reelection' to gain more power, the politicos do what is to be expected and promise the money bags in return any property their corrupt hands can turn over -- landmark or not. Since politics is defined as the secret transfer of public funds to private hands, we can expect nothiung else. A politician sees the past --as in buildings-- only as something to be plundered. Greedy businessmen, and increasingly women, are as much to blame for viewing a city as nothing more than their financial 'playground.' While they usually have their mansions in far removed suburbs. I moan for the once lavish MIDLAND too, and treasure my copy of the Theatre Historical Society's ANNUAL about it, which I believe can still be purchased from them at: www.historictheatres.org

Savor the many vintage photos in that ANNUAL, but don't ask the politicos or the money bags to have concern for a landmark: they will laugh at you -- unless you have millions of dirty dollars with which to further caress their filthy hands. After all, everything is for sale to them, especially the public trust.

Who cares what they do, as long as they don't fundamentally alter the architecture? Neon tubing and strobe lights can be easily removed. So can private boxes. The great theatres of America have gone through periods of strange decoration in the past (example: 1950's). As long as there is not a crane being put together out front I guess I am not too concerned.

"Life" is right, IF their intentions are really just cosmetic changes, BUT if they have a secret agenda to define 'cosmetic changes' as wholesale demolition of the plasterwork too, then they might as well start building that demolition crane out front, sad to say. To some developers, the "architecture" is really only the steel superstructure. The 'devil' will, as usual, be in the details of contracts, assuming that the city has any intention of enforcing any preservation clauses in such contracts; otherwise, they are just words on paper.

Here are some photos from July 2006:
http://tinyurl.com/y94tgt
http://tinyurl.com/yamggn

Here is a recent close-up view of the Midland Theater.

Here's a newspaper ad from the Kansas City Star on 5/20/80 promoting the opening of The Empire Strikes Back at the Midland.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18822933@N00/642576053/

It was one of the greatest moviegoing experiences of my life.

I also found this great color picture of the auditorium from an old book called Movie Palaces by Ave Pildas published by C.N. Potter and distributed by Crown Books.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18822933@N00/663301241/

It dates from 1980 probably around the time I saw The Empire Strikes Back there.

Everyone settle down.

"All the interior changes meet the historic preservation guidelines laid down by the state and federal governments, Cordish said."

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http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/216759.html

Kansas City Star Business
Friday, Aug 3, 2007

Renovated Midland Theatre expected to open in spring

By KEVIN COLLISON
The Kansas City Star

The Midland Theatre is expected to reopen in the spring following a $28 million makeover that will refresh the old vaudeville palace, introduce cabaret seating and add several bars.

The joint venture by the Cordish Co. of Baltimore and Kansas City-based AMC Entertainment, first announced two years ago, is intended to reposition the historic landmark at 13th and Main streets to essentially become a huge nightclub accommodating up to 3,200 people.

“Our collective goal is to respect the incredible historic nature of the building and improve it to where it could truly be a substantial anchor for the Power & Light District and downtown Kansas City,” said Reed Cordish, a vice president.

“We want it to be active as many days and nights a year as possible.”

Cordish said his firm and AMC are close to completing a deal with one of the “largest players” in the live music and performance industry to operate the facility.

The biggest visual change planned for the ornate interior of the 80-year-old theater is replacement of its main-level seating rows with a seven-tier open floor that will allow flexibility for cabaret-style tables and chairs, or standing for general admission events. Up to 700 plush folding chairs also can be set up.

The other significant addition will be a lounge area being built on a platform at the rear of the upper balcony. The bar will wrap around a centerpiece shaped like a chandelier.

All the interior changes meet the historic preservation guidelines laid down by the state and federal governments, Cordish said.

The Midland, which has been owned by AMC since 1966, was renovated in 1988 and 1998, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“We have been steadfast in our effort to maintain the historic character inside,” said Jeff Schutzler, a principal at Helix Architecture & Design, the firm doing the design work. “We want to make sure we don’t detract and in fact enhance the theater.”

On the outside, the Midland marquee is slated to be restored to its original appearance when the theater opened in 1927.

“The marquee will be returned to a classic theater marquee down to the detail of individual bulbs spelling out the name,” Cordish said.

The familiar decor of the lobby and other public areas will be freshened up and restored to its original splendor, Cordish said.

The most substantial changes will be to the five-level office section of the theater that faces Main Street. It has been vacant for many years, and the Cordish plan calls for it to be renovated and included in the entertainment mix. Each level has about 3,000 square feet of floor space.

The first floor will become a lounge that can be accessed from a new outside entrance at 13th and Main and from the theater lobby. Below it, the basement space will become a bar geared toward rock bands. The entire bar will be called The Indie.

A private passage will lead from the Midland backstage and dressing room area to the basement bar. The plan calls for a renovation of the dressing room areas that will include showers and other amenities for performers.

The second level of the former office structure will be used for administrative functions. The third floor will have a catering kitchen that will allow the Midland to be used for private functions and events.

The fourth floor will be a VIP lounge that also will be served by a private elevator off 13th Street. It will cater to the patrons seated at the loge level of the theater, which Cordish envisions as the best seats in the house.

http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/216759-p2.html


The loge level also will have a separate bar in the back, along with couches and tables.

The fifth floor of the building will be used as a banquet room.

“This is one of the most stunning historic buildings you can imagine, but now with great amenities for a great experience,” Cordish said.

The Midland is expected to play host to a variety of live music acts, from pop to jazz to blues to country. The capacity will range from 2,700 people when the house is set up cabaret-style to 3,200 when general admission standing is allowed on the main level.

The stage and rigging will remain the same. While the Midland could accommodate musical theater and dance productions, Cordish said those types of events are expected to migrate to the recently renovated Music Hall or the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts now under construction and scheduled to open in late 2009.

“Our niche is the music,” Cordish said.

Frank Rash, AMC senior vice president of strategic development, said his company is pleased with the plan.

“We are continuing a long tradition of bringing fun, live entertainment to Kansas City,” he said. “This theater has been in the family for many years, so this is a natural evolution to take it to the next level.”

Plans for the 12-story Midland office building on the west side of the complex facing Baltimore Avenue are evolving. The Cordish Co. originally envisioned it being converted into 40 upscale residential condominiums, but is now considering rental units.

The renovation of that building will require a separate development agreement with the city. Blake Cordish, a vice president, said no timetable has been set on when a formal application will be submitted.

“We’re trying to be respectful of the new administration’s learning curve in terms of getting its hands around the new economic development policy,” Blake Cordish said. “We’re very anxious to move forward.”

In a related development, Reed Cordish said good progress is being made on renovating the historic Mainstreet Theater, more recently called the Empire Theater, into a six-screen digital movie complex. That project, which will include a two-level restaurant and dessert bar, is part of the joint venture between Cordish and AMC.

“We’re under heavy construction, and full historic approvals have been received,” he said.

Cordish said the Midland is expected to reopen in early spring and the Mainstreet a couple of months later.

Why would you build another Performing Arts Facility when the Midland could have filled this need and the Emprire down the street had a capacity of 3000. A large portion of the 60 Million being spent on this project looks like a gutting of the Empire Theatre Auditorium to build six state on the art theatres which would make this a radical renovation rather than a restoration.How much is the cost on building the new Performing Arts Center which would have paid for the full restoration of both the Midland and the Emprie.I would have liked the Midland to have been the Performing Arts Center and not turned into a huge Nightclub. The Midland is one of the greatest movie palaces built in the United States still standing. The Power and Light project I think will give a big boost to Downtown and will be a success but Im a little concerned in whats happening to both Historic Theatres and a need to build a new theatre a mistake.I am happy the Midland is being spruced up and a return of the 1920's marquee which I hope includes a Vertical and hopefully I will be surprised and the Midland will look great as a big Nightclub but the Empire is a different story.brucec

My November 10th 07 image of the MIDLAND under renovation.

www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/1995705010

Full view of the front of the MIDLAND.

www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/1995834888

AEG Live has been chosen to manage the Midland after it reopens.

http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/394571.html

Here is a view of some detail from the lobby, probably taken in the mid 70s:
http://tinyurl.com/285qt9

That is one beautiful theatre. I dont' live far from it and can't wait. I love the Sprint Arena

The marquee says the theater is slated to reopen in the summer of 2008. Melissa Etheridge has recently been scheduled to play in September.

Marquee also has a web address: http://midlandkc.com/

The website has a few conceptual drawings, and a sign-up form for their email list.

the history listed on the website I mentioned above is strangely similar to the description at the top of this page :)

Hi Claydoh77. I appreciate your links to the Midland site. I was reading your posts about the Glenwood and tried to email you but your address didn't work. I'd love to see those postcard images of the Glenwood you mentioned. Please email me at Aparofan@comcast.net
Thanks! Here's a picture I took of the Midland's marquee last week.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18822933@N00/2486465915/

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977

Loew's Midland Theater-Midland Building *** (added 1977 - Building - #77000808)
Also known as Midland Theater;Midland Office Building
1232--1234 Main St. and 1221--1233 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City

Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Mlinar,Emil, Lamb,Thomas W.
Architectural Style: Other, Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals
Area of Significance: Architecture, Social History, Performing Arts, Art, Engineering, Commerce
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Business, Specialty Store, Theater
Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Business, Specialty Store, Theater

Here's a story in the Kansas City Star on the renovation of the Midland Theater.

http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/733898.html

Here are three photos I took on August 16. It looks pretty good.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18822933@N00/2774162563/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18822933@N00/2774163257/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18822933@N00/2775090172/in/photostream/

Here is an article published in today's Business Journal of Kansas City describing the renovation and reopening of the Midland Theater. The theater has its' first performance tonight by Melissa Etheridge, who grew up in nearby Leavenworth, KS.

http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2008/09/08/daily10.html?ana=from_rss

Here is an article published in today's Business Journal of Kansas City describing the renovation and reopening of the Midland Theater. The theater has its' first performance tonight by Melissa Etheridge, who grew up in nearby Leavenworth, KS.

http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2008/09/08/daily10.html?ana=from_rss

Here are a couple of shots of the chandeliers in the lobby. I hope to add better shots of the interior some day soon. Take a look at my other KC theaters in this set of photos on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kcfan/3305870246/in/set-72157614384317224/

A couple 1984 photos of the Midland
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c25%2c3%2c-1&SortField=ProductName+DESC%2cProductName&ProductID=29174

http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c25%2c3%2c-1&SortField=ProductName+DESC%2cProductName&ProductID=29173

Hopefully this link will take you to some great interior shots of the Midland. The pics by Sean O. are best. Enjoy.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/midland-theatre-kansas-city#hrid:EYmrI4kaLn4jJ82KEIOx3Q/src:search/query:midland%20theater

The Midland curently ranks third largest among the remaining movie palaces designed by Lamb in the U.S.-- the others being loews's Palace in Bridgeport, CT and Loew's Metropolitan in Brooklyn, NY. Kansas City should feel honored to have such a grand example of his work, mostly unaltered even after the recent renovations.

A photo and article about Glenn Beck performing at the Midland can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/06/arts/television/06beck.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=Glenn%20Beck&st=cse

Wow Warren G.,

I had no idea this ranting ideologue had taken the stage at our fabulous Midland. Next time I'm there, I'll be sure to sprinkle a little holy water around the place. Just kidding. Only fair.....Bill Maher played just weeks earlier. Ah the glory of free speech. I'd rather see The Ten Commandments to get my fix of holier than thou, righteous indignation. Too bad the photo didn't better show off the beautiful boxes and loge. Could have been the glare from all those white faces.

Here is an October 1940 ad for the Loew's Midland.

This fun web-site has details on the Midland Theatre -
http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col/parisoftheplains/webexhibit/index.html

I just realized that the style for this theatre is listed as "Adam". It needs to be changed to "French" or "French Baroque" since this theatre is definitely NOT Adam. I think the Midland was Thomas Lamb's first foray into the French styles.

I think its great another old Loews is is still there and being used today. Why do we keep tearing down all the cool stuff and building condos, Thats right I know $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

ziggy (Sept 16 comment above) is correct. The Midland is far too ornate to be considered Adam in style. It looks like a hybrid French-Italian interior with a Renaissance Revival exterior.

Check out my recent photos of the Midland while attending the Leonard Cohen Concert November 9th. Leonard sailed through three hours like someone half his age, but with an effortless grace that only comes from living a life full and rich. And oh...that velvet voice. A perfect evening in a heavenly place! Enjoy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kcfan/4093327507/

KC Those are fantastic photos. Thanks for sharing them with us.

Great slideshow kcfan, loved the this is not an exit sign.Hard to believe that this was a bowling alley for a while.