Cinema Treasures | Paradise Theater

It is wonderful to keep a positive attitude toward reopening the beloved PARADISE, but we must also be frank in admitting that the odds are not good in this case. It is not that no one appreciates the "acre of seats in a garden of dreams" but the sad reality is that costs today are FAR greater than they were in 1929! At that time, light bulbs were about 5 cents each; today nearly a dollar each. Electricity was about 1/2 cent per kilowatt hour; today about 10 cents. If you add up the costs of just replacing all the THOUSANDS of lightbulbs in the PARADISE, plus the labor cost, plus the price of the electricity, you see that just one aspect of reopening this beauty is daunting, to say the least. If I had the MILLIONS of dollars to spare, I would take the risk, but the fact is that very few entertainment venues today make a real profit. Most are considered successful if they just meet their costs (taxes, repairs, services, personnel, etc. etc.!) and that is not any inducement to lure big investors who want a return on their investment. The PARADISE would be a wonderful setting for a number of businesses, but the costs to divide, heat and cool (as well as light) such new areas can be overwhelming to small businesses. And these days, the people are different too. In the 20s it was unlikely that significant vandalism could occur, but these days anything that 'isn't nailed down' is up for grabs, and youngsters absolutely delight in seeing just how much damage they do without being seen. No place is safe, and so ornamental a property as a former movie palace is a ripe target to them, sad to say. So, how much more will sufficient security guards add to the already awsome costs?! I shed tears along with all the rest of you at the loss of our great movie palace heritage, but I would also hate to be the investor watching his building crumble for lack of enormous funds, while the city taxes it whether it earns money or not, and while battling thieves and vandals at every turn. Anyway, may the glorious PARADISE long continue in some form, despite these problems!

posted by Jim Rankin on Mar 25, 2004 at 6:16am

Loews Paradise was one of the seven wonders of the world for me growing up in the Bronx during the 50-70's
I remember the goldfish in the lobby fountain, the mysterious ceiling with its moving clouds, such elegance. We would follow up the movies by going to Krums for the best ice cream.

posted by moe on Mar 26, 2004 at 9:14pm

When I was a kid in the 60s and 70s Fordham Road at the Grand Concourse was indeed the place to shop. I remember getting a first real sense of "cosmopolitan" there. Grand Concourse had an almost European stateliness, and the Paradise was the crowning jewel there, even at that late a date. My dad, now a simple barber in semi-retirement in Florida, took a hairstyling course at the ABC styling school right up the block from the theater, back in the 70s heydey of Warren Beatty's "Shampoo" and the John Travolta blown-back D.A. A few years before he had taken me to see The Ten Commandments there on the annual Easter screening, one of my formative experiences. The theater was still a single screen at the time, and it was quite a spectacle to see the teeming multitudes in the orchestra level below (we were late so could only get balcony seats, but that was allright by me). The place was packed, and I have never seen a movie theater audience of that size ever again, not even for the later blockbusters. It was all spectacle, on the screen, in the great room, on the ceiling, in the monstrous lobby. I vaguely recall satyrs and maidens along balustraded grand staircases and mezzanines. Within a few years the Paradise (as well as the RKO Fordham around the on corner on Fordham Road) had been divvied up, but I was yet able to get a sense of the old grandeur, much diminished, one last time. I took my kid brother to see an Art Carney movie, "The Late Show," which was playing in the main room on the old balcony level. The collonades on the sides and the sky ceiling were still there, but unlit. That old view of the orchestra was sealed off by a black floor, giving the sense of a bottomless pit. The biggest thrill my brother and I got that day was a teaser trailer for the forthcoming Ralph Bakshi version of The Lord of the Rings!!! complete with ominous Wagnerian music and choirs. No images, just music, crawling type on a black background, and the logo. My personal last thrill at the Loew's Paradise.

posted by m_acevedo on Mar 29, 2004 at 9:08am

No, it's still closed, and seems likely to remain so until a new tenant is found who can complete the restoration work, or at least enough to earn a safety permit to re-open...While the above photo may be "vintage," it shows the theatre's facade already desecrated by a modern marquee for the "twins" and a neglected neon sign below the clock.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Apr 2, 2004 at 5:51am

Are there any early shots of the Paradise with a marquee? I'd only known it without one. Maybe it ws "modernized" in the early 60s?

posted by m_acevedo on Apr 3, 2004 at 4:42pm

It is my understanding that due to restrictive zoning codes on the Grand Concourse, the Loew's Paradise never had an overhanging marquee like most other theatres. All early photos of it show it without any kind of awning.

posted by Ian M. Judge on Apr 3, 2004 at 7:40pm

That is the situation about restrictive ordinances as disclosed in that landmark book: "The Best Remaining Seats..." by the late Ben M. Hall.

posted by Jim Rankin on Apr 4, 2004 at 1:41am

I went up to Loew's Paradise on the Grand Concourse (188th Street) on Saturday April 24, 2004 to photograph it for my 'Vanishing NYC' project. The place is being remodeled! I spoke with the security guard who informed me the theater will reopen in about six months, but not as a movie house, but as a theater for concerts and events such as boxing. I don't know how accuarte this information is but it sounds positive. Whether or not they will retain the Loew's Paradise sign, I have no idea. At least some of these great places are being revitalized.

posted by Richard Serviss on Apr 27, 2004 at 1:19pm

My father delivered mail to the Paradise and I was often able to get in for free during the summer months. I remember seeing the lines for Psycho going around the street. I saw many epics there including the Ten Commandments,Ben-Hur and King of Kings. Only a majestic theatre could give justice to those movies. I graduated there from Clinton HS in 1969.

posted by Robert Lotman on Apr 27, 2004 at 8:02pm

I could only hope they would reopen the Paradise as it was a movie theater, but I'd take would I could get. I remember seeing my first movies there, Back to The Future II being the the last movie I can remember seeing there. I remember the stairs that went up and around the entire place. Looking at the ceiling and thinking it most be a tall man to draw that high. Yes I was damn young, but now at 22, I remember that I went there with my father, one of the only things I can remember really doing with him, the Paradise, I hope it comes back all right. To share my old memories and make new ones.

posted by Bryant on May 2, 2004 at 12:20pm

Forgive my spelling got caught up in the moment.

posted by Bryant on May 2, 2004 at 12:21pm

As I mentioned in a previous e-mail, I was told by the security guard in front of the Paradise the theater would open in about 6 months for non-film presentations. However, in the Sunday (5/2/04) edition of the New York Daily News there was an article on the remaining Loew's Paradise theaters in New York City as well as the Paradise in Jersey City. In this article they stated the owner(s) of the Loew's Paradise at 2413 Grand Concourse are still searching for a tenant. I'm not sure who or what to believe at this point. Regardless, the present owner(s) are definitely in the process of remodeling the theater. I only hope they will do justice to architect John Eberson's work.

posted by Richard Serviss on May 3, 2004 at 10:27am

You're getting "Paradise" and "Wonder Theatre" confused. The Loew's Paradise was one of the five Loew's "Wonder Theatres" built 1929-1930 in the New Jersey/New York area. Only the one in the Bronx is called the Paradise. The other Loew's Wonder Theatres are the Valencia (Queens), Kings (Brooklyn), Jersey (Jersey City), and the 175th (Manhattan).

posted by mahermusic on May 3, 2004 at 3:41pm

Here's the URL for the 5.2.04 Daily News article Richard referenced:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/189379p-163866c.html

posted by DBrenson/br91975 on May 3, 2004 at 4:23pm

I was in the Paradise last year - we had a meeting with the landlord about the potential of taking on the property (I work for the Galaxy Theatre Corp. as the Director of Film Programming for the Lafayette Theatre's Big Screen Classics series and other special film events). That "six months" that the security guard mentioned has been the mantra for the past several years, virtually no work has taken place since the last tenant (the guy who was beginning the renovations) defaulted last year. The place is in need of tons of work to get ready for any kind of show. The restoration of the lobby area is magnificent - about the best I've ever seen. Equal to it is the work on the underside of the balcony - spectacular hand-craftsmanship. But, and it's a big but, there are no seats (I understand that they are at Irwin seating awaiting payment!), the projection booth has been removed and replaced by what are either very small private boxes or technical areas, the entire stage rigging is gone, there is no air conditioning (heat is there, however, whether it's working or not wasn't answered to our satisfaction), and the walls are only renovated up to a certain point - the rest is still only stabilized and not repaired. The ceiling, however, was repaired and painted a gorgeous azure blue and then, amazingly, a giant coffer for lights was cut right into the center of it, so it's now useless as an atmospheric element! The owner of the place wants whoever is the next tenant to pay for all the remaining renovations (our best guess: $5 million minimum) and pay a huge rent on top of it. Sadly, I don't think it will ever open again as a theatre. I believe that only the facade and lobby have been landmarked.

posted by PeterApruzzese on May 3, 2004 at 7:23pm

As Gus Portacalus said in the Big Fat Greek Wedding ... "and there you GO!" That's the information we've all been waiting for and now have been told! Thank You Peter!

posted by LarryS on May 4, 2004 at 5:13am

Those former projection booths were maybe the ones that were used when the theatre was plexed. The Loew's Jersey Theatre has two former booths under it's balcony. You still would have the original booth located in the upper balcony area. As for equipped for film that anybodys guess, I say all you have up there is four walls.

As Peter said about the "six months" that security guard mentioned, so that people think there is something happening to the theatre. Its just some Hope, but six months always turns into six years and then.... As Loew's turns 100 this year, we can thank them for building these Great Theatres and maintaining them into 70's & 80's.
And we can curse at them for dropping the ball in not letting them remain a major part of each area they are located in. Thats to say if Loew's had not dropped them from the circuit. The stronger money making plexes in the circuit, would or could pay some of the cost to maintain them in a operating form. Then just dropping them to sit and rot away. Because they are large buildings that need to be maintained on a regular schedule.

posted by William on May 4, 2004 at 7:30am

William:
The booth I was referring to as removed *was* the original booth at the top of the upper balcony: there are new walls and passageways up there where the booth used to be, but no room for projection equipment. I even climbed the iron ladder to go over the area in the hopes that maybe they had just put up a false ceiling, but there's only a catwalk-type area above these little rooms. To put a booth back up there would require the new walls and ceiling to come down. The tenant who started the renovations had no plans to show movies there, he thought he could turn the place into a boxing hall (hence the light coffer in the ceiling) or some sort of concert venue. His problem was that he spent his money on the theatre and not on renovating the storefronts attached to it first - the rents from those stores were going to help pay for the project. Since he never fixed up those stores, he couldn't keep them rented or get good money for them.

posted by PeterApruzzese on May 4, 2004 at 8:31am

What is the borough of the Bronx doing during all of this?! The whole building should be landmarked. Amazing that The Bronx has one of the great American buildings in their midst and are letting it rot. Are the idiots who populate our goverments as stupid as I think or are they just waiting for a developer to line their pockets and build condos.

posted by Vincent on May 4, 2004 at 8:39am

Thanks Peter for the info on the booth area.

I guess the city does not care about some of the history of the borough. Trump should use some of his millions on something that is good for the city and the borough like restoring the Paradise Theatre.

posted by William on May 4, 2004 at 9:25am

They are waiting to tear it down like everything else, Ny developers HATE landmark status. Now that the owners of the Sutton have had the perfectly sound facade smashed apart there is nothing to landmark and that will be going next. How the Kings can be left to sit that long rotting and not even make sure that if it is left empty that it's not vandalized or falling apart from the weather? Any city would tear down the Roxy would tear down anything.

posted by RobertR on May 4, 2004 at 11:05am

The size of the theatre plays a major part in it's future. In midtown you had three theatres with 5000+ seat. (Roxy, Capital and Radio City) 5000 seats is a lot of property to fill and keep filled. So theatre chain dumped larger palaces. So Fox dropped the Roxy Theatre when they could more money on the property value of the sale. Loew's dropped the Capital for the building of the new Uris Building (Paramount Plaza later name), they had the nearby State Theatre twin. So they had a Times Square theatre, was closer to Times Square and a twin which they could not do the Capital. Look at when Fox West Coast Theatres (National Theatre) wanted to sell the Fox San Francisco to that city, for a small amount. But the city and the bond vote lost and the theatre was razed.
So Loew's dropped the ball on the Paradise, once they see the theatre was not making any real profit.
During the last years of the Paradise was Loew's maintaining it?? Was it kept clean?? Or did they just run it into the ground and just close it?? Because when I went to see a film over at the Coronet Theatre on the eastside, a few months before they were to close the theatre. You could tell big time that the chain was not doing anything in maintenance to the theatre.

posted by William on May 4, 2004 at 11:33am

My parents moved to the Bronx from Brooklyn in 1960 and settled on Harrison Avenue between Burnside and West Tremont Ave's, only a few blocks from the Paradise. I was born in '65 and we moved to Queens in '70 so I never got the chance to see a movie there. My mother did, though, and she talks about that theater to this day.

posted by Mitch45 on Jun 2, 2004 at 12:00pm

A few months ago, I tracked down the phone number for the construction office at the Paradise, and because I happened to speak to a worker who was also from Brooklyn, I learned some more current information about the theater. Yep, as people have said, they are still looking for a tenant (most probably to market latino music venues in the newly restored auditorium). The worker said that everything is being restored meticulously: the scupltures, ceiling, cloud machine, chandeliers. Though the facad out front doesn't seem like it, it sounds like the inside has been brought back to what everyone remembers. They have been working on it non stop for the past year or so, under the direction of Gerald Lieblich of First Paradise Theaters Corp. It seems impossible to believe that anyone would put such a genuine effort into restoration if only intending to sell it to a tenant who would let it decay again. I wonder what Lieblich's motives are.
Another note - In response to the rather pessimistic evaluation about the restoration posted a few months ago, I urge you not to forget all of the sucessful restoration projects that have saved theaters all over the country, many of them dependant on the surrounding community standing up and claiming ownership of this part of their past. Specifically I am thinking of a theater in Columbus Ohio, where all the restoration costs were paid through fundrasing, and the theater was repieced together part by part. And its treasures (or the treasures of Loew's Paradise) were "not up for grabs" or vandalized, because the community felt and acted as owners of the theater as they volunteered to be ushers and curated film festivals and special performances.
Let us not forget that this Paradise was built around Eberson's dreams - Maybe the Bronx needs to start dreaming again about what this landmark could mean for the community that lives around it now. (At on point in the 90's I think there was even a school inside...)

posted by Melanie on Jun 11, 2004 at 10:52am

I would like to believe the comments of the "worker from Brooklyn," but they don't make sense to me. Where is the money coming from to pay for this work that has been supposedly going on "non-stop for the past year?"

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 11, 2004 at 11:14am

Here's an image of the Paradise's facade from 1995:
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bb/oldstuff/bb0313.20.gif

An image from 1970:
http://bronxblotter.home.mindspring.com/old/paradise2_old.jpg

A series of images from September 2002:
http://kraybill4.home.mindspring.com/46theatres/grandconcourse2417_120902_det1.jpg
http://kraybill4.home.mindspring.com/46theatres/grandconcourse2417_120902_det2.jpg
http://kraybill4.home.mindspring.com/46theatres/grandconcourse2417_120902_det3.jpg
http://kraybill4.home.mindspring.com/46theatres/grandconcourse2417_120902_det4.jpg
http://kraybill4.home.mindspring.com/46theatres/grandconcourse2417_120902_det5.jpg

A number of images can be found here:
http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/topic.cgi?forum=4&topic=805

posted by Damien Farley on Jun 23, 2004 at 10:35pm

An interior image of the Paradise can be seen in this recent CNN.com story:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Movies/05/07/loews.centennial.ap/

posted by Damien Farley on Jun 23, 2004 at 11:54pm

I've always wanted to get inside this place. I've only been past the outside once. Thanks, Damien, for the great links! If only some folks like the people who are fixing up the Loew's Jersey could fix this place up.

posted by ziggy on Jun 24, 2004 at 4:47am

Does anyone know what happened to the dragon on the clock? In some pictures it looks like it is missing. Did it just fall back, or did someone steal it? I hope it is still there, for it would be great if the clock was eventually restored, like the one at the "Jersey".

posted by beardbear31 on Jun 27, 2004 at 1:17am

Someone stole it years ago. The man who was restoring the Paradise a few years back was in contact with the people at the Loew's Jersey, as they had just completed restoring their clock. He was set to order replacement parts until...

posted by Joe Masher on Jun 27, 2004 at 4:09am

I just got done reading Jim Rankins' comment from March 25th and I totally disagree. We can't renovate this place because of the cost of light bulbs? Is that arguement supposed to be taken seriously? As far as vandalism is concerned, it's true that people have less self control in public than in previous times, but it's not an insurmountable issue. I think the sort of people who would attend this restored theatre are the same sort of people who would appreciate it and not vandalize it. Why can't a group similar to "Friends of the Loew's" to the rescue? Who would have thought that Jersey City was a good place to operate a restored movie palace, and yet they're doing it! So what if the Paradise is in The Bronx. A building this important would define the neighborhood, not the other way around

posted by ziggy on Jun 30, 2004 at 5:51am

Ziggy, why don't you form a "Friends of Loew's Paradise" instead of just proposing it? It's easier said than done. But unless someone does and soon, the theatre seems doomed. I personally think that the membership must come from the community, but I doubt that there are enough people living there who give a damn.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 30, 2004 at 6:10am

How much more renovation work is needed on the Paradise? from what I've heard the guy renovating it got pretty far before it was stopped.

posted by Theatrefan on Jun 30, 2004 at 6:23am

I was thinking that myself Warren. I think a bunch of us here at this site should contact the "Friends of the Loew's" and see what tactics they used to get the Jersey Theatre out of danger. Those people are an inspiration as far as I'm concerned. Don't forget what an 11th hour rescue they performed. I'd have to do 99.9% of my part from long distance, but I'd be happy to do it.

posted by ziggy on Jun 30, 2004 at 7:06am

Count me in Ziggy. Though I too would be long distance. This is one of the greatest buildings now in the NY metro area.Remember that developers had to be held off to prevent Carnegie Hall and Grand central from being demolished. Can you imagine they tore down the old Met and Penn Station? And now they want to build a stadium in Manhattan!!! Which they wouldnt even do in the begining of the last century when the city was so much less congested!!! Sometimes I think New Yorkers are idiots.

posted by Vincent on Jun 30, 2004 at 8:08am

Unfortunately, you can't save a theatre by "long distance." Most and possibly all of the people involved with Loew's Jersey are local residents who cared enough to save it by doing volunteer work for going on years now.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 30, 2004 at 8:21am

As I recall, there was once a "Friends of Loew's Kings" in Brooklyn, which made a lot of noise for a couple of years and then disappeared. I don't think that it ever did any actual work on restoring the theatre.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 30, 2004 at 9:02am

Does that mean you wouldn't be willing to help Warren? Because your help would be great. I think some of the things that can be done long distance are: to make donations, to help with paperwork, to make contacts, and organizing. So the "Friends of Loew's Kings" failed, at least they tried. We ought to at least try as well.

posted by ziggy on Jun 30, 2004 at 11:51am

My March 25th post was not meant to discourage anyone with a CONCRETE plan to rehab the venerable PARADISE, but was meant to encourage a REALISTIC view of the odds of restoring so enormous a theatre. Light bulbs were used as an example of the combined costs of renovation and subsequent operation. Sad to say, most of those involved in wishfully restoring a large theatre today, are not realistically familiar with the enormous costs involved. The situation in Jersey City may be unique, or at least uncommon, since other such initiatives elsewhere have failed, as was brought out regarding the former 'Friends of the Kings', certainly as worthy as any movie palace to be saved! As Warren wisely brings out, the nature of the surroundings of a venue is critical to its success, and all our "long distance" pleadings are for naught if there is not vigorous and plentiful local support. I watched as the young men who bought the late lamented GRANADA in Chicago lost their shirts trying to sustain the repairs while getting little income; they had to abandon their efforts, and the slum lord (he calls himself a "Land Banker") who owned the property later saw it demolished. The 4000-seat UPTOWN there is in a similar bind, with more than one group vowing to save it, but no one has enough money to put into it to really do the work needed, and no one is sure that it will attract enough patrons to keep the doors open if they did find the funding. If anyone in NYC knows Donald Trump, maybe you should call him, since it will take a 'sugar daddy' who doesn't care if he looses money to undertake a risk as great as the wonderful, ornate, and expensive PARADISE. Will it be Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained? We will have to wait and see if the anonymous 'Ziggy' and all others prevail, since as anyone clicking on my name below will see, I do not live anywhere near NYC, and long distance, EFFECTIVE support --financial or otherwise-- is not possible for me, sad to say.

posted by Jim Rankin on Jun 30, 2004 at 2:40pm

It seems to me that the bottom line is "What to do with the Paradise?" if it was restored to its original, single screen glory. Under the present distribution system, it could not succeed as a movie theatre. What are the options? As a concert venue, it would have to compete for bookings against better situated places in Manhattan such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Beacon, etcetera. The potential audience seems limited to the Bronx, which has a mixed population of many different nationalties, races, and creeds. What appeals to one of those groups may not appeal to others. It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to book the theatre on a continuing basis. Ditto for boxing and wrestling, which were once proposed.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 30, 2004 at 3:46pm

At least we are talking about it. One has to start somewhere. If you want to succeed then you need to imitate success. Didn't "Friends of the Loew's" convince the city to buy Loew's Jersey? (that's not a rhetorical question, I really want to know)And then didn't the city somehow get it back into the hands of the non-profit trying to save it? If you ever read any web pages about the Bronx, people are always bringing up the Paradise. It seems like there's a lot of interest in talking about. It's a matter of what action to take. Now Jim and Warren seem like very knowledgeable and wise men. You've brought up plenty of reasons why it won't work, can you think of any reasons why it will work? I wouldn't care if they ran 24 hour Britney Spears and Spice Girl concerts if it meant the place was safe. Can the City of New York be convinced that this might be worth investing in, even if only to safely mothball it while an investor is found. Seriously, do you have some constructive suggestions? I ask because I'm willing to do what I can if someone (including me) comes up with a good idea.

posted by ziggy on Jun 30, 2004 at 7:13pm

I think that it is too late for thinking about forming a "Friends of Paradise". Does anyone know what is truly happening at this theater. I own several retail businesses in the area immediately surrounding the Paradise. Only two weeks ago, the Grand Councourse was nearly shut down to permit the lifting of a huge air conditioning system onto the roof of the theater. Others have witnessed several thousand chairs being delivered to the theater from several trucks. There is no doubt that the Paradise is reopening for me. I have heard the same rumors as Melanie, that the Theater will become a concert venue for mostly latin and pop music concerts. To Warren I have this to say. I only wish I could operate the Paradise as a concert and boxing venue. It is Madison Square Garden, the Beacon, and Carnegie Hall an others that should be concerned about this venue. After all, what production company would not want to book shows in a less expensive, non-union concert hall so that they could take home money at the end of the day. These people care less about the location. The artist will show up at any place to do any show if he/she is getting paid. As far as the location of the Paradise, it is perfect for latin music concerts and will attract people from the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, New Jersey, and South Westchester, all 15-20 minutes away. Does any one remember the years of success that Jimmys Bronx Cafe had. Customers came from as far as Suffolk county to that former hot spot. I would love to see the Paradise re-open as it would help all businesses in the immediate area become more prosperous and real estate values higher.

posted by joelg on Jul 1, 2004 at 3:10pm

I wish them all the luck in the world, but if it's going to be a "non-union" hall, they will, IMHO, be in big trouble right from the start.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 2, 2004 at 7:26am

Why will they be in trouble if its a non-union hall?
Will the unions picket and do stink bombing to destroy the business
at THE PARADISE? This is why our country is in such bad shape.
No respect for any one elses desire to run and save a business like
this tired old movie house. Sad. How can it even attempt survival with a
union run operation? Whats your advice Warren? If it cannot be union ... then it should'nt open at all, right? Thats a typical
closed minded union mentality thats ancient and antiquated.
If you can tell me how it can work otherwise - I will respect what
you have to say and apologize for my emotional online outburst.

posted by LarryS on Jul 2, 2004 at 10:06am

All I'm saying is that if they're "non-union," they will not be able to book the "name" attractions that they need to succeed. The musicians' and technical unions will not tolerate it when they find out. Unfortunately, "that's showbiz" as it exists today. The labor unions have as much power as Viacom, Time-Warner, Fox, Disney and all the other media giants.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 2, 2004 at 10:44am

Actually, it is possible to attract big names with a non-union performance hall, if the hall is treated as a 'rental' location and not as the producer of the event. At the theater I run, (granted, it is in Boston not NYC)we do not have any union stagehands, etc, and yet we have attracted many big names like Springsteen, Norah Jones, Cheap Trick, etc. We do not financially support our live shows, other people produce them (and profit/lose from them) and we merely collect a rental fee. And we have a union projection booth besides this and there have been no problems.

This might not work in NYC, but then again, maybe it could. Worth a shot just the same.

posted by Ian M. Judge on Jul 2, 2004 at 11:41am

Well, I'm very glad to hear about the activity going on, especially the theatre seats. I hope they are the original ones that had been warehoused. Thanks for the good news Joel! Keep us posted, will ya?

posted by ziggy on Jul 2, 2004 at 5:39pm

I hear that the Paradise is being restored and shall reopen in February 2005 as a venue for live entertainment and movies.

posted by Roger Katz on Aug 12, 2004 at 5:54am

This is awesome news !!!!!! Now lets see if the Kings rises also.

posted by RobertR on Aug 12, 2004 at 7:59am

I went to The Paradise many times in the mid/late 70's with my Mom and Dad. The place was in decline even back then. I do remember clearly the twinkling lights on the ceilings and the impressive interior of the place. Ashtrays on the back of every other seat! You could see that at one time the theater was a real sight to behold.
I now work in the area and drive past The Paradise every day. I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but it's not going to be reopened. The area is in such horrible shape that I don't believe any theater could function there. Remember the RKO Fordham and The Valentine? They're closed too because of how miserable a neighborhood the area has unfortunately become.
So very sad really.

posted by Dow on Aug 18, 2004 at 1:38pm

Dow,

The brand new balcony seats were installed last week. This reopening IS going to happen.

posted by Roger Katz on Aug 20, 2004 at 2:46pm

Well Mr. Katz I can only hope you're right. Are there any plans to restore the exterior facade of the building?

posted by Dow on Aug 20, 2004 at 2:52pm

Melanie,

The theater you are referring to is the Ohio Theater in Columbus, OH. It was saved from the wrecking ball and restored to its former glory. It took years of hard work and fundraising and it certainly was worth it. Its a gorgeous theater. Its now used as a performing arts center for concerts and touring plays.

posted by TJ on Sep 13, 2004 at 11:18am

Hi, I am on the verge of writing a newspaper article about the Loew's Paradise Theatre. Right now I am in the process of doing research. I am searching for people with intresting and compelling stories or pictures to feature in my article. If you or anybody you know has a story or pictures, contact me at rkgproductions@aol.com

posted by rkgproductions on Sep 19, 2004 at 10:03am

75 years ago, the Wonder Theaters were built and became prime showcases for all the great MGM product over the next 3 decades. The only Wonder Theater showing film today is Loew's Jersey but, sadly, they are not playing any MGM product in their 75th anniversary programming.

However, the beautifully restored Lafayette Theater in Suffern, New York salutes the Loew's Wonder Theaters by presenting a newly restored 35mm print of one of MGM's greatest musicals, "Meet Me in St. Louis." It will be shown this Saturday, September 25 as part of their weekly Big Screen Classics series. They will also present a vintage MGM short, and will play live music on their magnificent Wurlitzer organ.

For more information, visit their website at www.bigscreenclassics.com

posted by Bob Furmanek on Sep 24, 2004 at 8:15am

When "Meet Me in St. Louis" first played the Loew's Greater New York circuit in early 1945, it had already proved such a big hit that it was shown as a single feature, with only short subjects added. Curious, because the movie ran only 113 minutes, but I guess that Loew's wanted to turn over as many seats as possible...Although it might have seemed an ideal choice for Radio City Music Hall, the movie opened instead on Broadway at the Astor Theatre, followed by a move-over to Loew's State, where it was shown with vaudeville before going on to the Loew's circuit.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 24, 2004 at 11:12am

Any updates on when and if the Paradise will open? Will they have concerts comedy movies plays? Unlike the Loew's Jersey which has two parking garages and the path trail right accross the street.The Paradise has no parking garage close by.

posted by Peter on Oct 11, 2004 at 8:00pm

The absence of adequate parking is one major reason that many movie palaces never reopen. A major expense in planning to reopen such is for an adjacent or nearby parking structure, since it is usually figured that there should be one parking space for every third seat, which would mean a LARGE parking area in the case of the PARADISE. Still, we hope it reopens!

posted by Jim Rankin on Oct 12, 2004 at 4:37am

The Paradise is easily reached by subways and buses from all over the NYC area. It never provided parking facilities even in its heyday, so I don't think that will be a major problem if it provides attractions that the public wants to see.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Oct 12, 2004 at 6:36am

Yes the subway stops right up the street on Fordham Road. I agree it would be like going to Madison Sq Garden on the subway.I just heard the neighborhood is terrible. It may not be safe to walk.

posted by Mikeoaklandpark on Oct 12, 2004 at 7:46am

The neighborhood is far from terrible.

posted by Mark W. on Oct 17, 2004 at 4:02pm

Be as PC as you like, you take YOUR family there. I work there and know from first hand knowledge that the neighborhood is unsafe. Period.

posted by Dow on Oct 17, 2004 at 4:08pm

Not Safe Means It Will NOT DO BIZNESS! There's a reason that the old girl is closed.

posted by Jeffrey on Oct 17, 2004 at 4:25pm

Work is progressing nicely at The Paradise! It's slated for a February Grand Opening, but may be ready sooner!

posted by Joe Masher on Oct 17, 2004 at 5:27pm

I remember when they spent all that money restoring the Queens Theatre in Queens Village. The theatre did no buisness, and that neighborhood is nowhere as dangerous as where the Paradise is. I only hope the restoration of the Paradise is not in vain.

posted by RobertR on Oct 17, 2004 at 6:42pm

You Are Correct Robert. It could be wasted monies in a neighborhood where the old gal won't be appreciated. Very sad indeed. Sometimes its better to have the fond memories.

posted by Jeffrey on Oct 17, 2004 at 6:45pm

Hello Everyone,
The Loews Paradise sits elegantly in her faded glory on the Grand Concourse. I live on the Grand Concourse which is a wide Boulevard that was regarded as the Bronx Park Avenue. I do believe that the Paradise will come back. Believe it or not, the Bronx is home to slums and grand country estates. There are good areas and bad alike. First of all I can tell you that I have shopped in the Fordham area dressed to the nines concealing my bargains in shopping bags from Barneys, Saks, and other stores without ever being bothered before. The Fordham area is far from an urban utopia but culture thrives here.

posted by Divinity on Oct 17, 2004 at 11:30pm

On the East side of Fordham Rd. are two distinguished cultural institutions: The Bronx Zoo and the lovely 250 acre New York Botanical Garden which attract millions of visitors annually.Nearby on 187th St. and Arthur Ave. lies the heart of Little Italy where the aroma from sidewalk cafe's, Bakeries and the indoor Italian market, tantelizes the tastebuds. The Belmont playhouse is also located in this area. Little Italy attracts many people from the tri-state area and around the world even though there is practically no parking or direct transportation except for The Bronx Culture Trolley that transports visitors to cultural venues and Art Galleries in the North and South Bronx. On Webster Ave and Fordham Rd. is the entrance to the prestigious Fordham University's Rose Hill Campus that houses a large collection of gothic buildings and privileged anglosaxon students that sometimes walk up Fordham Rd to ride the subway downtown at all hours even though the Metro North train station is adjacent to the campus and could get them to Grand Central Station in twenty minutes.

posted by Divinity on Oct 18, 2004 at 12:00am

Three blocks north of the Paradise, on the east side of Grand Goncourse is Edgar Allan Poe Cottage located in the renovated Poe Park. The humble home of the famous poet is a small museum run by the Bronx County Historical Society that also attracts many visitors.
Two blocks north of the Paradise, the lobby of the large old Alexanders Dept. Store building (now called: 2 Fordham Square, abandoned after the company went bankrupt) there is a permanent exhibition of photographs depicting the area's history. The once vacant eyesore now houses classrooms for the City University of NY, a bank, Gym and other retail venues contributing to the renniscance of the area. This is a sign of progress in NYC's third largest shopping district rivaled only by Herald and Time Square. As for parking, there are two indoor garages across the street from the theater facing 187th St. There is no question about efficient transportation in this transit hub. The D and 4 express trains both stop at Fordham Road as well as the metro north. The 12 bus coming from inwood stops at the Grand Concourse as well as the private liberty lines express busses coming from the upper east side of Manhattan. There are also the Bee Line busses that come down from as far as Rye New York and stop at Fordham Rd. Of course for local commuters there are a number of local busses incliding the 1 and 2 that stop nearby.

posted by Divinity on Oct 18, 2004 at 12:38am

All of the pessemistic individuals submitting comments should observe the progress that is coming to the bronx. Garbage Strewn lots that were deemed tragic and unlivable now have homes on them selling at market rate because of people like me who stayed behind to fight and live through it. My family and I have been here for three generations and refuse to leave because this place is a reminder of who we are. It is a borough that is diverse, full of green open spaces, culture, and art. The Bronx is far from perfect, but it is authentic. It is ever changing work in progress. It is because of hope and optimism that the South Bronx is now attracting artists to reside in formerly abandoned factory lofts and set up trendy galleries. It is because of hope and optimism that upper and middle class residents are moving across the east river from manhattan to rent market rate apartments and buy old brownstones that were once run by slumlords and drug dealers. The Bronx is recovering from the devastation that hit the entire city in the 1970's and it is because of hope and optimism that the Loews Paradise will again be a magnificent venue!!!

posted by Divinity on Oct 18, 2004 at 1:11am

From Your Lips - To God's Ears Divinity. There would be nothing greater than to see the Bronx recover to the point whereby this
motion picture theater could flourish once again.

posted by Jeffrey on Oct 18, 2004 at 5:24am

It is not a matter of recovery since the area is being revitalized as we speak. The theater simply needs to be completed. I sometimes Travel out to the Loews Jersey City to enjoy the oppulence of our sister theater and so do others. Journal Square may be dressed up these days but the area is not better than Fordham Rd. It can be dangerous as all of the NYC metro area can be, yet it still attracts many people because once you enter a movie palace, the world is left behind, no matter where you are. I am an active member of the Bronx council of the Arts and there are opera companies, The Bronx Symphony Orchestra and other high profile artists that have filled Madison Square Garden that perform at the nearby Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. Although this building sits on the lovely Lehman College campus, it is a modern, unadorned eyesore that has absoutely no architectural appeal. However performances frequently sell out in this common theater. If it is possible for Lehman Center to be a successful venue,they better watch out for the reopening of the Paradise! People will enjoy attending our oppulent and palacial theater even if the performance is less than mediocre. I would attend the opening ceremony ever if Britney Spears was performing.
The adornment would entertain me.

posted by Divinity on Oct 18, 2004 at 11:51am

Didn't the last developer cut a huge hole in the atmospheric ceiling to place lighting equipment? If so, wouldn't that seriously affect the atmospheric quality of the auditorium?

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 18, 2004 at 12:17pm

I believe that the equipment was attached to the ceiling and not cut into it. It would be easy to restore anyway since the ceiling is not adorned. It is painted to resemble a night sky with twinkling stars and hopefully the old cloud machine still remains.

posted by Divinity on Oct 18, 2004 at 12:23pm

That's great news, thanks! Please keep us posted.

When I worked for Jerry Lewis, I found color 35mm film of Mr. Lewis appearing at the Paradise in 1960 promoting his new movie, "The Bellboy." A short portion of this footage is on the newly released DVD. I'm not sure if the Paradise shots are included.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 18, 2004 at 12:36pm

Divinity:

There was a giant rectangular opening cut into the ceiling for the lights, see my post of May 3 above for the details. I do hope that if the restoration on this facility continues that it is repaired back to its original condition.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Oct 18, 2004 at 1:05pm

INFORMATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PARADISE CAN BE FOUND AT:
http://www.rpaniagua.com/paradise2.html
http://www.welcometosilentmovies.com/news/newsarchive/loews.htm

posted by Divinity on Oct 18, 2004 at 1:11pm

Bob - The only shots on the DVD of The Bellboy bus tour were of the Loew's Premier, Loew's Kings and the Loew's 46th Street all in Brooklyn. It's a shame the Paradise was not included, since we know footage exists.

posted by Theatrefan on Oct 18, 2004 at 4:21pm

An impressive collection of mid-renovation photos of the exterior and interior of the Paradise, taken by Cinema Treasures member Roger Katz this past August, can be found at the following URL: http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=16520

posted by DBrenson/br91975 on Oct 18, 2004 at 5:16pm

One of the films booked into the Paradise at the time of its closing in December of 1994 was the Clint Eastwood-Kevin Costner flick 'A Perfect World'.

posted by DBrenson/br91975 on Oct 18, 2004 at 5:19pm

br91975
Those pictures are awesome, the place still looked great. Cinema Tours claims this theatre was also known as The Venetian, I never heard this before?

posted by RobertR on Oct 18, 2004 at 5:29pm

I am extremely pleased with the progress of our beloved movie palace (Thank you br91975 for the photos) although some features have been dramatically altered. The lush fabric that lined some of the halls and corridors seem to have been removed as well as the carpet and some areas have been painted white. I dont remember anything painted white in the Paradise.Although the lobby is in excellent shape I am disappointed with the oversized concession stand bei
+ng built in the center. What about the goldfish fountain that was to be replaced? Overall the theater has had extensive renovation work done to it and it looks wonderful. All this has excited me. I cannot wait for opening night! Hopefully there will be birdcages filled with singing canaries hanging from the ceilings as there were on its first opening night.

posted by Divinity on Oct 18, 2004 at 5:56pm

The theater was originally to be constructed a few blocks south near the old Ascot Theater. It was to be called the Venetian and its facade was to be of the same atyle but because of zoning restrictions and design changes it was built at the current site.

posted by Divinity on Oct 18, 2004 at 6:05pm

I took Roger into the building to photograph. The owner is seeking to do a true restoration, and I've given him some materials from the Theatre Historical Society (I'm the NYC Area Director) to use as reference. The large bar in the middle of the lobby will serve as a bar/concession area. Such things are necessary these days. The goldfish fountain should be restored.

posted by Joe Masher on Oct 18, 2004 at 6:08pm

Acknowledging the historical value of the site, Mr. Lieblich said his first choice would be to reopen it as an entertainment venue, though not as a single-screen movie theater; people don't see movies in 4,000-seat theaters these days. Mr. Lieblich mentioned concerts, live shows, plays, dancing and comedy as some possible uses. And he is promising not to touch anything of historical value. "We're treating it like it's a piece of gold,'' he said. "It's gorgeous, irreplaceable."

Still, Mr. Lieblich did not reject the possibility that the theater might be used for big-box retail space, a move that would require covering, though not destroying, much of the interior décor.

posted by Jeffrey on Oct 18, 2004 at 6:09pm

Unless the 'new' Paradise falls flat on its face - and, if it's handled and appreciated well, it won't - big-box retail use seems like something of a distant possibility at this point.

posted by DBrenson/br91975 on Oct 18, 2004 at 6:23pm

I read in the mid-90s somewhere that some part of the interior of the Paradise (the lobby and/or what were then the four theatre auditoriums) had been painted green. Looking at Roger's photographs, that seems unlikely; can anyone confirm or refute this?

posted by DBrenson/br91975 on Oct 18, 2004 at 6:28pm

Roger Katz's photos are great! As far as the comments regarding lack of carpeting, and areas painted white, remember that these are mid-renovation photos. It's doubtful that carpeting would be in place until the painting is done, and scaffolding is removed. The white areas might actually be marbleized (it's hard to tell from a photo). If you look at the fourth row of pics, there's a shot of the lobby looking in through an archway. It show's that the statue of the cupids and dolphin for the fountain is still in place, only the basin in missing. I agree about the concession stand, there's got to be a better place than right in the middle of the lobby. Maybe the basement lounge, or any place less obtrusive. Still, I'm not going to quibble.

posted by ziggy on Oct 19, 2004 at 6:58am

While it is a shame to have to have a concession stand in the first place, there is a bright side to it: it is not causing the removal of ornament or fixtures from a wall, which is where they would otherwise have had to put it. Being in the middle, it will dominate the room, but then one can still walk around it with his back to it, and take in the restored ornate walls without having to keep the new stand in his mental picture. We must also be realistic about the traffic patterns encountered in the room, since the merchant who eventually uses it will want maximum traffic at all sides of the stand for fastest service as well as to maximize profits. Recall that it is food/refreshments that now really pay for a venue, not what is on a screen, sad to say. Also, there may be practical problems regarding utility feeds (water, sewer, electrical, beverage piping, etc.) that may require the location mid-floor for best access with least significant damage though the floor from basement storage area. There might even be a goods/cartons elevator hidden in the middle of the stand through a new opening in the floor so as to restock in a convenient way, and this too may be better than damaging the ornate plaster walls.

posted by Jim Rankin on Oct 19, 2004 at 7:12am

I agree with you Jim. Given the (apparently) wonderful job done in other parts of the theatre, I'm not going to fault the man for putting the concession stand where it is. I'm overjoyed that someone has taken the Paradise under their wing. I would be even more overjoyed if the concession stand had been put into one of the vacant storefronts with a new entranced formed from inside the theatre (other theatre renovations have done similar things). As it is, I'm glad the future of the Paradise is looking good, and (as I said) I'm sure not going to quibble over the location of a snack food stand.

posted by ziggy on Oct 19, 2004 at 10:11am

I believe the Last time I visited the theater was when Sleeping Beauty was released again in the eighties. I was probably five years old but I dont remember the walls being painted green. I do remember the mysterious dark shadows being cast on the statues, pilasters and other ornaments. My eyes wandered everywhere fascinated by this gem even though it had seen better days before the multiplexing. I was interrupted a few times by my mother who kept on reminding me that when she was around my age, my grandmother also took her there to see double features and that her highschool graduation ceremony was also held there (Walton 1968). After that we headed over to the lovely Dollar Savings Bank to get some money to spend at Alexanders across the street. Later on we stopped off at Woolworth to pick up some school supplies and when the popcorn went down, it was over to Annie's Franks and Fries for those delicious hot dogs they sold.
It was all in a days work on Fordham Road.
Ahhh. The good old days.
Im just sorry that Krums Ice cream parlor was before my time. I've heard that the sundae's were delicious.

posted by Divinity on Oct 19, 2004 at 12:21pm

Divinty, I would love to get in contact with you. I am writing a newspaper article for the Bronx Journal about the Lowes Paradise. I am in the process of doing research, why don't you contact me? You can email me at rkgproductions@aol.com I am open for suggestions, pictures any type of memorabilia out there. I grew up in the Bronx but I am of the way after Paradise generation and am facinated to learn all that I can. Please get in touch with me ASAP.

posted by rkgproductions on Oct 20, 2004 at 6:51am

Hello RKG,
Today I will be at the LuEster T. Mertz Library atthe New York Botanical Garden working on a school project about the Paradise. There is a book there written about the movie palace which I will be xeroxing. Perhaps we can help each other out. I need to find a magazine article on the theater today. Feel free to call my office at 718 817 8868 so that we can meet. Ask for Eric. I will put the book on the reserve shelf today.

posted by Divinity on Oct 20, 2004 at 7:20am

There is a great collection of recent photographs of the Loew's Paradise showing what is being done in the current restoration. Check out the CinemaTour web site. http://www.cinematour.com

posted by KenRoe on Oct 20, 2004 at 8:21am

I realize that this is only my opinion, and there may be plenty who disagree with me. BUT, in my opinion (with no disrepect meant to the Jersey, the Kings, the various Fox theatres, and all those other magnificent theatres out there that we love)Loew's Paradise is, architecturally speaking, the best movie palace remaining in the United States. I can't wait until my summer vacation so I can see it, restored, in person.

posted by ziggy on Oct 22, 2004 at 9:10am

Does anyone know if they've repaired the hole cut into the atmospheric ceiling by the previous owner?

I certainly hope so. That would totally ruin the atmospheric qualities.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 22, 2004 at 9:30am

Fabulous news everyone!
As I was driving down the Grand Concourse today I stopped at a red light by the Paradise and noticed that the scaffolding was put up again. The workers already have steam cleaned a section of the building to the right of the clock. It looks wonderful, and it is very interesting to compare the clean verses the dirty side. Honestly speaking, most of of the ballustrades, urns, and other adornment on the exterior are actually highlighted by the accumulated soot on the exterior. I will almost miss the aged European look although the terra cotta is starting to shine again. Overall, progress continues!!!

posted by Divinity on Nov 6, 2004 at 8:19pm

Great news, Divinity!! Now we should concentrate on the only "Wonder Theatre" that isn't being saved, the Loew's Kings. Let's try and keep all 5 of these incredible theatres standing for future generations.

posted by beardbear31 on Nov 6, 2004 at 8:59pm

I agree beardbear. If you know of any groups planning to restore our sister movie palace, please tell us. I would love to contribute!

posted by Divinity on Nov 6, 2004 at 9:06pm

The hole in the ceiling has not been covered, although it is not as large as I thought it would be. The restoration of the auditorium is breathtaking and if one sits in the balcony, it shouldnt be a distraction.

posted by Divinity on Nov 13, 2004 at 11:01pm

Divinity, is that hole in the ceiling designed for easy access by heavenly spirits?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Nov 14, 2004 at 7:41am

SAVE LOEWS KING

posted by RobertR on Nov 14, 2004 at 7:53am

No Warren, I dont believe heavenly spirits would roam a theatre that is adorned with pagan statuary.

posted by Divinity on Nov 14, 2004 at 2:54pm

So much for it's atmospheric qualities...

posted by Bob Furmanek on Nov 15, 2004 at 6:31am

Well I suppose the hole could represent the hole in the ozone layer..... :-)

posted by beardbear31 on Nov 16, 2004 at 6:24pm

Greetings all. As a kid growing up in the Bronx, I remember several great theatres being available to me in the late 70's within three blocks. I lived at 2396 Morris Avenue. RKO, Valentine and Lowe's Paradise were regular stops for me as a kid. “The Lowes” was my favorite. I clearly remember grand ceilings, the simulated stars and the various busts and gargoyles somewhat more than the movies I saw there. I think the last thing I saw there was “Rattle and Hum” of all things.

Later, I ended up moving out to Jersey City. I remember the first time I got off the train at Journal Square I definitely recall looking across the street and seeing the Lowe’s Jersey City. I only suspected it’s pedigree but later I would find out it was the little sister of the theatre I grew up in the shadow of. It made me feel comfortable in my new home to know that some of the same history I grew up with had touched this place. I was happy to see that it was being (slowly) restored. I hadn’t been back to the old neighborhood for several years and I literally wept when I read the first several posts in this newsgroup. I had kind of assumed that something as grand as the Lowe’s paradise would be preserved by the Historical Society. What else is a historical society for if not to preserve awe inspiring things for future generations?

Thankfully I read on to the point were the restoration of the Lowe’s Paradise was discussed. Further, the seeming commitment by Mr. Lieblich to tenderly handle this gem really touched me. You guys brought a smile back to my face. In this time of so many disappointing things (elections, wars, congress etc. The list goes on and on) it is really nice to see that someone seems to care about craftsmanship and history.

Other than the fine folks who have been keeping the vigil over this American temple since 2002. To all of you. Thank you.

Pardon any spelling or grammar errors

posted by Edwin Rivera on Nov 24, 2004 at 8:32pm

Edwin,
The progress continues!!!
Crew workers have almost finished steam cleaning and grouting the teracota facade and it looks absolutely marvelous.
Three beautiful carpet samples have been chosen to grace the lobby and auditorium, while the bathrooms have been upgraded with new fixtures, marble countertops and floors.
However, the fishpool for the fountain will not be restored. Since it was destroyed when Loews installed a concession stand in front of the fixture, the statuary will be preserved and the area where the pool once was will be carpeted.

posted by Divinity on Nov 27, 2004 at 2:57pm

Did the Paradise ever have a conventional marquee or was it always flat? I saw an old picture somewhere that appeared to be of the standard variety.

posted by RobertR on Nov 27, 2004 at 3:09pm

Because of zoning restrictions, the Paradise never had a conventional marquee. Originally the lettering was placed within the sunburst underneath the clock and Loews Paradise sign in the hole below white area. You can still see where the once illuminated sunburst was painted over, both in close up photographs and in person. Because this area is dangerously high above the sidewalk, a recessed area below the ballustrade became the marquee which was more tasteful than the signage above. The last marquee was put where the signage above was and only portruded about one or two feet off the building. Unfortunately the area below the ballustrade was damaged because of this most recent marquee as you can see in recent photos.
There was never a standard marquee. Perhaps you are thinking of one of our sister theaters such as Loews Jersey which has a similar exterior.

posted by Divinity on Nov 27, 2004 at 4:31pm

Although nobody will admit it, there is a mistake on the large mural in the Loews Lincoln Square theatre in Manhattan. It is a painting of many of the old Loew's palaces like the Valencia, Kings, etc. There is a Paradise Theatre pictured there, with a conventional marquee, however it is not the Loews Paradise in the Bronx, but the Paradise in Chicago, which was a Balaban & Katz/Publix-Paramount theatre. Many people who have seen it (the painting) assume it's the Bx Paradise, as did the artist, apparently. Several people I know recently journeyed northward to the Bronx to see THE Paradise for the first time, and when they came back they were all in a frenzy - "they tore the marquee off the front of it!". When I say it never had a marquee, just flat signs on the wall, they tell me that the painting in Lincoln Square shows it with a marquee.

posted by dave-bronx on Nov 27, 2004 at 6:09pm

Correction:

"Because this area is dangerously high above the sidewalk, a recessed area below the ballustrade became the marquee which was more tasteful than the signage above"

When I mentioned the signage above, I was speaking of the signage in the photograph above, which covered the now exposed ballustrade.

posted by Divinity on Nov 28, 2004 at 10:39pm

Speaking of signage ... does anyone know when or why the north-facing rooftop sign was removed?

posted by stevebob on Nov 29, 2004 at 5:11am

With all the care and money going into the restoration, it would not be much of a step to restore the fish pond. One would think that cast concrete could be used to replicate the original stone or plasterwork, and then marbleized to match the statuary. Conrad Schmidt, or the studio that was used when this restoration began (a local New York company, I forget the name) would certainly know how to do this.

posted by ziggy on Nov 30, 2004 at 7:17am

One could only hope that this happens in the near future!

posted by Divinity on Dec 1, 2004 at 12:11am

Is the figure of the dragon going to be restored to the clock? Will there be anyone I can contact regarding getting inside when I return to New York this summer?

posted by ziggy on Dec 2, 2004 at 7:09am

It is great to see the Paradise is being restored and reopened!! My Mom went there as a child.I wanted to to go by the theatre this Fri or Saturday.

Does anyone know if the theatre is "open" during the restoration phase. If people wanted to look around inside the theatre? It would be GREAT one could look around inside the Grand Palace as she is being fixed up!

Peter

posted by Peter on Dec 2, 2004 at 4:50pm

Since the theatre is still a hard hat area, tours are not allowed. By the summer of 2005 I suppose that everything will be finished (unless the completion is stalled for some reason).

posted by Divinity on Dec 3, 2004 at 11:32am

I'm just wondering. Unlike the "Friends of the Loew's" or "Friends of the Byod" (in Philly) or even the "St. George" in SI, the work on the Paradise seems so mysterious. There is no advertising anywhere that I can find. There's no website to show the restoration progress or enlist potential volunteers. No nuttin'. Why? If the place is "supposed to open" in six months you'd think the owners would be champing at the bit to bring such an elaborate and expensive project before the public. I ask again, why all the clandestinity??

posted by Robbie on Dec 7, 2004 at 9:15am

It may simply be that businessmen don't see things 'in the public eye' as we theatre buffs do. To them it is likely just a financial investment that may or may not pan out; they may have no real love of theatres since it may be just a business venue to them. In such cases, the owners usually do NOT want too much public exposure aside from publicity for their eventual business, and publicity for that is usually just traditional advertising. They don't want 'volunteers' or others not legally connected with their place tromping about and possibly getting into things, or relating any code violations they might discover (there are often code violations in a large project that inspectors may miss. If customers are fewer than wished, attitudes may change for the better.

posted by Jim Rankin on Dec 7, 2004 at 9:57am

Jim,
This major project isnt just a finantial investment. It is a project that has carefully preserved the oppulence of this movie theatre. Of course a few alterations have been made, but it is going to take years to profit from the venue with the millions of dollars that it has taken to restore this gem. The past and previous owners have both been very enthusiastic about paying attentioin to intricate details that are critical to the restoration of this movie palace.

posted by Divinity on Dec 7, 2004 at 9:45pm

"clandestinity"?

posted by ziggy on Dec 8, 2004 at 6:58am

Yes Ziggy, they have been secretive about the operation.

posted by Divinity on Dec 8, 2004 at 2:45pm

Talk about your covert operations. I can understand why they wouldn't want a bunch of oglers wandering through a hard hat area because of the liability question, but are the plans for the restoration of the Paradise that secretive? Meanwhile I'm still trying to digest "clandestinity"!

posted by sam_e on Dec 8, 2004 at 3:08pm

Hey Divinity! You're a local, and you seem to be able to keep up on this place. Can you think of any logical reason why they aren't being more public? Do the owners know how famous this theatre is? Is it just that they don't know how to play the media machine?

posted by ziggy on Dec 8, 2004 at 3:22pm

My contact at the Paradise tells me that the reason most of the work has been going on very secretively, is because the landmarks commission is interested in landmarking the interior. Remember, they have done a fabulous job so far, but they wont landmark it until all work is complete because of all the paperwork involved in restoring a landmark. People in general might be upset that the fountain won't have a basin or that lighting has been attached to a rectangular opening in the ceiling of the auditorium (both reversable).
Both acts of vandalism were done by previous owners.

posted by Divinity on Dec 8, 2004 at 7:23pm

If the Bronx gets the Loew's Paradise up and running then Brooklyn needs to restore either the Paramount or Loew's Kings(hopefuly both) as a theatre. Im amazed at the progress of the Paradise and I agree it has been very secretive. I wish all above a lot of luck.Divinity I love all your updates on this theatre. The Paradise is the only one of the Loew's Wonder Theatres I didn't visit on my trip to NYC 2 years ago. brucec

posted by brucec on Dec 8, 2004 at 9:59pm

Divinity, I hate being a pest, but I'm originally from upstate New York, and now live (too) far away. I have a cousin in NYC and it's a given that I will be visiting her this summer. Since you have a contact at the Paradise, could you ask him/her what the chances are of a rabid Loew's Paradise fan and two friends getting a tour this summer?

posted by ziggy on Dec 9, 2004 at 1:38pm

Thank you Brucec. I have always been very enthusiastic about our beloved movie palace.

Ziggy,
I cannot reveal who my contact is because the theater is still a hard hat area and no one from the public is allowed to enter. I suppose that if one admired this theatre for a long enough time , a staff member may come out on a break and you could explain your enthusiasm for this movie palace. If they have time, you may get a sneak preview!

UPDATE!

THE SIGNAGE HAS BEEN COVERED WITH SCAFFOLDING AND BLACK MESH SCREENING. I WASN'T ABLE TO SEE MUCH BUT I SUPPOSE THAT THEY MUST BE SCRAPING AND PAINTING THE SIGN.

posted by Divinity on Dec 11, 2004 at 4:45pm

Since Bruce Ratner is rebuilding Brooklyn in his own image, can anyone interest him and Marty Markowitz into restoring the Brooklyn Paramount? It makes sense with all the developement from Metrotech to Atlantic terminal.

posted by Astyanax on Dec 20, 2004 at 8:53pm

UPDATE!

THE SUNBURST HAS BEEN REPAINTED A BRILLIANT YELLOW ON THE LOEWS PARADISE SIGN. THE BACKGROUND IS A DEEP ROYAL BLUE AND THE LETTERING IS JEZEBEL RED.

THE FABULOUSNESS CONTINUES MY DARLINGS!

posted by Divinity on Dec 22, 2004 at 8:54pm

Pictures! Post pictures!

posted by Mark W. on Dec 22, 2004 at 9:30pm

Mark,

I only wish that I knew how to use a digital camera and transfer images onto a website. If you or anyone does, please do so!

posted by Divinity on Dec 22, 2004 at 9:54pm

Thanks for the updates Divinity! I think a better term would be "fabulosity", or "fabutivity". What do you think? (I'm kidding, just kidding!!) Have a Merry Christmas, and thanks for being such a good reporter! :-)

posted by ziggy on Dec 23, 2004 at 5:29am

Are they able to keep the Loews name? I am curious about this for the Jersey City also?

posted by RobertR on Dec 23, 2004 at 6:47am

The current Loew's exhibition at the Musueum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, includes some fabulous B&W newsreel footage (silent and unedited) of Al Jolson's personal appearance at the Paradise in 1949 in conjunction with the release of "Jolson Sings Again." The huge crowd that gathered to greet him on the Grand Concourse reminds of New Year's Eve in Times Square. Jolson arrived in an open car as part of a motorcade. He's also shown performing on stage. This appearance was part of a tour that Jolson made of the major Loew's neighborhood theatres before the movie had its premiere (and exclusive) engagement at Loew's State in Manhattan.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Dec 24, 2004 at 9:03am

He aslo appeared at the Loew's Oriental in Brooklyn.

posted by YankeeMike on Dec 24, 2004 at 10:36am

I'd imagine they would be able to retain the name, most buildings do. Like the Sears tower for example, Sears doesn't have a thing to do with it anymore.

posted by BWChicago on Dec 24, 2004 at 11:00am

The exterior has been landmarked, so I suppose the signage is also included.

Merry Christmas everyone!

posted by Divinity on Dec 24, 2004 at 9:54pm

We just happened to be driving up Grand Concourse on New Years Day and, say what(!), workers were working on the Paradise! Some were doing exterior work on the building's store facades and something was going on inside because we could see lights on behind the plastic tarps across the entrance. The guard in the booth ignored our pleas to peek at the interior, though. Here's a point to ponder: from what we could make out from behind the scaffolding covers, the sunburst on the flat "marquee" is painted in a really, taxingly garish blue, yellow and red. Was this original? It seemed a bit much against the elegant terra cotta ornamentations of the building. I would have expected something more subdued. But I could be wrong, and these colors were meant to be "attention getters'"

posted by Robbie on Jan 3, 2005 at 7:46am

It could be simply that the chemistry of paints has changed considerably since the 1920s and today we can obtain much brighter pigments than was possible then. Of course, it is possible to determine original color and brilliance and duplicate it with careful paint sourcing and mixing, but something tells me that they weren't about to go to that expense of color matching in view of all the other expenses of restoration.

posted by Jim Rankin on Jan 3, 2005 at 7:18pm

Jim, another thing to keep in mind is that the colors are being compared to what was there before the new paint job. How bright was the colors when it was first painted originally? The weather and years can darken colors.

posted by Chuck1231 on Jan 3, 2005 at 7:23pm

The original sunburst was a bright orange and yellow with jezebel red lettering. I do agree that the royal blue background is just a bit much.

posted by Divinity on Jan 3, 2005 at 11:32pm

The original sunburst was a bright orange and yellow with jezebel red lettering. I do agree that the royal blue background is just a bit much.

posted by Divinity on Jan 3, 2005 at 11:32pm

Divinity, your frequent updates are very much missed! Do you have any comments for us regarding what's up at the Paradise?

posted by ziggy on Feb 7, 2005 at 3:01pm

Hello Ziggy, I too have missed visiting Cinema Treasures. With the arrival such good weather I've been out and about suffering from a premature case of spring fever.

The crew is slowly but surely cleaning and grouting the ballustrade and rear wall above the attached taxpayer (not shown on the top of the page). Otherwise I haven't noticed much else on the outside which is looking wonderful.

posted by Divinity on Feb 9, 2005 at 10:24pm

Thanks Divinity! It's good to know things are still progressing. I'm going to come to the Bronx this summer and see for myself. Even if all I can do is look at the outside at peer through the doors.

posted by ziggy on Feb 10, 2005 at 6:56am

Oops! I mean "and" peer through the doors.

posted by ziggy on Feb 10, 2005 at 6:57am

The Paradise's last movie/stage program was Paramount's "Every Night At Eight" (Alice Faye-George Raft), plus vaudeville with singers Bob Murphy and Thelma Leeds, the dancing Gaylene Sisters, Vox & Walters, and several other acts, which ended its run on September 5, 1935. The next day, the Paradise switched to a weekly change of double features, starting with "China Seas" & "Bright Lights." The Paradise's "combo" policy had lasted 2,189 days, or roughly 5.9 years. If you figure an average of 3.5 stage shows per day, that's about 7,662 performances. A current Broadway musical play giving eight performances a week would need to run about 18 years to equal that record.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 21, 2005 at 10:41am

I don't know if it was planned that way, but MGM's "China Seas" was the first movie to be shown at the Capitol when it dropped stage shows, and also the top feature of the first double bill that replaced stage shows at Loew's Paradise and Valencia.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 21, 2005 at 11:55am

Great News Everyone!
For the first time in many years The bright red letters spelling Loew's Paradise Theatre have been illuminated with red neon light.
Perhaps the sunburst will be next! During the dark hours of the night the light can bee seen from blocks away. The scaffolding and mesh screening still haven't come down, but some new sections of the rear wall have been steam cleaned.

posted by Divinity on Feb 22, 2005 at 12:39am

Can they legally still call this Loew's Paradise? Even though the punctuation is different, there's currently a Loews theatre circuit, which, as far as I know, has no connections with the Paradise.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 22, 2005 at 6:47am

The name should be "grandfathered" into the preservation of the house. I am almost sure it will remain permanently.

posted by Jeffrey on Feb 22, 2005 at 7:01am

Warren: That's an interesting question. Though I'm not a lawyer, I wonder if the private owners would really have a right to continue to use the name. In my experience, the term "grandfathered" usually applies to a new government regulation which does not apply to already existing conditions. I'm not sure if it would apply to something like this.

While not exactly the same issue, there are two movie related law cases that are somewhat similar. When Samuel(?) Goldwyn parted from Metro Goldwyn Meyer, I think the court ruled that he could use his own name (which was a fabricated one to begin with) as long as it was made clear that he was no longer associated with MGM. There was also a fascinating legal case a few years back (in the 1980s or early 1990s?) where Shirley Temple sued the makers of a prepackaged version of drink that people had come to know as "Shirley Temples." Don't know remember how it was decided, but I think the judge made a similar kind of decision whereby they could use the name as long as the package indicated that Shirley Temple herself was not associated with the product.

There is also the funny case in New York of a restaurant opposite Lincoln Center that was called "O'Neal's Balloon" because it was against a NYC ordinance to use the word "saloon."

Also, while not a legal case, when they changed the name and signage of the Alvin Theater to the (Neal) Simon, they were "lucky" because the new name had the same number of letters, so it could be neatly done.

Considering all this, maybe they should change the name to the "John's Paradise" (in honor of Eberson)? Or maybe Cinema Treasures should run a "contest"? (The winner should have five letters and an appostrophe that take up the same amount of space as Loew's. Extra credit is for a name that involves the least number of changes to the word "Loew's.")

posted by Benjamin on Feb 22, 2005 at 7:19am

Keep in mind that the building's facade is landmarked and as such cannot be changed very easily. It's quite possible that even though Loews knows about the Loew's, those "Loew's no's!" that Loews might propose pose no deathblows to rows and rows of rose neon proclaiming Loew's, Loew's...I suppose.

posted by Robbie on Feb 22, 2005 at 8:16am

Interesting that you should bring up the NYC landmark regulations and signage, because there is another interesting precedent to this question.

There is a turn of the century (?) building on the northeast corner of Union Sq. Park that used to be the headquarters of an insurance company (Guardian Life?) but was turned into a luxury hotel (a "W" hotel). The building was an officially designated landmark and, if I understood the news stories correctly, the neon sign atop the building (Guardian Life) was (foolishly, in my opinion) considered to be part of the landmark designation.

Again, if I understood the news story correctly, the new owners were able to convince the landmark preservation commission that replacing the "Guardian Life" sign with a similarly styled "W" sign would be in keeping with the landmark designation.

I'm assuming (but don't really know) that the building didn't have such a sign when it was originally built. So, personally, it seems to me that the building might be an even better landmark without any sign on top whatsoever. And while the sign doesn't bother me, the efforts to preserve it (or something similar) strike me as possibly being ideologically "precious." (The reason I say "possibly" is I think there may be water towers or a giant air conditioning unit on the roof, and maybe the sign helps camouflage them a bit.) It seems to me that the Landmark Preservation Commission would be better serving its mission if it turned its attention and energy towards preserving what seem to me to be true NYC landmarks, like the Beekman, etc.

posted by Benjamin on Feb 22, 2005 at 8:58am

I think that they could easily continue to call it the Paradise without any problems, it's just the "Loew's" that might be challenged. Is the theatre in Jersey City still called Loew's Jersey (I mean officially)?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 22, 2005 at 1:53pm

Interesting comments regarding signage. Of course the Loew's Paradise marquee has been (beautifully) integrated into the facade, so that it actually is part of the building design rather than something simply stuck on the roof. This may help it to be protected under the building's landmark status. I don't know. By the way Robbie, your last post was very clever. You're so bright, I bet your mother called you "son".

posted by ziggy on Feb 22, 2005 at 2:11pm

I don't think there's any question that they can continue to call the theater the "Paradise," it was the "Loew's" part -- especially as it concerns the exterior signage -- that could be problematic (especially since the signage is, in at least one instance, an integral part of the building's exterior architectural design).

By the way, two other examples came to mind of designated NYC landmarks where a company's name was part of the exterior design and the question arose as to what to do when the old owner (still in existence) was no longer the owner: the former McGraw-Hill Building and the former RCA Building (which I think is still in existance?).

In the case of the McGraw-Hill Building, the name of the company was set into the top of the building in some kind of ceramic or terra cotta tiles -- not easy to change. Fortunately, given the new name of the building, it was relatively easy though (I believe) to change the name since the new company was known by its initials "GHI" (Group Health Insurance) and they were contained in the old name.

In terms of the Loew's New Jersey, don't know if New Jersey's commercial laws in this regard would -- or would not -- be similar to New York's. (Again, I'm not a lawyer.) Also don't know how similar or dissimilar their laws regulating landmarks are to those of New York City's.

posted by Benjamin on Feb 22, 2005 at 2:48pm

Think of all the 'Paramount' theatres that are still around. Think about the Sears Tower. Any number of buildings retain old corporate identities. One somewhat early example would be the old United Artists in Chicago- It was only owned by UA for a few years, and Balaban & Katz for most of its existence. I really doubt anyone would try to make them change it- if anything, it only enhances the Loews corporate image.

posted by BWChicago on Feb 22, 2005 at 5:45pm

Brian Wolf: Interesting points, and you could very well be right!

But I think what makes the Loew's case a bit more interesting than some others (and I'm not that familiar with the examples you gave) is that Loew's is still a company that owns and operates many movie theaters in the NYC area -- so there is a potential for confusion if the Paradise is publicized and actually operated under the name "Loew's Paradise." (And given people's feelings about today's Loew's multi-plexes, such confusion might be either good or bad -- it might enhance the Loew's brand ["They were a classy company that used to build very nice theaters."] or detract from it ["Wow, what happened that they started building such crummy new theaters?"].

In terms of Sears, I think a case could be made that if we were talking about department store buildings rather than an office building, that a Sears corporation that operated many department stores in an area might object if someone bought and fixed up one of their old stores and operated it under the name, say, "Sear's State Street Store."

Also, to further play devil's advocate, I think the situation with a non-Loew's, "Loew's Paradise" might be similar in a way to that of the "Loew's Paradise" page on the Cinema Treasures website. Apparently Cinema Treasures finds it necessary (possibly to avoid legal problems?) to post at the bottom of this page: "Note: Cinema Treasures is not affiliated with Loew's Paradise Theatre. If you have a question about a recent ticket purchase or need to contact theater management, pleae contact the theater directly." So maybe a "Loew's Paradise," officially named and operated as such, might be required to do the same?

And the other thing that came to mind that seemed to make this a possibly special case is that sometimes brands have to "crack" down on trademark infringement even when they might not really feel like it because, if they don't, they lose the right when they really need it. (Again, not being a lawyer, I don't know if this is really applicable here. But that's one of the issues that come to my mind.)

And just to add another example of why it seemed to me that Warren's original question might have at least some merit, there is the famous example of the original Roxy Theater (1927) and the Roxy Center Theater (1932) where the courts ordered that the Roxy Center relinquish the Roxy part of its name. (But of course in the Loew's case, there is possibly the difference that you imply -- that a Loew's Paradise would probably not subtract business from other Loew's theaters in the Bronx the way a brand new Roxy Center Theater might have subtracted business from an older Roxy a few blocks away.)

Anyway, although I too have my doubts that there is any problem with continuing to call the "Paradise" the "Loew's Paradise," I was hoping that people would take up my light-hearted challenge and come up with some witty substitutes for "Loew's" in the signs on the theater. (For the owners of the Paradise, it could be a nice bit of long lasting publicity along the lines of naming that restaurant near Lincoln Center "O'Neal's Balloon" -- the story behind the restaurant's unusual name gave it free "good" publicity for many, many years.)

- - - - -

P.S. -- It occured to me after my last post, that commercial laws are probably federal not state, so the same laws would probably govern theaters in both New Jersey and New York.

posted by Benjamin on Feb 22, 2005 at 7:28pm

As long as the place doesn't become a porno house I don't think that the Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corporation would make a fuss about it -- they don't bother the theatre in Jersey City - doing so would generate bad publicity for them. They are aware of the landmarking, and since it will be primarily a live performance venue and no longer a general-release movie house it is not competing with LCE. Besides, the Paradise is "Loew's" and the LCE chain is now "Loews" (no apostrophe). If the company was to use poor judgement and make an issue out of it, the Paradise could simply reverse the E and W on the sign and make it "Lowe's Paradise".

posted by dave-bronx on Feb 22, 2005 at 11:08pm

Also, while the sign on the building may remain as "Loew's Paradise Theatre", any other advertising will probably just refer to it as "The Paradise Theatre".

posted by dave-bronx on Feb 22, 2005 at 11:28pm

That's it! "Lowe's" Paradise is brilliant!!! So clever -- and so economical!

I'd love to see them do that whether or not the Loews Corporation ever puts up a fuss. What great PR! (And so cheap to do!) It would be such a delightful contribution to the folklore of the Bronx.

It reminds me a bit of Damon Runyon renaming "Lindy's" as "Mindy's" in his short stories. Even if he never really "had" to do it (one supposes Leo "Lindy" Linderman would have loved the publicity), the fact that he changed it just enough to make it a bit of a "mystery" -- but not enough to make the mystery the least bit difficult to solve -- made it a lot of fun for everyone involved.

posted by Benjamin on Feb 23, 2005 at 7:01am

But then wouldn't "Lowe's Paradise" open the door for the Lowe's chain of home improvement stores to have issues with the name? (I'm kidding ... well, half-kidding anyway.)

posted by stevebob on Feb 23, 2005 at 7:19am

Glad you like the idea. But it just came to me that this is not without risk either: it might ruffle the feathers of the people at those big Lowe's home improvement stores.... LOL!

posted by dave-bronx on Feb 23, 2005 at 7:23am

Oops! stevebob beat me to it!

posted by dave-bronx on Feb 23, 2005 at 7:25am

"Leow's Paradise"(?) [pronounced "lee-ou[t]-s"]

OR

"Meow's Paradise"(?) [like a cat's meow]

posted by Benjamin on Feb 23, 2005 at 7:46am

I happened on a partial New York Post "Movie Clock" from May 15, 1986 in which Loew's Paradise is listed with four screens, showing "8 Million Ways to Die," "Fire With Fire," "Critters," and "Blue City." By this time, the Paradise had lost its exclusivity. All of the movies were also playing at other Bronx theatres.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 23, 2005 at 7:51am

I don't think that any changes should come to the face of this glorious beauty. Passing this movie palace reminds us that she has stood proudly up against the test of time. Her exterior reminds passers by of the glory days, the bad days, the multiplex days and the sad day that her brass doors closed leaving us all to wonder whether or not we would ever be able descend gracefully down her magnificent staircase again. Looking at that sign can unlock the door to such wonderful memories for many different people. If it's name is altered it might remind people that change isn't always a good thing. When I look that sign, I remember the sweet smell of popcorn in the grand lobby. I remember the haunting sound of the music from sleeping beauty bouncing off of the darkened statues and intricate carvings and how I felt overwhelmed yet fascinated, wandering this unique place as a child.

posted by Divinity on Feb 23, 2005 at 9:51pm

>>For the first time in many years The bright red letters spelling Loew's Paradise Theatre have been illuminated with red neon light.

Do you mean the letters on the facade or the ones on the roof?

posted by saps on Feb 23, 2005 at 11:05pm

I had to laugh at the image posted on 6/24/04 of 1970's "Husbands" playing there, which today would be considered an art picture. In a 3800 seat theater I'd be surprised if there were 38 people in the audience! No wonder they twinned this wonder theatre. With bookings like that you'd need about a dozen screens just to break even.

posted by saps on Feb 23, 2005 at 11:36pm

Saps,

The Letters on the roof disappeared many years ago. The contraption that held them up is still mounted on the roof. I believe that it was because of saturation releases that most movie palaces were plexed.

posted by Divinity on Feb 24, 2005 at 2:57pm

Doing an ACRIS search of city records reveals the the corporate name of the new owners of tax block 3165, lot 44 is First Paradise Theatres Corp. They could call the building anything they want, including selling the naming rights, ala the Cadillac WinterGarden or the Hilton (formerly American Airlines) on 42nd St. The Grand Concourse Paradise isn't really poetry while the Bronx Paradise seems a little better. Will it be a mixed road hall, Latin, Rap, Rock? All tough on the facilties. The Apollo is getting a little beat up. Will it do more culturely oriented productions? Tough to fill 3500 seats with ballet. Look for media cross promotion, satillite radio broadcasts, webcasts, pay per view. The owners will look to recoupe quickly. A lot of liquor promotions. Could be a very "event" oriented place like some of the hotter clubs downtown. Is there a projected opening date yet with a bill? Any list of acts for the following weeks. That will tell you a lot about whats going on.

posted by Bwayniteowl on Mar 1, 2005 at 10:42pm

Many of us had hoped for films. I wonder if the Paradise will ever have its silver screen revived again?

posted by Jeffrey on Mar 2, 2005 at 5:57am

I have very fond memories of the Loew's Paradise, my grandmother worked there as a usherette, during the 1960's and got me a job at
the candy stand for a summer job for 3 years. I enjoyed working there and seeing a lot of free movies. The interior lobby was and still is in my mind as absolutely fabulous. The twinkling stars was
a sight to see in the ceiling, you felt very relaxed at the Paradise.
To bad they don't make beautiful theaters like that anymore. It's a
bygone era now, and progress has taken over, but I will never forget
the exciting Loew's Paradise. It will stay in my mind forever!!!

posted by Mark S on Mar 5, 2005 at 9:59pm

Hello, I'm a volunteer with the Friend's of the Loews. On the Loew's Jersey's naming... the then owners of the Loew's Jersey in 1986, Hartz Mountain Industries (the ones that purchased the theatre from the Loew's Corp. never took "Loew's Jersey" off the building. Loew's didn't remove it, because the theatre was scheduled for demolition. Why bother with the expense. Hartz Mountain didn't bother with paying for the removal of the lettering either for the same reason. Why bother if the building is meeting the wrecking ball... but... Friends of the Loew's saved the theatre, and convinced the City of Jersey City to purchase the theatre, which they did. Guess what was still on the theatre when we took over? The name Loew's Jersey.

There's a little known law that states something to the effect that, upon transfer of ownership of a building, the previous owners must remove the name off the building, or the new owners may continue to use the name. We're the new owners... We're the Loew's Jersey.

You'll notice some of the other Wonder Theatres have had their names removed... 175th, Kings...

Loew's absolutely knows us. They recently donated 70mm projectors to us from a theatre they were closing in Washington D.C. We've got a display in our lobby with our dismantled projectors (until we can carry everything up to the projection booth... no elevator in the Jersey...).

posted by mahermusic on Mar 6, 2005 at 7:28am

Bwayniteowl,

There happen to be local opera companies, The Bronx Symphony Orchestra and other high profile artists that have filled Madison Square Garden that currently perform at the nearby Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. Although this building sits on the lovely Lehman College campus, it is a modern, unadorned eyesore that has absoutely no architectural appeal. However performances frequently sell out in this common theater. If it is possible for Lehman Center to be a successful venue, people should watch out for the reopening of the Paradise!

posted by Divinity on Mar 6, 2005 at 9:28pm

Hello

Any news on when the Paradise will open? The RESTORED RED sign looks stunning especially at night.I know they hopeed to open in April.

posted by Peter on Apr 21, 2005 at 6:23am

Has anyone taken any pictures of the restored sign yet? I have some spare webspace if someone needs a place to post them....

posted by beardbear31 on Apr 25, 2005 at 7:59pm

What can I say, that has not already been said about this wonderful movie house. I was in awe by the magnificant structure and especially enjoyed the glow in the dark stars painted on the ceiling of the theatre.

I was in the Bronx in 2000 and at the time it was going through renovation. As A Bronx boy, we caleld it the Lowees Paradise!

posted by ex-Bronx-boy on Apr 28, 2005 at 11:55pm

I have been inside the Loews Paradise quite recently and am pleased to report that it looks amazing. One really cannot tell that the theater had been quadded at one time.

posted by nova on Apr 29, 2005 at 4:01am

The stars were actually a series of twinkling light bulbs.

posted by Divinity on May 1, 2005 at 8:55pm

After seeing this message board last week I drove passed the theater.
It is being RENOVATED!
As you read this there are people working in there.
I could see the lobby from the street and it was awesome.
I saw the grand staircase was fully restored.
I B.S.ed them and told them I was a reporter but they were all too busy and couldn't let me in.
From afar I could see the front lights were on but not all of them. So it read L EW'S PARAD.
The facade seemed untouched really. Well I can't wait to see it reopened.

posted by Comanche on May 3, 2005 at 7:04am

I believe that the opening will b a plus for the Fordham section of the Bronx. There really are no movie theatres in the neighborhood anymore.

It will probably attract many differant types of people. I hope it will be treated with the respect it deserves.

I wonder if the have a web page or a place to get information.

to me it will always be the lowees!

posted by ex-Bronx-boy on May 3, 2005 at 7:25am

I Found This Information:

PARADISE THEATER OVERVIEW
LOCATION: Grand Concourse & 187th Street
Bronx, NY

SEATING CAPACITY: 3855 total seats in the theater, with approximately
2300 seats in the orchestra section. The theater will have two VIP sections in the lower orchestra and loge comparable to club seating at Madison Square Garden. These lucky patrons will be served by wait staff and will be able to order concessions from a menu they will find in their seat.

OPENING: Late September/ early October.

OVERVIEW: The PARADISE THEATER is the grandest and
Most ornate of all the Loews theaters that were designed in the twenties and thirties by the famed architect John Eberson.

The theater originally opened in 1929 to a sold out audience and was a movie and vaudeville house for many years. In response to the needs of the largely Latino Community surrounding this site and the needs of the entertainment industry for a large venue for major productions, the Paradise will reopen as a major concert hall and special events venue this fall.

The ?Loews Paradise Theater? is being refurbished through the joint efforts of First Paradise Theater Corp. which owns the premises and whose parent company is a major real estate developer in the tri-state area and Paradise Theater Productions, Inc., which company will run the day to day aspects of the theater. Each of the foregoing businesses and their principals has vast experience in entertainment, hospitality, restaurants, food and beverage and real estate development.

5. EVENTS PROJECTION: In the year, we expect to have at least (100)

One hundred shows based on booking each Friday and Saturday for the fifty-two weeks of the year. Our goal is to exceed (150) annual bookings by the second year. Of these first

One hundred shows, we anticipate 65-70%

Latin Music Headliners.

We use Latin Music to cover the entire spectrum, not just Tropical Music. The rest of the shows will likely fall in other genres such as R&B, POP, GOSPEL, and some ROCK. The Loews Paradise will also be available for other specials events, including Boxing with HBO and Telefutura, and entertainment premieres, political events and televised shows.

6. CONCESSIONS: There are three fixed concessions areas, including

a large oval bar serving the orchestra section in the grand foyer, 24?x14? and a large rectangular bar and concession stand in the mezzanine of the grand foyer, 21?x11?. A third bar is located in the balcony section10?x10?. We anticipate using other space in the theater for non-permanent concession areas depending on how busy we get.

7. FOOD SERVICE+CATERING: The Loews Paradise will be equipped with a full

service kitchen and will have a separate restaurant

and lounge area in the grand foyer and mezzanine

sections. Additionally, a party room for (100)

persons will be available for special events and

booking for interested persons.

9. SIGNAGE: Electronic Signage, Bar Signage, Menus, etc.

8. EXCLUSIVE MARKETING CO.: R. PANIAGUA, INC.

OPPORTUNITY:

You have been invited to join us at the PARADISE THEATER as the exclusive products to be served. [(350,000 projected attendance (year 1)/ 500,000 (year2)]

posted by ex-Bronx-boy on May 3, 2005 at 7:30am

Bill wanted me to write something on the lowees, so here it is:

The Paradise was the the place to go for thousands of Bronxites who could sit in the comfort of cushy seats watching a new flick or pick a makeout corner up in a corner of the balcony. I wonder how many boys, girls stole their first kiss up in the Loews Paradis balcony under the glistening stars.

Opened in 1929, during the time of the "atmospheric" cinemas created by the designer John Eberson, it transported New Yorkers into a Baroque Italian garden, decorated with marble pillars, statues, tapestries, even a goldfish pool and a night sky with twinkling stars and moving clouds.

The Lowees as real New Yawkers cawled it was not just for movies. It brough some of the top stars into the old neighborhood. Bob Hope and George Burns and others performed on its stage, and NYC high schools and colleges held their graduations there. The Loews Paradise was just a few blocks from University Avenue, the original home of NYU and was equal distance to the the Rose Hill, the home of Fordham University

Many a arguement would ensue between the students at Fordham University and NYU on who was the superior school with the betetr team. I heard stories of heartbreak when a Fordham gal would sneak away into the Balcony with an NYU Guy, or vice versa.

The Loews was in the heart of academia and only one mile North of the House That Ruth Built, Yankee stadium

The Paradise was on teh Grand Concourse and crossed the turf of the Fordham Baldies, The Golden Guineas, and many other notorius youth gangs. This spot became a DMZ zone as the elders of the community
and the powers that be kept a watchful eye over the gangs. Preserving the peace and safety of the neighborhood.

I remember one so called "made man" saying. You guys go enjoy da movie, no roufgh stuff, you will bring da bulls around, fer dat dere will be consequences, then he threw out about $20 in quarters, silver dolalrs, etc.

Its where Joey took Maria on his last night in town and they cried
together into a bag of popcorn. It was january 1943, Joey gave Maria a ring, While the Loews movie reel news showed the horrors of Adolph Hitler, the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, She broke out in tears as she ran home to tell her family the news, they celebrated to the break of dawn. Joey then took off to Germany to defend our nation, he left Maria with the memories of thier last night at the
Lowees

There are differant memories for difefrant people.

posted by ex-Bronx-boy on May 3, 2005 at 8:02am

so, have any of you shutterbugs out there snapped any pictures of the restored exterior of the Paradise yet?

posted by beardbear31 on Jun 7, 2005 at 7:15pm

I'm going there today and will report back.

posted by KenRoe on Jun 8, 2005 at 6:04am

I somehow doubt that in January, 1943, newsreels would still be showing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which took place more than a year earlier on December 7, 1941.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 8, 2005 at 6:29am

Hello All,

I have yet again had the opportunity to enter the paradise and see all of the progress that has taken place since my last visit. There is a lovely new wood paneled concession on the promenade in the uppper lobby that blends in very well with the surroundings. The flooring is of a solid composite that shimmers when the light hits it. This will be more durable and easy to clean up as I was told. The bathrooms are absolutely divine with new marble floors and countertops that have been installed.

posted by Divinity on Jun 8, 2005 at 10:33am

Hi Divinity,

How did you manage to get inside? I'll be visiting home this summer and one of my goals is to get to NYC and see the inside of the Paradise. Do you just sneak in while the contractors are at lunch (this has worked for me before) or what?

posted by ziggy on Jun 10, 2005 at 3:39am

The exterior of the theatre looks great. All terra-cotta stonework cleaned, even the brickwork on that massive rear wall has been steam cleaned and years of graffitti removed (although already some has re-appeared on the lower sections). The signage with the Paradise name is all freshly painted. It looks almost ready to open. There are still workmen doing repairs in the front lobby and main entrance to the theatre.

I can't wait to see a show there when I return to NYC.

posted by KenRoe on Jun 10, 2005 at 2:10pm

4/1/59 the Paradise along with the other Loews were presenting the last 7 days of "The Ten Commandments". The ads proclaimed "First time anywhere at popular prices". Children 40 cents at all times, afternoons except Sundays 75 cents and all eve's and all days Sun 99 cents. "See the complete intact, uncut picture exactly as it was presented on Broadway for more then 70 weeks".

posted by RobertR on Jun 15, 2005 at 3:20pm

The Ten Commandments".? wow i remember that.

it was quite the attrcation back in the days when people respected the ten comamndments

i hope when it opens . they have a party and have "MICHAEL SAVAGE" as the emcee.

that would be great!

posted by ex-Bronx-boy on Jun 16, 2005 at 12:26am

or what? I love it, that is such a new york expression. I would also love to see the Low-ees as me and the Meathead on archie bunker called it.

The Grand Concourse is such a histoc street from bickfords, to of course the lowees, to the house that Ruth Built, Yankee Stadium,
the infamous "D" train.

everybody honk if u going to da-bronx

posted by ex-Bronx-boy on Jun 16, 2005 at 12:29am

or what? I love it, that is such a new york expression. I would also love to see the Low-ees as me and the Meathead on archie bunker called it.

At the Lowees was a clock with a statue of St. George slaying a dragon. Every hour on the hour, the statue would become animated.

The Grand Concourse is such a historic street from bickfords, to of course the lowees, to the house that Ruth Built, Yankee Stadium,
the infamous "D" train.

The Grand Concourse was "the place" for successful residents of the lower East Side and other middle-European immigrants to move to from the 1920's through the 1940's.

everybody honk if u going to da-bronx

posted by ex-Bronx-boy on Jun 16, 2005 at 12:35am

The Loew's Paradise Theatre will not have to worry about Loews-Cineplex Entertainment making them take down the Loew's sign off the building. It was announced today that Loews is going to be merged with American Multi-Cinema (AMC) - and will use the AMC name - Loews Theatres, as an entity, will cease to exist. It will be a very sad day indeed when the merger closes (they say in six to nine months) and the Loews name will be relegated to the AMC trash-heap.

A slight variation on the recent Loews slogan: "After 101 years and counting, there has been NO PLACE LIKE LOEWS".

posted by dave-bronx on Jun 21, 2005 at 5:31pm

The Loew's (Loews) circuit name disappeared when Sony took over, but later returned, so nothing is forever.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 22, 2005 at 3:53am

My grandfather used to own a tuxedo store that was in Loew's Paradise Theatre building in the 1940's and 1950's. Anyone remember the place ?

posted by jaked on Jun 28, 2005 at 12:09pm

The introductory comments are a bit ridiculous, considering that so much has been written and published about Loew's Paradise. See, for example, David Naylor's "American Picture Palaces," Ben Hall's "The Best Remaining Seats," and Michael Miller's Paradise "annual" for Theatre Historical Society of America.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 28, 2005 at 12:46pm

Had two balconies. Art deco.

posted by shoeshoe14 on Jun 30, 2005 at 3:46am

From Loew's 1973 annual report:

"The Loews Theatre Division continued to grow in fiscal 1973. Growth was essentially in two directions: new theatres were under construction in rapidly expanding suburban areas, and new auditoria were added to already existing theatres.

"In 1973, a major program was directed toward obtaining maximum utilization of existing seating capacity by 'twinning' auditoriums so that different films can be shown at the same time to two different audiences. While two theatres are created out of one, economies of scale are sustained by sharing a common lobby and other facilities. The new twin theatres are created at a fraction of the cost of constructing a new theatre.

"In Cleveland, Ohio, three theatres with large seating capacities, and large parking areas, were divided into twin auditoriums during the year ... Two additional theatres, Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, and the Loews Paradise in the Bronx, New York, are undergoing a similar transformation. At the Loews Paradise, the balcony is being transformed into a separate auditorium, which will share a common lobby with the auditorium below."

posted by Ron Newman on Jul 1, 2005 at 2:52pm

Remember before most people in the city had cable these closed circuit fights were very popular.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/ChmnofBrd/AliVSFrasier.jpg

posted by RobertR on Jul 1, 2005 at 6:01pm

It's interesting to see that they carried the fight here and also at the Fordham, not too far away, and in Manhattan at both the Rivoli and Cinerama, and in Queens at the Midway and the Forest Hills. Those fights were always volatile - a projectionist once told me of a theatre (I don't recall which one) where during the 2nd round the raukus crowd knocked over the video projector, which had been set up in the middle of the auditorium, and it broke, causing a riot to break out.

posted by dave-bronx on Jul 1, 2005 at 11:45pm

BTW, Ron Neuman: the three theatres in Cleveland Ohio that were twinned (in your post of 7/1) were the Loew's East, Loew's West and the Loew's Yorktown.

posted by dave-bronx on Jul 1, 2005 at 11:48pm

Ziggy,

I don't have to sneak in .I am currently part of a group that meets at the Bronx Museum of the Arts that is active in the restoration of the Grand Concourse. After the last meeting, the director of the museum invited the urban planner of The Bronx, a few community leaders and myself to see it. We were escorted around by a very lovely man named Gerald who is the owner of the theatre. The tour lasted about half an hour and then it was time for lunch. We all had such a lovely time.

posted by Divinity on Jul 5, 2005 at 3:42pm

Any pics, Divinity?

posted by shoeshoe14 on Jul 5, 2005 at 3:50pm

I wish I had!

posted by Divinity on Jul 5, 2005 at 4:00pm

Did anybody bring a camera?

posted by shoeshoe14 on Jul 5, 2005 at 8:01pm

Here are two opening ads from Bronx newspapers, one from 1929 and the other for the 1973 twinning:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/124-2428_IMG.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/124-2441_IMG.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 10, 2005 at 5:43am

"Stage show direct from the Capitol": I like that: a subway series.

posted by BoxOfficeBill on Jul 10, 2005 at 6:31am

Does anyone remember the lamps made out of old swords on the walls in the men's bathrooms in the Paradise? I never saw them as we spent all our time in Brownsville, Brooklyn, but my dad used to tell this story.

My dad worked for Frank Costello and was Uncle Manny's older brother. Uncle Manny as he was known to our family once tried to take a bum named Al "Knuckles" Nicoletti in the Paradise theater in the Bronx in the Summer of 1936. If I remember correctly this was a result of a Contract put out by Ben Siegel and Charlie Lucky because Nicoletti was a bagman who was helping himself. Uncle Manny followed Nicoletti to his girlfriend's apartment on the Grand Concourse and then in to the Paradise and up to one of several balconies. After making sure the mark had settled in, my Uncle who was was not carrying a weapon got up and started looking around the theater for something to use to fill the Contract. He found these great sword lamps in one of the men's rooms and tried to rip one out of the wall. He was going to carve up Nicoletti with a men's room sword lamp in the Paradise balcony! Unfortunately several patrons walked in and my Uncle gave up and left. Everyone got a good laugh out of this story and my Dad even got a few nervous laughs when he told it over the years before he died. I don't know what ever happened to Nicoletti but assuming he is gone now he never knew how close he came to being carved up like a Thanksgiving turkey in the balcony of the Paradise during the Summer of 1936.

Incidentally, my Uncle's colleague Pep Strauss also tried to take a bum with a fire ax in a theater in Jacksonville but the guy kept changing seats so Pep finally gave up also. I guess it is hard to whack guys out in movie theaters!

My Uncle died without ratting anyone out in the electric chair in Sing Sing in 1944, not like that piece of garbage Reles or Allie Tick Tock.

I am old now and wanted to tell this story once outside of my family before I go.

posted by Brownsville Lefty on Jul 10, 2005 at 7:38pm

There is no image of the now infamous "sword" fixtures or the mens' room in the Theatre Historical Society's ANNUAL on that theatre of 1975, but that does not mean that they do not have photos of that area. One could contact them for verification at: www.historictheatres.org and ask their Ex.Dir., Richard Sklenar, about that. Sending him a copy of the above Comment might lend an entirely new outlook upon the nature of movie palace entertainments! I am appaled at the blase manner in which this account is related, but something tells me that it is not beyond fact in the environment of New York City of that time. Perhaps the makers of the fixtures foresaw unwanted use of the "swords" as "carving" instruments, and therefore anchored them firmly in the fixtures!

posted by Jim Rankin on Jul 11, 2005 at 2:51am

It’s been real interesting reading through all these posts, and I’m thrilled to hear this theater is being restored and saved. I plan to be in NYC this weekend, so will make a point of getting up to the Bronx and at least see the Paradise from the outside.
Does anyone know when this theater will again be open to the public and what type of business they hope to run there? Perhaps I just missed a posting where someone said what the plans are. I’ve read quite a few comments here, many I agree with. It seems impractical that it would be used for films, although I’m sure they’ll have some at times. Are there plans for Broadway type shows, or maybe musical productions? If the owners are going through such care to restore, I’m pretty sure they will have the same diligence for how it will be used. Perhaps they are just being quiet because NY is, well, a complicated town especially when it comes to business.
Looking forward to seeing the Paradise tomorrow!

posted by Bobs on Jul 15, 2005 at 6:10am

Visited the Bronx over the weekend and work was going on inside the Paradise when I walked past. Took a few pictures and posted the photos here.

Was never at the Paradise when it was open so not sure how the entrance was designed, but took a few photos of what was probably the main entrance and boxoffice area. Very ornate poster boxes and ceiling! The front exterior of the building looks great. Walked around the back of the theater and the upper portion looks brand new, although the area close to the street had some graffiti over the walls and exit doors.
The neighborhood was quite active, lots of small business around the theater and on Fordham.

posted by Bobs on Jul 18, 2005 at 2:20am

A sad pic during the closed period
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bb/oldstuff/bb0313.20.gif

posted by RobertR on Jul 19, 2005 at 12:34pm

I drove up the Grand Concourse this afternoon so I didn't get a sustained look, but exterior work is clearly still going on (sidewalk shed, etc.). The terra cotta looks so clean and is a very pretty color. It appears that the marquee (the ornate bas-relief scroll above the entrance) is being updated with the addition of the sunburst that was once the background for the letters spelling out "Loew's Paradise Theatre". It doesn't look like a recreation of the original, but rather a modern geometric interpretation. Not bad, just different.

I have to say, though, that there's something mysterious about this whole project. Maybe it's just that it took so long to get back on track after the well ran dry for the first developer and it's all been so low-key. I wonder how promotion will take place considering there's not yet even a website. (Correct me if I'm wrong!?) It would be nice if local press and NY1 News took notice, because something phenomenal is apparently happening right in our midst. How often is a movie palace of such exquisite quality resurrected?

Finally, it looks like the retail shops still aren't rented, which seemed a touch amusing considering that that was supposed to be the issue that sunk the first developer. I guess this one has deeper pockets!

posted by stevebob on Jul 26, 2005 at 12:34pm

Looking at pre-restoration photos on cinematour, it looks to me like they followed the same sunburst lines. What looks different to you?

posted by BWChicago on Jul 26, 2005 at 2:48pm

Yes, I guess the lines generally follow the same shape but the material looks totally contemporary. I doubt very much that the original sunburst was made out of plastic, and this was the point I was trying to make.

posted by stevebob on Jul 27, 2005 at 1:49am

Hello Everyone,

Attached is a website that has images of several Loew's movie palaces. The bum uncle tale above could be true since it appears that there were in fact swords mounted above the fireplace in the lovely mens lounge. It is probably because of the uncles act of vandalism and unruly behavior that the pieces were removed. Scroll towards the bottom of the page and you can see a photo of the projection room and the mens lounge. Enjoy!

link

The shops are not occupied yet because the owner is asking for more than $75.00 per square foot and he would prefer more tasteful buisnesses to occupy the spaces. There was until recently a cheap gift shop in the attached taxpayer but it has since moved to the building to the left of the theatre.

posted by Divinity on Jul 27, 2005 at 5:22pm

I know this is off topic, but that incredibly long url can be shortened at www.tinyurl.com, which results in http://tinyurl.com/bh8hd

posted by shoeshoe14 on Jul 27, 2005 at 8:01pm

In the heyday of LOEW'S PARADISE, major movies either played LOEW'S or at RKO. ALL, by the way, were double features except on Broadway. A LOEW'S display ad would list all the theaters playing a certain moves, similar to ads today, a long list. Invariably, the listing contained "Bronx: PARADISE Queens: VALENCIA". These two theatres ALWAYS had the exclusive on whatever movie they were showing, and filling lots of seats. Can this happen again? Movie box office is rich, not dead. People drop $10 a ticket like never before, except they spend it in crummy theaters --- for lack of alternative. WALT DISNEY has restored the large and famous EL CAPITAN in Los Angeles. It operates with great success across the street from the huge GRAUMAN'S CHINESE and a couple of blocks from the EGYPTIAN. There's no reason to assume the PARADISE wouldn't draw a big audience.

LAST MONTH I went by the PARADISE. The whole area is trashy. Yes, but remember that 30 years ago the Bronx was so crime-ridden that the GUARDIAN ANGELS were formed because girls and women weren't safe on Grand Concourse or elsewhere in the Bronx at 3 pm on a sunny day. Since Rudy, unimpared crime isn't tolerated in New York and the cops actually arrest criminals, unheard of 20 or 30 years ago.

posted by rlvjr on Jul 31, 2005 at 9:24am

rivjr, Thirty years ago no part of this city was safe, and it was the "south bronx" that was crime ridden. At that time, much of the northern Grand Concourse and Fordham Road were very beautiful and safe. If a person didn't belong on the Concourse, they were asked to leave by a policeman. I do agree that it isn't looking as good as herald square, but do you remember what that looked like some years ago. However I did pass by the Paradise this evening and it looks far from "trashy". The marquee was brightly lit and the Pilasters were illuminated with bright light shining from the four art deco sconces that were recently removed and restored. At least we still have our beloved movie palace as a sight for sore eyes.

posted by Divinity on Jul 31, 2005 at 5:03pm

Hello everyone,

The Loew's Paradise finally has a website: http://theparadisetheater.com/

Enjoy all!

Perhaps this should now be placed at the top of the page.

posted by Divinity on Aug 16, 2005 at 1:42pm

The page is still under construction but the images are simply divine.

posted by Divinity on Aug 16, 2005 at 1:45pm

Thanks Divinity!

Where's the eagerly awaited Photo Gallery? I want detailed BIG photos.

posted by porterfaulkner on Aug 16, 2005 at 1:46pm

Hello, Porter; it's been a long time since we have heard from you, and I thought you might like to know that until they enlarge the forthcoming images, anyone using Internet Explorer 6 or later can turn on the Magnifier feature and it will open a window about two inches wide above the main window in which one can view the main screen portion that the cursor is over in several different magnifications according to the setting one adopts (3x is usually the best). If you put the cursor over the photos, they will be much more easy to see. This works for most anything on the screen, so enjoy!

posted by Jim Rankin on Aug 16, 2005 at 4:55pm

Thanks Jim, Thats a brilliant feature. Best wishes.

posted by porterfaulkner on Aug 16, 2005 at 9:30pm

Was the Paradise the most successful of the five Loew's Wonder theatres built along with the Valencia? I know from William that both the Paradise along with the Valencia that they enjoyed exclusive runs into the 1960's. I think the Paradise enjoyed exlusive runs longer than the Valencia due to the competition in Brooklyn.I am just so thrilled that this theatre is being restored. It would be a tribute New York City/New Jersey if all five of the Loew's wonder theatres were restored. I hope there is a lot of coverage in the New York Times when the theatre reopens.brucec

posted by brucec on Sep 1, 2005 at 12:31pm

I was told by Loew's executives that overall, the Valencia was more successful than the Paradise because it did a much bigger matinee business, including week days. However, at night and on weekends with a hit movie, the Paradise could out-gross the Valencia because it had about 300 more seats to offer.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 1, 2005 at 1:41pm

When did the Valencia close?

posted by Divinity on Sep 6, 2005 at 6:36pm

1977

posted by beardbear31 on Sep 7, 2005 at 6:43pm

Does anyone know if all 4 of the Wonder theaters in NYC have been given full and proper landmark status?

posted by Ed Solero on Sep 8, 2005 at 5:00am

The Valencia closed almost two decades before the Paradise. The Paradise was obviously more successful at remaining open for a longer period of time.

posted by Divinity on Sep 11, 2005 at 5:24pm

Great News Everyone!

Tours of the Grand Concourse, as well as the Loew's Paradise Theatre will be held this month. Click on the link and read all about it!

http://www.bronxmuseum.org/gc.htm

posted by Divinity on Sep 11, 2005 at 5:31pm

See if you notice a numerical error in the text.

posted by Divinity on Sep 11, 2005 at 5:33pm

You've been talking about the Valencia for quite some time and nobody has posted it as a new theater. Sometimes I'm sick of reposting other people's comments as the intro post/description of the theaters mentioned.

posted by shoeshoe14 on Sep 11, 2005 at 6:15pm

Boo-hoo, Shoe, here's the link to Valencia http://cinematreasures.org/theater/903/

posted by saps on Sep 11, 2005 at 6:23pm

Sorry. I was looking for "Valencia" instead. Stupid me. Thanks "saps". Btw, is it still a quad inside the Paradise? I hope not.

posted by shoeshoe14 on Sep 11, 2005 at 6:32pm

The auditorium has been restored to its original 4000 seat splendor.

posted by Divinity on Sep 11, 2005 at 6:36pm

You're right, Shoe, a search for Valencia should have turned up this listing. The search feature aropund here is a little rudimentary.

posted by saps on Sep 11, 2005 at 6:37pm

The Paradise never had 4,000 seats. It was more like 3,800. And if it really has been "restored to its original splendor," why are they being so slow about re-opening it? I sense that there's still much work to be done.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 12, 2005 at 5:57am

Warren,
Perhaps you should attend the closing reception after the walking tours in the Paradise to see the work yourself:

Saturday, September 24
1:00 – 2:30 & 3:30 – 5:00 pm

GRAND CONCOURSE WALKING TOURS
Starting at the Bronx Museum
Led by Evelyn Gonzalez and Sam Goodman, the tours will emphasize the avenue’s social as well as architectural history. The tour includes conversations with Concourse residents.

Limited space, please RSVP: 718-681-6000, ext. 120.

5:00 – 7:00 pm
CLOSING RECEPTION
Loew’s Paradise Theater
2417 Grand Concourse bet. 187th St. and 188th St.

This 4000-seat movie palace, only smaller in size to Radio City Music Hall, became a mythical symbol of an era to Bronx residents. Divided up and then closed, the theater is scheduled to re-open in fall 2005. Enjoy light refreshments while previewing its newly restored splendor.

Co-sponsored by Historic Districts Council.

Admission: $15 at the door. Free for attendees of public forums. (Pick up your closing-reception pass at any of the forum events.)

This link will again provide all of the information:
http://www.bronxmuseum.org/gc.htm

It shall be a fantastic event. I hope everyone can make it!

posted by Divinity on Sep 12, 2005 at 9:49am

I don't see any details of what the Paradise "preview" consists of. For all I know, it could be just a peek into the lobby. I'll wait for Divinity's report and then go once the Paradise re-opens (if ever at the rate they're proceeding).

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 12, 2005 at 10:37am

"Only smaller in size to Radio City Music Hall?" What exactly does that mean? That only RCMH was larger than the Paradise? There was a difference of about 2,000 seats. There were many theatres, locally and/or nationally, that were much larger than the Paradise, yet smaller than RCMH. The NYC Roxy might have been larger than RCMH, depending on what seat count you believe.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 12, 2005 at 12:50pm

Thanks, Warren, for your usual nit-picking. I think they're saying that it's currently the 2nd largest theatre in the 5 boroughs. A statement which you will be commenting on soon, no doubt.

posted by ziggy on Sep 13, 2005 at 8:57am

In the five boroughs, the Roxy, RCMH, Capitol, Brooklyn Fox, and Brooklyn Paramount were all larger than the Paradise, and that's just from memory. There might have been others. I'll have to check the list compiled by Theatre Historical Society of America if I can find it.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 13, 2005 at 12:32pm

Well, maybe they meant the largest intact NYC theatre? There's nothing wrong with nitpicking, people come here to learn more about a given building. Accuracy is a good thing.

posted by BWChicago on Sep 13, 2005 at 3:28pm

"In the five boroughs, the Roxy, RCMH, Capitol, Brooklyn Fox, and Brooklyn Paramount were all larger than the Paradise, and that's just from memory. There might have been others. I'll have to check the list compiled by Theatre Historical Society of America if I can find it."

"WERE" Thats the word! They WERE!

Hello Ziggy,

Will you be coming down?

posted by Divinity on Sep 13, 2005 at 6:25pm

The sentence is written in the past tense: "This 4,000-seat movie palace, only smaller in size to Radio City Music Hall, became a mythical symbol of an era to Bronx residents." I would assume that refers to the "old days," when hundreds of cinemas were operating in the five boroughs, and not to the present. Also, could someone please explain "mythical symbol?" Wouldn't just "symbol" be enough?
"Mythical" implies something that never really existed, a figment of the imagination.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 14, 2005 at 3:58am

One would assume "Mythical symbol" because it was like walking into a fantasy or, dare I say, Paradise.

posted by Bobs on Sep 14, 2005 at 4:06am

Hi Warren, the size reference is in commas, meaning it could be a parenthetical comment, allowing it to be in present tense while the rest of the sentence is past tense. I recall seeing on some website about the Bronx that the Paradise was the 2nd largest theatre in NYC. That's probably where the comment above came from.

Hi Divinity, I can't make it for this event. I would knock my front teeth out with a hammer if it meant I could make it. I'll just have to come and drool when I'm able to.

posted by ziggy on Sep 14, 2005 at 9:14am

Went to the Paradise this evening for the tour. Not a tour in the traditional sense. Once you entered, you pretty much had free reign of the theatre. There was a bar set up in the lobby serving drinks and light refreshments. The restoration is magnificent, though there is obviously a bit more work to be done. According to a person I spoke with from the Bronx Museum, the expected opening date is in a month.

posted by Rabbit on Sep 24, 2005 at 3:49pm

Rabbit, could you please be a bit more specific about "there is obviously a bit more work to be done?" What has been done so far, and what remains to be done? I thought that "Divinity" would have posted a report by now, but perhaps he was too overwhelmed and is still recuperating.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 25, 2005 at 4:08am

Most of the ornaments (statues etc.) are in great shape. The blue sky on the ceiling looked like it needed some repair, as some very small parts seemed ripped. The ceiling above the stage needed some patch work. The lobby is excellent and the bathroom is beautiful with black marble counters. The seats looked great and were quite comfortable. The seats in the balcony still had plastic covering them, so I assume that they are the newest. All of the paintings looked great. The whole experience was almost surreal, as the theatre was dimly lit. It almost had the feeling of being in an amusement park attraction; I was a bit surprised that there was no organized tour per se, but rather you could wander wherever you wanted to, which was cool.

posted by Rabbit on Sep 25, 2005 at 5:32am

I've put some pictures up on webshots if people want to take a look. Unfortunately my camera doesn't do well in low light conditions so the quality isn't the best. It seemed like there was a lot of finishing touches to be done, but the majority of work appeared complete. It would have been nice if there was a tour to discuss the restoration and the future of the theatre, but it was still worth the $15 to get inside. I understand there was a fish pond somewhere in the lobby. Where exactly was that located? Also, I noticed near the bathroom entrances tiled sections on the floor that looked appropriate for fountains or something similar. Any idea what, if anything, was there in the past?

http://community.webshots.com/album/459933342GBfElD

posted by Chris82 on Sep 25, 2005 at 5:55am

Thanks, Chris! This gives me hope that they're being much more faithful to the original than the folks who did the work on the ex-Loew's Valencia in Queens.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 26, 2005 at 8:19am

Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!!! Finally some current px.

posted by BklynMike on Sep 28, 2005 at 2:56am

You could probably get an answer as to the location of the fish pond by posting a message in backinthebronx.com message board. I think the fish pond was in the lobby possibly. Good source for other Bronx theater related questions.

posted by TommyR on Sep 28, 2005 at 5:18am

The fish pond was in the inner lobby, right wall as you approached the staircase to the mezzanine. I will post pix if I can find any.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 28, 2005 at 6:16am

In case anyone cares, here's some interesting trivia: the Paradise Theater was used by Fine Recording as the test venue for their Perspecta Stereophonic sound process. Developed for MGM in 1954, this short-lived 3-speaker sound system was eventually installed in every Loew's theater. It was pretty much abandoned in 1957.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Sep 28, 2005 at 7:08am

Here are several images of the "fish pond." In the first, it's in the lower right hand corner. The statuary in the center was difficult to photograph because light would bounce off the white marble. The base was almost identical to the "fish pond" at Loew's Valencia. Actually, it was a fountain with reflecting pool. I don't know if John Eberson ever intended them to be stocked with fish:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/141-4117_IMG.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/141-4122_IMG.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/141-4115_IMG.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 28, 2005 at 7:20am

Those photos were taken for the architect near opening day and are duplicated in the ANNUAL of 1975 of the Theatre Historical Society titled "Loew's PARADISE in the Bronx" by the late Michael Miller. On page 8 he writes: "In the center of the lobby's north wall, beneath a statue of Winged Victory, a great fountain of Carrara marble bubbled water about a carved figure of a child on a dolphin." Nowhere does the ANNUAL mention any fish in the fountain, and the photos make it appear that it was largely filled with artificail foliage. I sometimes wonder about the liveableness of fish in such fountains, and therefore how many of a finned friends gave their lives to be living ornaments, replaced like so many clay pigeons would be when used up in a shooting match. Portions of the blueprints appear in the booklet, so possibly the Society retains them and anyone wondering could look at the prints there to see if they designate on them: 'fish fountain.'

posted by Jim Rankin on Sep 28, 2005 at 8:05am

At Loew's Valencia, the fish did not survive very long because people kept throwing coins (mostly pennies) into the pool to make a wish. We usually re-stocked from the aquariums at Woolworth's and W.T. Grant. Sometimes, kids would bring in buckets of fish that they caught at Forest or Cunnigham Park. I think these were really carp rather than goldfish. They usually gobbled up the smaller fish from the five-and-tens.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 28, 2005 at 10:40am

When the Loews Theatres were sold off by the Loews Corp., and they were moving the home office from 666 Fifth Ave. over to Secaucus NJ, all the stuff they had in the way of old blueprints, photos and other miscellaneous items from the construction department was given to the THSA - even stuff for theatres they still owned and operated. About 5 years ago I was looking for blueprints for the Tower East in order to remedy some systems problem there, and a member of the THSA (who also posts on this site) came through with xeroxes from the THSA archives.

posted by dave-bronx on Sep 28, 2005 at 11:03am

It's interesting to compare those old photos of the inner lobby with what I saw there the other day. The white marble portion of that fountain is still there, but I don't think the lower carrara marble part is. I actually took a picture of it, but it failed to load onto webshots properly after two attempts along with a couple others. If they install carpetting, drapes and furniture the lobby today would look very much the same as the photos. One big change is that they've installed a modern style bar in the center of the room.

posted by Chris82 on Sep 28, 2005 at 11:15am

Loews, at the end, had their concession stand in the middle of the room too. I don't think theatres built in those days had concession stands at all. I wonder when people started eating popcorn at the movies?

posted by dave-bronx on Sep 28, 2005 at 11:22am

The date when "Refreshments" were introduced was around 1930 for most theatres as the Great Depression began and the quest for money became desperate. Gone were the glamorous days of newness and grandeur as the building boom of the palaces came to an end. Every theatre noticed patrons bringing in bags of sweets or popcorn from the nearby shops --sometimes right next door, since the merchants were not fools and saw the demand for such "refreshments" that every audience member wanted after sitting for around 2 hours at a time. The theatres thought 'why let others get the profits; we can do it ourselves and keep the profits' and so many noble interiors became besmirched by the often tawdry food stands. Candy led to popcorn and then to today's mini-restaurants. The palaces became a lot less palatial as odors of hot food permeated the air, and sticky stuff ruined the carpets and glued one's shoe to the floor. This food attracted rats and vermin, and it was a whole new world for the theatres which developed into the eateries of today's cinemas. I know they are desperate to make a profit against the stranglehold of the film makers/distributors, but where does it end?

posted by Jim Rankin on Sep 28, 2005 at 12:14pm

Hello All,

The reception on Saturday was absolutely divine. My parents and I arrived late and forgot our tickets but got free admission since my friends were at the door. I stood in the false balconies to the left of the proscenium arch and recited my favorite lines from Sunset Blvd. I wandered the halls in a trance and distanced myself from the people I knew in the crowds so that I could have a private moment with my beloved theatre. There were many good friends and neighbors in the crowd. I was the one wearing a grey jacket with text and an enlarged section of a paisley print on the right breast with the black sunglasses. Since you were there, Did we meet Chris? Rabbit? The emergency door was open so I had a chance to wander on the roof deck where the playground was, and admire the view. The fishpool will not be returning, however the statuary is still there thank goodness. There were indeed fish in the early days. There were even live canaries in the balcony opening night in 1929 as well as stuffed pigeons that were painted white suspended from the ceiling in mid flight. For the reception on saturday, an artist friend of mine brought her parrot into the theatre. After that I went to the "Paradise After Party" at Michael's house. Since I got in late and woke up early on sunday for NYC Culture Fest where I volunteered as a representative of the New york Botanical Garden and mingled for five hours. So many cultural institutions and such little time! After that I went dancing until the wee hours of the morning. I had to reserve monday for rest, relaxation and pampering, which is why I posted so late.

However there is a fabulous exhibition on photographs of the magnificent Greta Garbo at Scandinavia House that I simply must see before it closes in November.

posted by Divinity on Sep 28, 2005 at 3:33pm

I've added a few additional photos up on webshots including one of the remaining portion of the fountain/fish pond.
http://community.webshots.com/album/459933342GBfElD

Hi Divinity, I'm pretty sure I didn't meet you at the reception, although I did see the parrot. I didn't know anyone there and pretty much kept to myself. I did speak to one man who had grown up seeing movies at the theatre, and he pointed out some of the changes made to it over the years. For example, he said that the auditorium ceiling was originally a lighter shade of blue than the sort of midnight blue it is now.

posted by Chris82 on Oct 2, 2005 at 5:25pm

In 1970 I worked at Mosholu Yard.In front of the maintance shop on the side of track 1 there was a fish pond full of large gold fish. I was told by the man that maintained the pond that they supplied the fish for the pond inthe Paradise Theater.

posted by english on Oct 2, 2005 at 6:21pm

Chris, I found some of your photos so intriguing that I added light to some to bring out background details. I hope that you don't mind my posting them here. I think that the Paradise's "restorers" were lucky to find that some of the ceilings and walls were fairly well preserved and didn't need much work or none at all. This is especially evident in the fourth photo showing the balcony soffit, which looks to me like the original, untouched work:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/pfx1.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/pfx2.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/pfx3.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/pfx4.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Oct 4, 2005 at 4:22am

Fantastic News Everyone!

The Gala opening of the Loews Paradise is set for October 29th Featuring singing sensation Giberto Santa Rosa.

I will be there naturally!

Valet parking is available for $10.00 and tickets which can be purchased at the new theatre box office on Grand Concourse (a recent installment which is absolutely lovely) or ticketmaster. Tickets for the event will run from $40.00 to $75.00. It should be wonderful.
I hope to see everyone there!

posted by Divinity on Oct 7, 2005 at 2:40pm

Hello fellow movietheatre buffs.My name is Peter and I live in Rockalnd County NY.
I was wondering if anyone is intrested in going to the Grand Reopening of the
Paradise as a group.We could meet and carpool or meet and take public transportation,NYC
to the Bronx or from Westchester(Yonkers)

posted by Peter on Oct 14, 2005 at 5:36pm

Thank you for the photo links, Warren! If you look on page 21 of the Oct 17th NY Post, you will see an article entitled "Paradise Regained," with a GRAND photo of the restored interior of Bronx's Loew's Paradise Theatre. http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/55515.htm Hot off the press & a theatergoer's/history enthusiast's splendor!!!! Loew's Paradise has already been restored, & a victory is achieved!!!

Carpooling & attending the October 29th gala is a superb idea, but I wouldn't be able to. I'm sure it will attract a decent crowd. I have no official memories of Loew's Paradise, but my father always speaks highly of it, & from photos, it's a delightful PARADISE!!!

posted by NativeForestHiller on Oct 17, 2005 at 9:44pm

Reigis and Kelly the morning show on ABC talked about both Radio City Music Hall and the Loew'Paradise. Regis talked about article in the New York Post which showed a restored picture of the Paradise. Regis talked about how wonderful it was to go to movies in these magnificient movie palaces. Reigis talked about going to Radio City as a child and seeing the Rockettes with his parents. Kelly also talked about seeing Disney's Petes Dragon and stage show at the Mucic Hall. They also showed the new costumes for the Rockettes in the upcomming Christmas Show.brucec

posted by brucec on Oct 20, 2005 at 1:05pm

Hey Warren,
The pictures look much better. I don't mind you posting them at all.

posted by Chris82 on Oct 22, 2005 at 4:23am

"48 Hours" when the theatre was a Quad
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/ChmnofBrd/Movie%20Ads/OfficeGentleman.jpg

posted by RobertR on Oct 22, 2005 at 9:47am

Paradis willl reopen 10/29/2005

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/22/nyregion/22paradise.html?pagewanted=print

sends chills through me

posted by 'Tonino on Oct 22, 2005 at 2:58pm

For those not registered for the New York Times online, I'll paste in the article referred to above by 'Tonino:

October 22, 2005
In Nearly All Its Grandeur, Paradise Reopens in Bronx
By JOSEPH BERGER

Stars will not be twinkling in an enchanted nighttime sky, and goldfish will not be gliding through the fountain, but otherwise Paradise - or at least the Bronx version of it - is about to be regained.

The Loew's Paradise, a 76-year-old movie palace that gave generations of working-class strivers a taste of Old World opulence and gave generations of teenagers a haunting setting for the taste of their first kiss, is scheduled to reopen next Saturday after more than 30 years of either being boarded up or sliced up into multiple screens.

The new owner of what was once the Bronx equivalent of Radio City Music Hall has restored much of its Italian baroque grandeur. Since putting up $4.5 million to acquire the theater two years ago, the owner, Gerald Lieblich, has gotten workers to clean the cherubs, caryatids, recumbent lions, gargoyles and other statuary in the vaulted lobby and gargantuan auditorium, install almost 4,000 burgundy seats and repaint the famed midnight-blue ceiling.

Lloyd Ultan, the Bronx borough historian, called the reopening "the resurrection of one of the most spectacular movie palaces ever built."

"It was the showplace of the Bronx," he said. "It was meant to take people out of their humdrum existence and bring them into a world of unimagined wealth and luxury."

The Paradise will not reopen as a movie house, however. Its opening night performance is a salsa and merengue concert, clearly a bid to cater to a borough where Latinos now make up half the populace. The entrepreneurs leasing the space also plan to hold gospel, rhythm and blues and comedy acts, live boxing matches, closed-circuit sports events, beauty pageants and nostalgia acts that might appeal to onetime Bronx residents.

The entrepreneurs also plan to use the giant auditorium once more for high school graduations, and to rent out the ornate lobby and mezzanine for weddings and bar mitzvahs, perhaps even for the grandchildren of those who remember first seeing "Singin' in the Rain" or "Jailhouse Rock" at the Paradise.

However the theater is used, the reopening of the 45,000-square-foot building is another milestone in the gathering renaissance of a borough that two decades ago was known for its landscape of eviscerated buildings and Fort Apache air of menace. Indeed, the once-princely boulevard it sits on, the 99-year-old Grand Concourse, is itself being spruced up. The refurbished Loew's Paradise is likely to dazzle a different generation of strivers and their children just as it dazzled one resident, Diane Levine Edelstein, when she was a teenager almost a half-century ago.

"You walked in and you felt you were in another world, you weren't in a movie theater," said Ms. Edelstein, now a senior research assistant at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. "We always sat in the balcony because you felt closer to heaven. I remember watching the stars and not looking at the movie."

Others remembered its balcony as something of a lovers' lane. "I remember going to the Paradise in the late 1950's when they were showing 'The Ten Commandments,' and the couple to my right was breaking nine of them," said Stephen M. Samtur, co-publisher of Back in the Bronx magazine, a nostalgic quarterly.

Phyllis Gross Greenbaum, now a publisher of community newspapers in the Washington-Baltimore area, suggested that the Paradise stunned her and her friends because "I don't think many of us grew up with that kind of elegance."

The Paradise, whose five-story facade has been declared a city landmark, opened in 1929, six weeks before the stock market crashed, with a showing of the "all-talking" film, "The Mysterious Dr. Fu-Manchu," starring Warner Oland. Its architect was John Eberson, an Austrian immigrant who began his career designing opera houses and went on to create dozens of what were known as "atmospheric" theaters, including five "Wonder Theaters" for the Loew's national chain in the New York area.

The Paradise's atmospheric show included twinkling stars, rolling clouds and flying pigeons. The stage was surrounded by sculptured walls with flowing vines, cypress trees and shrubs and classical statues everywhere. In three domes set into the lobby's filigreed ceiling, Eberson had painters execute dreamy murals of ersatz half-nude deities: Sound, Story and Film.

The grand lobby was surrounded by fluted and gilded mahogany pillars and, at mezzanine level, an arched balustrade of royal proportions. On the lobby's north wall Eberson placed a Carrara marble fountain of a child on a dolphin. (The fountain's pool, which once held the goldfish, will not be replaced because it would interfere with a new concessions stand.) For the cream-toned terra cotta and marble facade, Eberson designed a mechanical clock topped by St. George astride a charger slaying a fire-breathing dragon every time the clock struck the hour. The theater cost $4 million to build.

Over the years, the fountain stopped bubbling, the clock stopped working and St. George vanished around 1970, somehow lowered five stories onto a busy thoroughfare. As television made it difficult to fill the theater's seats and middle-class audiences moved to the suburbs, the Paradise was divided up, first as a twin around 1973 and then in the early 1980's as a quadriplex, which it remained until 1994, when, severely run-down, it closed for good.

At least one effort to resurrect it collapsed, with $1 million alone spent on gilding. But in 2003, the Paradise was taken over by Mr. Lieblich, a 44-year-old developer of small commercial buildings.

"For the last 20 years that I've been in the Bronx, it's been better and better, and in the theater I saw an eyesore that needed to be brought back as the crown jewel," Mr. Lieblich said.

With workmen still vacuuming the auditorium, Mr. Lieblich showed a reporter around, highlighting the new air-conditioning, the repointing of the facade, the replacement of reddish neons in the marquee and the replication of the original oval ticket booth. Getting the lights to twinkle again, he said, proved uneconomical. He declined to say how much he had spent.

One of the keys to making the project profitable, he said, is renting the 30,000 square feet of commercial space that is part of the theater building to a significant retailer. One has not been secured yet. A major retailer would be a step up from the shops flanking the theater to the north, a 99-cents store and one that sells furniture on credit.

The opening-night concert is an only-in-New York production. The impresarios leasing the theater are Gabriel Boter, 58, who immigrated from the former Soviet state of Georgia in 1979, and his son Richard, 30, a nonpracticing lawyer who is married to a Dominican and is fluent in Spanish. Father and son expect to schedule 35 concerts a year and 10 boxing matches, though they do not have any longtime experience in organizing events.

There are three firm bookings after opening night, including a concert sponsored by WQHT-FM 97.1 "Hot 97" and a Latina beauty contest.

"There is a strong personal attachment I found people have to the Paradise," the younger Mr. Boter said. "That gives me a strong sense of personal responsibility to make sure that it will have the splendor and be the jewel it once was."

posted by dave-bronx on Oct 22, 2005 at 11:18pm

BTW, before I forget, thanks to 'Tonino for pointing out this article.

posted by dave-bronx on Oct 22, 2005 at 11:20pm

I was troubled by the last paragraphs of the NYT article, which said that the bookings are being handled by two Russian immigrants who "do not have any longtime experience in organizing events." The article mentions THREE "firm" bookings after opening night, but cites only TWO, a concert sponsored by radio station WQHT-FM, and a Latina beauty contest. If that's the best that they can do, I think the Paradise will be in seriously trouble before long.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Oct 23, 2005 at 3:53am

With all the new technology in fiber optics I would think they could have had the twinkling stars re-created without the use of the old fashioned lightbulbs?

posted by RobertR on Oct 23, 2005 at 5:03am

Let us face reality, the community where the theatre stands has changed over the past thirty years from one being mostly Italian and Jewish to Black and Hispanic. So naturally the shows will reflect the likes of the community. You will get more Latin music extravaganzas, hip-hop/rap shows and yes Latina and Afro beauty shows. Hopefully, dramatic arts and dance groups of these ethnic groups will also present shows with film showings that would be of interest to the community as well.. Another Radio City Music Hall you will not get.

posted by Valencia on Oct 23, 2005 at 3:22pm

I think that Warren was referring to the number of booked shows being low, as opposed to the kinds of shows booked, as being a concern, and he is right. There is no way the Paradise can be a financial success with only sporadic programming; it needs to have a solid calendar of events to keep the cash flowing in, unless the owner is willing to make up the losses himself. No doubt, rental income from the theater building will subsidize the theater, but a successful venue should have a steady supply of regular users. It is also alarming to see that the bookers are inexperienced, because it takes a lot of showmanship and publicity to make a name for any new venue, no matter how resplendently wonderful it is. That said, we shall all have to see how it goes and hope for success.

posted by Ian M. Judge on Oct 23, 2005 at 5:02pm

Well, the website is greatly improved. The seating chart, in particular, is interesting in that it illustrates the view of the stage from each sector of the auditorium.

Is anyone else troubled by the repeated use of the word "grandiose" to describe the Paradise in its own website? In its strictest sense, the word is synonymous with "grand" -- but that's not what's usually implied, which it is far from complimentary. From dictionary.com:

Characterized by greatness of scope or intent; grand.
Characterized by feigned or affected grandeur; pompous.
Characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration.
Impressive because of unnecessary largeness or grandeur; used to show disapproval.

In some other theater's description here (which I can't recall at the moment), the word "decadent" was carelessly used and someone else got all bent out of shape over that. This usage of "grandiose" is similarly sloppy and unfortunate.

posted by stevebob on Oct 25, 2005 at 4:29am

Well, "stevebob," this is from "all bent out of shape" over the use of the word "decadent" in regard to theatres, but I thought I was merely pointing out the misuse of a word, just as you justly do here. The first definition you quote for "grandiose" is called the Denotation, and conveys the basic root meaning. Those that follow are called the Connotations, and most every word carries such since they convey Usage and implied meaning within context. As to 'grandiose' you are so right, and I had thought of pointing out your careful distinction more than once, but I find that most people just let their 'eyes glaze over,' sad to say, at any mention of good English usage. Neither word carries a positive connotation, so if one uses them in regard to theatres, we can only take such one to mean that he dislikes theatres. It is hard being 'voices in the wilderness' but maybe a few insightful eyes will take this to heart.

posted by Jim Rankin on Oct 25, 2005 at 6:03am

Jim, thank you for stepping forward (and jarring my memory). By the way, I absolutely meant no offense with the phrase "bent out of shape"; I should have chosen my own words more carefully and less casually.

For the record, which theater was it that has "decadent" in its description and to which you responded earlier?

posted by stevebob on Oct 25, 2005 at 6:38am

I am excited about the grand opening of the Paradise this Sat.My question how many people are comming
from the NYC Manhatan area and or Westchester? If so would anyone like to go as a group
taking public transportation or driving? I know the neighborhood has imporoved in the last 20 yrs
but the area can still be a little "dicey"

posted by Peter on Oct 25, 2005 at 4:19pm

The Loew's State. http://cinematreasures.org/theater/1938_0_2_0_C/

posted by BWChicago on Oct 25, 2005 at 4:34pm

Fellows, very few working class neighborhoods in the 5 boroughs of New York City have remained the same.Forty years ago there was one large Oriental community now there are several. Also there was one African American community in each borough, now there are several.This society of ours is fluid and people move about all the time.So stating that an area has changed in NEW YORK IS LIKE SAYING THAT IN 2008 WE,LL HAVE A NEW PRESIDENT.

posted by english on Oct 25, 2005 at 5:34pm

I’m thrilled to read work on this theater is nearly complete and will be reopening this weekend. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the opening on Saturday, but intend to visit during one of the later engagements. The pictures others posted here look fantastic!!
The new Paradise website they created is much improved, but I’m concerned they are ONLY using macromedia flash for their homepage. All search engines, google, yahoo and others, use a “crawl” to determine the position of websites. The “crawl” searches and looks at website text and counts the occurrence of each text word. Since their homepage contains no text at all, their website won’t have a good position if you search for paradise theater bronx. Macromedia flash may look nice, but if no one finds the website then it doesn’t help much. There are multiple other links where the average web surfer may find their homepage, but many folks get frustrated if they don’t find it on the first or second search page from whatever search they use.

posted by Bobs on Oct 26, 2005 at 2:38am

Quote:
"Jim, thank you for stepping forward (and jarring my memory). By the way, I absolutely meant no offense with the phrase "bent out of shape"; I should have chosen my own words more carefully and less casually.

For the record, which theater was it that has "decadent" in its description and to which you responded earlier?
posted by stevebob on Oct 25, 2005 at 9:38am"

Sorry, Stevebob, I don't recall just which theatre I was speaking of when I made the observation. Unfortunately, there are a number of occassions when the word "decadent" has been incorrectly used to describe a theatre. Even the supposedly professional wording of the League of Historic American Theatres (www.LHAT.org) in one of its promotional letters used that word to describe movie palaces, and when I brought that fact to the attention of the woman then in charge, she dismissed my observation about the negative connotation of the word with some sarcastic reply. So, you see, it is an uphill battle. Keep up the fine fight!

posted by Jim Rankin on Oct 26, 2005 at 3:30am

Hello all,

Fantastic News!
Tickets are still on sale for the VIP reception at the Loews Paradise before the concert. I received mine in the mail earlier today.
It should be wonderful. Naturally I will be there with family and friends for both events.

I also found this website that has photographs of some the restoration work done in the auditorium.

Enjoy!

posted by Divinity on Oct 27, 2005 at 7:48pm

Some good news for old movie palace fans. I heard a report that there may be a come back of the movie palaces of old. To lure back audiences from their home set ups some theatre owners plan to revamp themselves into the old style decor including resteraunts, skating and bowling added to their theatres to make for a complete going out experience. Can you believe it?

posted by Valencia on Oct 29, 2005 at 4:44am

"I heard a report that there may be a come back of the movie palaces of old."

"To lure back audiences from their home set ups some theatre owners plan to revamp themselves into the old style decor including resteraunts, skating and bowling added to their theatres to make for a complete going out experience."

I believe that the second statement is a non sequitur. How would a refurbished shoebox, revamped in "old style decor", presage a "come back of the movie palaces of old"? What does it have to do with real movie palaces at all?

posted by stevebob on Oct 29, 2005 at 4:56am

I believe that what Valencia heard was the recent hyperbole of the chains desperate to lure back the jaded public with a 'stab' at some thematic decor, PLUS the potential moneymakers of restaurants, sports and other indoor games so as to create "Family entertainment centers" (playlands) where they can park the kids if they don't want to watch a movie. It will all be the usual crass grab for one's pocketbook, of course. No, the thousand-plus seat movie palace with luxurious decor, trained and uniformed ushers, and something resembling quality on the screen, will never return, sad to say, unless TV and videos somehow disappear.

posted by Jim Rankin on Oct 29, 2005 at 9:11am

Thanks for the perspective, Jim. I just hadn't heard any new buzz about thematic decor or incorporating extra moneymakers. I thought those were issues that had been considered in the past.

For example, the decor of the Loews Lincoln Square multiplex in Manhattan http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7222/ did indeed make an earnest effort to replicate some of the movie palace experience. It's been open for over 10 years and it certainly seems to be a success, but I'm not sure that the decoration aspect represents a particular draw for most patrons. (To the general public, I believe that the presence of an IMAX theater would be considered the primary distinguishing feature of this multiplex.)

And as for restaurants, skating, etc., hasn't the "multiplex at the mall" always such distractions?

posted by stevebob on Oct 30, 2005 at 4:55am

I was at the Paradise one time during the early 1970's. I was impressed by the beauty and grandeur of one of the largest atmospheric theatres. Many of the people I know in New York are anxcious to go the Paradise, now that it is reopening. I wish all those concerned in its operation much success.

posted by ERD on Oct 30, 2005 at 6:01am

I grew up in the Bronx, and attended movies at the Paradise many times (also the RKO Fordham, the Valentine, the RKO Marble Hill, the Bainbridge, the Dale, the Riverdale, and so on. The Paradise was of course the king. (I also graduated from high school there.) I remember seeing films like Rosemary's Baby on its first run, and the '69 revival of Gone With the Wind, which, in spite of aspect ratio issues, was stunningly gorgeous on the huge screen. DVD is a joke compared to this, and I find it amazing that so many of my era who have SEEN films projected to huge size can accept what passes for the moviegoing experience today.

After the Paradise was split up, I attended less frequently, though I do recall seeing Serpico in the upper half of the duplex. Still, I remember being turned away for the dreadful remake of King Kong in 1976—they were sold out!

I plan to return to the Paradise as soon as I'm able, but pleeeeeze...some movie nights?

posted by bubbymeintza on Oct 31, 2005 at 3:44am

Thankfully, the reopening of Loews Paradise did get some more local media coverage in the past week. There were articles in the Daily News and the Post plus a story on NY1 news, our local 24-hour cable news channel.

The NY1 segment had brief interviews with Adolfo Carrión (Bronx Borough President) and Lloyd Ultan, a historian who's written extensively on Bronx history. The shots weren't too great, though. They showed the marquee, the lobby, and the balcony. You couldn't even see the entire proscenium, so the auditorium wasn't shown to its best advantage.

I'm wondering if the lack of a traditional marquee could at this point hamper the prosperity of the Paradise, simply because there's no place to advertise upcoming acts. Would the installation of tracks to hold letters, or some other tasteful kind of signboard, be feasible in the lower half of the scroll? (Or could it even be possible given that the exterior is landmarked?)

Finally, is anyone familiar enough with the renovation of the Orpheum in downtown Los Angeles to know if it is considered a success? I know that the Orpheum has hosted a couple of movie premieres, but when I've visited their website www.laorpheum.com it hasn't seemed like much was going on there and that the programs have been fairly few and far between. I mention this just because there are some similarities between the Orpheum and Paradise projects, and because another poster had expressed reservations about the prospects for enough bookings to keep the Paradise open.

posted by stevebob on Nov 1, 2005 at 8:37am

I could not M make it to the Paraide for the Grand Re-Opening.How did the show go?
Were there a lot of local politions? Was it well attended,what are the future shows.

posted by Peter on Nov 1, 2005 at 5:17pm

How was the Grand Opening on Oct 29th? I did not get a chance to go.Were there a lot of local
politions Local media (CBS,NBC,ABC,NY1,post NY Daily News,NYT) How was the attendence?
500,1000 1500+? How was the VIP affair before the concert? How were the preformers?

I am supprised that Divinity has not yet shared his experiences of opening night with
your fellow theatre buffs.

posted by Peter on Nov 8, 2005 at 2:19pm

Yes, please. For those who were not able to attend, we would like to read a complete report of the gala re-birth of our beloved Paradise!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Nov 9, 2005 at 6:53am

Didn't ANYBODY on this forum go to the grand re-opening of this magnificent showplace?

posted by Bob Furmanek on Nov 11, 2005 at 5:30am

Perhaps it never re-opened!

posted by Warren G. Harris on Nov 11, 2005 at 8:12am

Well, I was outside the Paradise that evening and can attest to the fact that people entered. I could also hear the salsa music near one of the exits that was partially open. The line of people was about two blocks long. A coworker of mine attended the concert and said it was sold out and was quite good. The question is, what's next?

posted by Rabbit on Nov 11, 2005 at 3:39pm

The Paradise seems to have updated its website, although no future bookings are listed. There are more current and historical photos. Apparently, Loew's has been dropped from the name, and it is now just the the Paradise Theater (or Paradise Teatro if you access the Spanish-language version of the website).

posted by Warren G. Harris on Nov 13, 2005 at 5:42am

What a grand day for movie palace lovers!
It's too bad the new owners have said that there will be no movies, just live concerts and sports events. Still, it's great to have the magnificent old dame back.

posted by vito on Nov 14, 2005 at 1:42am

What happened to Divinity? The Paradise Theaters biggest supporter has been MIA since 10/27!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Nov 14, 2005 at 3:40am

The listing for this needs to be changed. The main name should be Paradise Theater (see its official website for confirmation of this). "Loew's Paradise" should go into smaller type above it as a previous name.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Nov 14, 2005 at 4:16am

The Paradise will be holding its first boxing event, "Boxeo Caliente," on Friday evening, December 9th, at 7PM. Details can be found at the official website. I wonder if Divinity will be reporting blow-by-blow from ringside?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Dec 4, 2005 at 6:21am

Even though they are calling it 'Paradise Theater' (and understandably not using the Loew's name to spare confusion) I am assuming they still restored the neon sign on the front marquee to say "Loew's Paradise Theatre". Can one of you confirm this? Any pictures of the exterior since the reopening floating around out there? Google image search doesn't seem to find any.

posted by Ian M. Judge on Dec 5, 2005 at 5:35pm

I've seen a photo of the "restored" marquee, and the Loew's sign is still there. Unfortunately, the dark blue background makes it hard to see the lettering at all in the daytime, or when it's not lit.

Sorry, I just can't remember where I saw the photo. If I can locate it I'll post the url.

posted by bubbymeintza on Dec 5, 2005 at 5:38pm

Did anyone make it to the HOT 97 event on Nov 25th? I was away but they were having
some good bands.For all the talk about the Paradise opening agaon for the past few years,
there has to some people on this site who have gone to the last two events.
Hopefully thre will be moe in the spring/summer

posted by Peter on Dec 5, 2005 at 6:11pm

I walked over to the theatre yesterday (through all the snow and slush) to take some pictures of the facade since people were curious about its current appearance. I've added them to my webshots gallery.Take a look.
http://community.webshots.com/album/459933342GBfElD

posted by Chris82 on Dec 10, 2005 at 5:36am

IMHO, the re-painting of the Loew's Paradise sign is HIDEOUS and a defilement of history! They should have used the original color scheme. If the theatre's exterior is an official landmark, they are going to be in deep trouble with the authorities.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Dec 10, 2005 at 5:52am

Could it be that was the original color-scheme, and over the many years it became bleached and faded by the sun?
What is that sign made of? The first time I saw a photo of it I thought it was mosaic tile. The photo at the heading of this page shows it as plain beige.

posted by dave-bronx on Dec 10, 2005 at 6:18am

I saw a black and white photo of it at some point; I thought it was in "The Best Remaining Seats" but I can't seem to find the photo at the moment. Anyway, I could see that it was originally multicolored, maybe three or four colors, each ray was the same width. That's probably the main problem; the spacing is narrow in spots and wide in others, it looks sloppy. I don't doubt that the colors were vivid though.

posted by BWChicago on Dec 10, 2005 at 8:33am

I commented on this last July, as did others. I tried to be kind, but the truth is that the blue and yellow sunburst doesn't look historically correct or appropriate at all.

Warren, it would be great if such a thing could get them in deep trouble with the authorities, but the city's priorities with respect to the Grand Concourse have not generally been what they should be. For instance, decades of unenforced zoning regulations for ground floor apartments have transformed what was intended to be an entirely residential boulevard (except for the segment roughly between 183rd Street and Fordham Road) into something quite different in character.

posted by stevebob on Dec 10, 2005 at 8:41am

Here, I found it. Page 103 of Ben Hall's "The Best Remaining Seats". Chris, if you send me an email I can scan in the photos from this book and you can post them. There's a closeup of the sidewall, a view of the proscenium and asbestos curtain, a full-color rendering of the interior, and the exterior view I mentioned.

posted by BWChicago on Dec 10, 2005 at 8:42am

Thanks Brian! I've uploaded the pictures you sent me into my webshots gallery.

http://community.webshots.com/album/459933342GBfElD

posted by Chris82 on Dec 12, 2005 at 3:00am

Given that the owners of this theater will likely have an uphill financial battle to keep this theater afloat, I doubt there'll be a lot of attention spent on attempting to re-paint the exterior sunburst to appease our sensibilities. It is a shame, however, that after dedicating so much time and money towards renovating this great palace (an effort that I enthusiastically applaud), it seems as if they spent all of about $35 bucks on this particular element of the original design! This is what folks traveling up and down the Concourse will notice first and foremost as they look at the theater. Hideous is the perfect word, Warren. Embarrassing comes in a close 2nd.

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 12, 2005 at 3:24am

Just maybe,they restored the inside first,make some cash then restore the outside. How about that?. Rome was not restored in one day either. GIVE THEM A CHANCE

posted by english on Dec 12, 2005 at 3:48am

I wonder if they have any plans to install a replica of the original flat marquee above the entrance? And given that the word "Loew's" was maintained in the restoration of the big sign on the facade, would it also be used in the marquee?

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 12, 2005 at 4:25am

Here's a link to the Paradise's cinematour page which features an array of photos taken while renovations were still in progress back in August 2004. Please forgive if this is a duplicate of an earlier post, but there are so many comments to sift through on this page I thought it'd be useful to take a look at them now that the theater is open again:

http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=16520

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 15, 2005 at 7:31am

Did anyone attend the boxing event, "Boxeo Caliente," which was scheduled for December 9th at 7PM? Was it even held? The theatre's website has nothing listed on its agenda for the future.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Dec 19, 2005 at 7:26am

A new DVD/VHS about Loew's Paradise can be purchased here:
www.backinthebronx.com/store/images/bx_paradise.html

posted by Warren G. Harris on Dec 19, 2005 at 10:29am

An article on the Paradise reopening, with some pictures, including some of the exterior lit up at night, may be found here:

http://www.backinthebronx.com/paradise.html

The exterior "sunburst" looks much better with the illuminated theatre name, BTW.

posted by bubbymeintza on Dec 19, 2005 at 4:28pm

Looking at the photos, um, they spelled Loew's as Lowes on the ticket... either they are being sponsored by a hardware chain or someone there is not on the ball.

Comparing the old photos of the sunburst sign and the new photos, I would guess that it is tin, that the outlines of the original sunburst were visible even on a fuzzy photo from a couple of years ago, and that the new paint job extends the paint down an extra foot or two beyond where it originally went, nevermind being sloppy and amateurish. Granted, they may not have a ton of money to spend, but this is exterior paint here, folks. It shouldn't cost that much to pay someone a day or two pay to do it right.

I wish them nothing but success, but with no events lined up, how do they expect to pay the rent? The heating and electric bill on that place has got to be around 2k a month, at least, even while closed.

posted by Ian M. Judge on Dec 19, 2005 at 7:00pm

It would be tempting to excuse that wretched sign as a “Bronx thing”, as though patrons there wouldn’t be discerning enough to know or care or don’t deserve better. The truth, though, is that there’s a woeful lack of standards of good workmanship in New York City generally. I wonder if it’s the same in the rest of the country (or the world), or if it reflects the skills possessed (not!) by NYC’s current immigrant population compared to that of the past.

Let me be clear that I am NOT referring to rarefied projects where cost is no object. The superrich have access to quality materials and contractors who employ craftsmen who know what they are doing, just as they always have had. They have standards, and their standards are enforced. For regular folks, though, it’s a world of band-aid repairs and appallingly sloppy work. Your typical New York City apartment building handyman cannot paint a straight line and would paint right over electrical outlets rather than remove switchplate covers. To do otherwise is simply not in his ken.

When we recognize the splendid monuments of the past, we tend to acknowledge that the materials and workmanship of that era can’t be easily duplicated. You couldn’t ask for a more vivid example than that sign! For as much work as was apparently put into polishing the inside of the Paradise, that sign couldn’t even be reproduced with sunbeams that are symmetrical and spaced evenly.

As long as people don’t care or don’t notice or make excuses, these are the standards that will prevail. Not too many posters have taken issue with that ghastly sign; as one previous poster pleaded, “GIVE THEM A CHANCE.” It’s basically an enshrinement of mediocrity and incompetence, and it shouldn’t be acceptable – even in the Bronx. I’m hopeful that the Landmarks Commission will compel a re-redesign.

posted by stevebob on Dec 20, 2005 at 4:19am

Well written, stevebob. I couldn't agree more.

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 20, 2005 at 4:33am

I have to confess, really don’t understand all this concern over a sign and what color it’s painted. I’ve passed this building and from the outside it looks fantastic, and best of all, it’s still standing and it’s reopened! What color do you all want it to be? A slightly different shade of blue or yellow? If it means that much to you, talk to the owner and maybe they’ll let you repaint it.
Perhaps it’s just me, but coming from an area where any building like this was torn down years ago, I’m just happy to know it’s still standing. Judging from the photo’s posted earlier, whoever re-opened this treasure deserves tremendous credit for the amount of work done to restore this building.
I can’t believe someone who loves theaters actually wrote “an enshrinement of mediocrity and incompetence” to describe the workmanship on a sign. For God’s sake, it’s a sign! Did you see the lobby to this place?! They even have the original chandeliers working!
Let’s keep our priorities straight.

posted by Bobs on Dec 20, 2005 at 7:47am

I agree with Bobs. It's amazing that, before the theatre opened, we kept hearing that it will never reopen. Now that's it's been largely restored and reopened all we hear is that it will never stay open. Then the nitpicking starts about what's wrong. Yeah, the sign looks like crap, and you know what? A fresh coat of paint will fix it. I went to the holiday show at the old Loew's State in Syracuse. The heat was too low. The lighting levels in the lobby are too high. The new refreshment stand is obtrusive, but you know what I kept telling myself? IT'S STILL STANDING. Someone cares enough about it to keep it standing and open, and that's a great start. As far as I'm concerned, the Paradise is off to a great start. I hope it's a huge success. Maybe someday they can do a proper restoration of the sign, and then all you whiners can find something else to complain about.

posted by ziggy on Dec 20, 2005 at 7:59am

Agreed. I grew up in the Paradise, and I can tell you that it looked far worse than this in 1969. Its chief competitor, the RKO Fordham, was demolished. Now THAT's something to feel bad about.

posted by bubbymeintza on Dec 20, 2005 at 8:19am

Stevebob is right that there is far too much mediocracy in workmanship today, BUT the others are even more right: the venerable PARADISE is still standing, and it can still be polished and adjusted yet more to go beyond examples of poor workmanship in the years to come as the owners/builders learn from their mistakes. Perhaps the contractor to repair the sign was someone's relative; nepotism is nothing new to the trades. Maybe it is just that so large and elaborate a sign was entirely new to the local sign shop and they weren't ready to stick the time, talent and money into doing the job right. We don't knowl, and probably never will. BUT the fact remains that it can still be redone; paint is easily removed and replaced, and even the entire sign could be rebuilt in bronze if the money for such ever appears. Yes, there are some bad workers that they don't have to employ again, BUT there are also good workers out there; craftsmen with nothing to be ashamed of. These men can be found and paid the higher fees they will probably demand, but ANY quality of days past CAN be achieved today, IF one is willing to go to the effort to find and pay for such talent.

Heck, signs are the smaller of the worries in trying to find talent in theatre restoration; try to find a place that has the facilities, talent, and integrity to rebuild the original elaborate draperies as they once were. The draperies and their trimmings (passementeries) are virtually a lost art, yet a few recent re-creations show that such can be done if enough money and time is present and one is willing to work with out-of-town artisans. Let us not dispair at the fate of the PARADISE just yet; there are days and years to come when present or future owners may have the funds and patience to persue the perfection we all crave.

posted by Jim Rankin on Dec 20, 2005 at 8:58am

Lets hope they get some bookings now!

posted by saps on Dec 20, 2005 at 9:03am

I think a lot of "contributors" here are frankly full of shit, and just can't wait to seize upon somebody else's words to criticize them and take issue with any detail that they don't agree with.

If the shoe fits ... wear it. And if I get banned from this site for keeping it real, so be it.

posted by stevebob on Dec 20, 2005 at 10:19am

You're welcome to comment here, Stevebob, but you must do so in a civil manner.

We've removed your last two comments because they violated our terms of use (i.e. off-topic, included personal attacks, and/or obscene).

Please review our terms of use before making any additional comments.

Thanks,
Patrick

posted by Patrick Crowley on Dec 20, 2005 at 10:41am

Patrick, I don't think I care to make any additional comments, on this topic or any other, so why don't you just block me completely.

posted by stevebob on Dec 20, 2005 at 10:46am

No need for noses to get bent out of shape... I think it's obvious that the most important factor here - overwhelmingly - is not just that the Paradise is still standing, but that the theater has been lovingly and painstakingly restored to its former beauty. Is it the $70 million dollar nook-and-cranny polishing that Radio City Music Hall received a few years back? No... but somehow I'm even more impressed because it doesn't have that sort of corporate backing.

Still... I think it's very much in the spirit of this site to use this forum to discuss and debate and, yes, even nit-pick over details. While we celebrate the marvelous work to restore this grand theater and the efforts to keep it going as the great showplace for the people of the Bronx it was intended to be, surely there is room enough for us to point out where we feel the project might have incongruously missed the mark. Perhaps it is precisely because the rest of the restoration has been going along so respectfully and tastefully that some of us were jarred by the sloppy splatter of bright yellow and blue paint on the building's facade. I think it's a fair point of criticism. Just as I think it's fair to criticize the decision to refurbish the 1930's era art moderne New Amsterdam marquee while rhapsodizing over the otherwise splendid restoration of the theater's original 1903 Art Nouveau architecture. Or to appreciate the Ziegfeld Theater's spacious single-screen auditorium while taking exception to its - in my opinion - tacky 1960's decor.

I know it wasn't everyone's intention to run stevebob off this site, and I hope he finds it within himself to come back and continue contributing to the Cinema Treasures mosaic.

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 21, 2005 at 7:52am

They paved Paradise, and put up a parking lot...not! Thank God.

posted by saps on Dec 21, 2005 at 4:02pm

I compliment EdSolero; he put it so very nicely.

posted by Jim Rankin on Dec 22, 2005 at 12:42am

EdSolero did put it nicely, and I agree that the Paradise "restoration" is not above criticism. I was just stating that I'm very sick and tired of people who never find anything positive to say ever. The Paradise was quadruplexed, and then boarded up. Now it's been fixed up inside and reopened. I was just wishing that people who point out what a horrible job was done on the sign (and I agree, it is a horrible job) could give credit where credit is due, as well as nitpick about what went wrong. There's a small list of things I don't like about the Paradise; the non-functioning fountain, the lack of stars and clouds, the refreshment stand, the removal of the trees and vines, and the lack of draperies. But I'm truly thrilled at what has been done right. The balcony soffit was missing masssive chunks of ornamentation that is now replicated and restored. The new paint and gold leaf is amazing. The original light fixtures are up and running, and judging by the photos, the lobby lights are kept appropriately low (as you may know, high levels of lobby lighting are a particular gripe of mine). Well, I could go on, but to repeat and recap, there are a few, a very few, folks who only complain. Of course, they should always feel free to complain, but I should feel free to say that I'm tired of their complaints.

posted by ziggy on Dec 22, 2005 at 2:06am

P.S. Since this may be my last comment this week (you never can tell), please let me wish any readers here a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah, or a joyous holiday. Whichever you may prefer.

posted by ziggy on Dec 22, 2005 at 2:08am

I stopped by the theatre yesterday, and noticed that they are having a New Year's celebration in the theater's lounge. Two Latin music acts will be performing.

posted by Rabbit on Dec 25, 2005 at 12:51pm

What's happening here? The official website still lists no events for 2006, which is ominous.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jan 8, 2006 at 6:25am

It sounds strange, but they might not update the web site regularly. This New Year's celebration was not there. It wouldn't surprise me if they succeed in spreading the word through other means.

But, to be fair, the theatre could also be foundering.

posted by Life's too short on Jan 10, 2006 at 6:20pm

Although not yet listed on their website, there will be a concert on February 17th featuring The Stylistics, The Dramatics, Cuba Gooding Jr. of The Main Ingrediant, as well as a couple of other acts. I stopped by the theatre this evening and saw the flyer posted in the box office window. Also posted, was a menu for The Paradise Bar and Grill, which I understand is only open on event nights.

posted by Rabbit on Jan 13, 2006 at 2:14pm

Cuba junior is the actor. Cuba senior is the singer ("Everybody Plays the Fool...").

posted by ken mc on Jan 13, 2006 at 3:20pm

Correct...It's Cuba Gooding Sr. Tickets are available online through ticketmaster and at the theatre box office. It's listed as 70's Soul Jam.

posted by Rabbit on Jan 13, 2006 at 5:32pm

Orlando Lopes, New York Metro Director of the Theatre Historical Society of America (THSA), is coordinating a volunteer effort for the Loew’s Paradise. There will be a series of events and shows where help is needed, starting this Saturday, February 11, 2006.

This is a wonderful opportunity to become part of the excitement of this beautifully revived Cinema Treasure. Orlando and the Paradise management have some great plans in store for all movie theatre and film fans.

Please contact Orlando at (631) 225-7071 after 9PM or email him at lopes1956@hotmail.com There will be a name list, so you cannot show up unannounced.

Thank you all.

posted by CinemAFuchs on Feb 9, 2006 at 1:12pm

In the fall of 1957 the movie Mister Rock and Roll was showing at the Loew's Paradise Theater in the Bronx. There was also an Alan Freed stage show which featured Jackie Wilson and JoAnn Campbell. Does anyone remember this show, who was performing and the date? It was not the concert from March 1958.

Thanks

Bopper57

posted by Bopper57 on Feb 16, 2006 at 2:25pm

As promised, I will give the lowdown on my trip to the Paradise Theatre last night. I went to the concert with my sister from New Jersey. The show consisted of five early 70's soul groups, the featured act being The Stylistics. We arrived about an hour before the scheduled start time of 8:00, and found a parking spot on the street about two blocks away. Many people were parking in public lots in the area, one of which was charging $18.00 for the evening. Upon entering the theatre, we had to pass through metal detectors, with the ladies going through one and the men going through another. I assumed the reason for the seperation was that if a body frisk was required, it would be done by staff of the same sex. I guess nowadays, any large venue would be crazy not to have metal detectors due to terrorism. Once inside, we had some wine at the bar that was in the main lobby. We went to the second level wher some tables and chairs were set up, and relaxed for awhile. The show started about 9:00, and ended about 12:30. Our seats were good (about 10th row orchestra.) All of the acts were from a similiar mold, that being of something like The Temptations...matching suits, synchronized moves etc. As for security, the Paradise or maybe the musical groups had there own security, in addition, there were four uniformed cops outside the theatre for the entire evening. The crowd, however, was quite mellow, with the average age being somewhere around 50. I was somewhat concerned when leaving the theatre, not knowing what to expect on the Grand Concourse at 12:30am. However, the crowd exiting, in addition to the police presence alleviated any fears, and it was uneventful. All in all, it was a very pleasant evening.

posted by Rabbit on Feb 18, 2006 at 4:21pm

Was the show well attended, Rabbit? Were there upcoming shows advertised?

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 19, 2006 at 4:14pm

Well, the orchestra was filled completely...which is 2300, plus about another few hundred in the mezz. and balcony. No upcoming shows yet, but they seem to average about two events per month.

posted by Rabbit on Feb 19, 2006 at 6:09pm

Cool. Sounds like there is evidence supporting the idea that they are making a go of things.

posted by Life's too short on Feb 20, 2006 at 5:56pm

The latest episode in WNET-TV's "Walking Tour" series, "A Walk Through the Bronx" (filmed in 2005), showcases this grand old theatre in a brief segment discussing the history of the Grand Councourse. The theatre is presented as the centerpiece in the revival of this area, and the footage features an interview with local historians in the grand lobby. What magnificent views! Bravo for featuring it, when other television programs about NYC fail to even mention it. Its importance as part of the historical, cultural and economic fabric of this city cannot be ignored!

This gem of a building holds a lot of history and memories. My parents were born and raised in the Bronx (Soundview), and their teenage years in the 1940s coincided with this theatre's heyday. I never thought of it before, but I'll bet they created a few "memories" of their own in that theatre, although I'm afraid to ask what they were!

Visit WNET-TV's website, which includes background information and highlights from this program. A profile of this theatre can be accessed directly at: http://www.thirteen.org/bronx/sites15.html (The "Resources" page even includes a link to the theatre's own homepage - the same one included in the Cinema Treasures profile: http://www.theparadisetheater.com/en/defaulten.htm)

posted by Alto on Mar 2, 2006 at 7:10pm

This theatre's website lists a salsa concert date of March 3rd (rescheduled from February due to a snow storm), but the Village Voice's online "nyc guide" listing shows the same event as March 10th. Which is correct?

We would appreciate any reviews from those attending. This is a venue I would consider visiting
(I know someone who lives near the theatre).

posted by Alto on Mar 8, 2006 at 7:01pm

Feature Film "We Own the Night" with Jaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, and Robert Duvall filmed last week at the Paradise. I am so glad the location scouts discovered this gem. Don't know how many days they filmed and if they filmed exteriors of the theater.

They had also shot around the corner in the church on Fordham Road @ University Avenue.

posted by TommyR on Mar 29, 2006 at 6:59am

Readers of this board may be interested in Saturday's meeting to Revitalize Brooklyn's Loew's Kings Movie Palace.

posted by Brooklynite on Apr 6, 2006 at 7:40am

Tours of the Loew's Paradise Theater will commence on Saturday, April 8th at 11 AM and at 1 PM. Additional tours this month are planned for April 15th and April 22nd with a regular schedule following on Saturdays throughout the year. Admission is $6.00 for all, with a maximumn tour size of 30 people. Photography will not be a problem.

Those wishing to attend – And who wouldn’t?!!!! It’s magnificent. – should leave their names with the theatre at 1-800-353-8040. Please check the website www.theparadisetheater.com for future dates and updated information.

Orlando Lopes, New York Director of the Theatre Historical Society, has done an outstanding job. His support of the Paradise continues by coordinating volunteer efforts for events and by personally guiding these tours which will take about 50 minutes. Thank you.

posted by CinemAFuchs on Apr 6, 2006 at 11:14am

http://www.gstos.org/wonder.htm

Thanks to an earlier post this is a good site to view and read about many aspects of the Paradise Theater. I didn't realize this theatre was an Eberson/atmospheric so now it certainly has my interest!

posted by Patsy on Apr 7, 2006 at 5:08pm

Interesting to read about the "5 Wonder Theatres" on the GTOS site. One of the them was a Rapp and Rapp designed theatre and yet another is a church.

posted by Patsy on Apr 7, 2006 at 5:12pm

Actually, Patsy, both the Valencia in Jamaica, Queens, and the 175th Street in Washington Heights, Manhattan, are actively used and open to all as churches. With the Paradise giving it a go as a live venue and the Jersey running classic revivals, only the Rapp & Rapp Kings is left a neglected hulk, rotting and decaying in Brooklyn and in need of many millions of dollars in restoration work.

posted by Ed Solero on Apr 7, 2006 at 6:09pm

I give my heart to the owners & all parties responsible for giving a treasure of a theater, and a true icon of the Bronx, a restoration that it deserves, and for reopening it. Any attempt to demolish it would have been Bronx's Penn Station. LONG LIVE LOEW'S PARADISE THEATRE!!!!!!! Lots of luck! - Michael

posted by NativeForestHiller on Apr 7, 2006 at 6:23pm

I had the unique opportunity today to attend the 1:00 P.M. tour of the Loew's Paradise today and let me tell you, words cannot express how astonishing this place is, you need to see it to believe it. I would encourage anyone who is the least bit curios about the Loew's Paradise to try to attend these tours, they are quite remarkable Mr. Lopes should be commended on his efforts for getting the tours of the Loew's Paradise off the ground and running. Thank You Loew's Paradise Management and Mr. Lopes for a splendid tour!

posted by Theatrefan on Apr 15, 2006 at 2:44pm

I echo the previous sentiments. I attended the 11:00 tour this morning. Absolutely fantastic! The theatre never looked better. Kudos to Mr. Lopes and the Paradise for a job well done!

posted by Rabbit on Apr 15, 2006 at 8:04pm

Debbie Reynolds, whose movies often played at Loew's Paradise, will be performing in the Bronx on June 4th, but not at the Paradise. The Reynolds show will be in the 2,310-seat Concert Hall of Lehman College in the northwest Bronx, near Van Cortland Park. The performing arts center seems to be a formidable rival to the Paradise, and may be the reason why the latter's bookings have been rather skimpy since it re-opened. More info about the Lehman Center and its schedule can be found at www.lehmancenter.org

posted by Warren G. Harris on Apr 20, 2006 at 3:26am

Does anyone know if they are going to do another tour? I may try to sneak out of work to go to one...

posted by CConnolly on Apr 20, 2006 at 4:07am

The original "News" item and the posting by CinemAFuchs on April 6th indicates that there will be a tour this Saturday, the 22nd, and that there will be a regular Saturday schedule throughout the year. Give a call to the theater's number provided in that post.

posted by Ed Solero on Apr 20, 2006 at 6:15am

Warren... When I told my father about the restoration and re-opening of the Paradise, he mentioned that there would be stiff competition from Lehman College. I intended to post that info here, but it slipped my mind. My dad was a professional musician (now retired) and was the keyboard player and arranger for Tito Puente's band for some 17 years up to the great bandleader's untimely death a few years ago. The surviving Puente band members are sometimes asked to play Latin jazz festivals and I figured I'd let him know about the Paradise as a potential venue. Not to mention that he grew up in the Bronx (and resides there currently) and spent a number of youthful evenings basking under the twilight sky of the great theater's auditorium.

posted by Ed Solero on Apr 20, 2006 at 6:26am

There will be a tour this Saturday at 11:00 and again at 1:00. According to the theatre's website, there will be no tours in May, but they do have dates listed for June. Orlando Lopes (the tour guide) informed us on the last tour that they will begin showing classic films this summer. They will begin with "West Side Story" on July 21st. There will be an afternoon matinee and an evening presentation as well. He said that depending on the response, films may become a regular thing.

posted by Rabbit on Apr 20, 2006 at 9:59am

I am pleased to report that the interior of this magnificent theatre has finally been designated a landmark by the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission. The exterior has been landmarked for about a decade, but until now it was a struggle to obtain the same status for the interior. Check out NYC/Gov website and go to Landmarks, then do a search for Loew's Paradise to read the press release.

posted by Rabbit on May 27, 2006 at 8:44pm

This is great news!!! Thank you for sharing it. I am glad the Landmarks Preservation Commission didn't disregard this theater. There are several others throughout the 5 boroughs that they have stalled on calendaring for a hearing, or refused to grant a hearing, resulting in much confusion. It is a victory to know that it is officially designated, and a piece of "paradise" will be here to stay. For the convenience of members on this site, you can follow this link:

www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/press/05_16_06.pdf

ENJOY!!!

As a side note, if anyone feels a theater or another building is landmark-worthy, please send a request for evaluation form to the LPC. They're available on their website. Please don't forget to stand up for what you believe in!

posted by NativeForestHiller on May 27, 2006 at 8:56pm

It is indeed a pleasure to read that Complete landmark status has been given the very deserving PARADISE in the Bronx. So very few movie palaces nationwide have received this honor in their municipalities, and perhaps no others with such protection of their interiors, which especially impresses this non-New Yorker. May her years be a great many and may new generations here discover therein the 'magic' that such temples of the movies brought to so many of previous generations! I'm sure that John Eberson would be so proud, just as New Yorkers have a right to be!

posted by Jim Rankin on May 28, 2006 at 3:00am

What's going on with the management of the Paradise? According to the official website, there was a "Memorial Holiday--Classical Soul" concert last Friday night, but not even one event is listed for the future. Perhaps they should seek advice from the owners of the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth, NJ, which seems to be enjoying success with concerts for a multi-cultural audience.

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 28, 2006 at 3:56am

Warren, they seem to average about two events per month. I agree, they could benefit from more shows, but according to the fellow from the tour I went on, they are novices to this and are still learning the ropes. However, they are making quite a bit more money than movies bring in with ticket prices up to $75 or $95. Each show brings in about $300,000.

posted by Rabbit on May 28, 2006 at 5:02am

Not to mention they probably hire a fair number of their staff on a per diem basis, so that the overhead is relatively low when they're not staging an event.

posted by bubbymeintza on May 28, 2006 at 8:03am

There is a concert listed on their website for June 4th. They must be doing OK financially as the ticket price for this show is only $2.00

posted by Rabbit on May 31, 2006 at 12:14pm

The June 4th event is apparently underwritten by MTV, and is designed to acquaint younger people with the theatre...The heading for this listing needs to be changed. The theatre is now known as the Paradise. It severed its relationship with Loew's (aka Loews) quite a long time ago.

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 31, 2006 at 12:39pm

Just because a show grosses $300k doesn't mean the theater is keeping all, or even a large part of that money... for example the theater I manage grossed over $1,000,000 in two nights when we hosted a Bruce Springsteen concert; however the rent we collected was more in the $6,000 range! On the whole, we collect around 10% of what a concert grosses, though each show is structured differently. Assuming the Paradise is doing something similar (which it may or may not) 10% of 300K is still decent money - but these old buildings, no matter how well they are renovated, are expensive to heat, air condition, staff, etc. Of course they do make money on food and beverage sales too.

I hope that events like the MTV-sponsored one help them make a name for the place. Glad to know no matter who runs it, the theater is now protected from destruction or alteration.

posted by Ian M. Judge on May 31, 2006 at 2:51pm

Does the sign outside still say Loew's Paradise (as shown in the picture)?

posted by Ron Newman on May 31, 2006 at 3:02pm

Yes.

posted by bubbymeintza on May 31, 2006 at 3:59pm

While I have no clue who Daddy Yankee is or what his particular claim to fame may be, I hope he doesn't attract the type of audience that will trash the place just for the hell of it.

Warren, I disagree: the theatre is famous as "Loew's Paradise" plus they are keeping the old sign so it should remain listed as it is. Besides, since there is no longer a theatre chain with the name Loew's, or Loews, what can it hurt?

posted by dave-bronx on Jun 1, 2006 at 12:04am

ABSOLUTELY !!!!!

posted by RobertR on Jun 1, 2006 at 2:08am

Daddy Yankee?

I guess George Steinbrenner is in concert.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 1, 2006 at 3:35am

The official website says just Paradise, as does advertising, publicity, and tickets. I thought it was CT policy to use the current name if a vintage theatre is still operating as a theatre. Loew's Paradise could still be used in smaller type above Paradise.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 1, 2006 at 3:46am

Then the Strand should be changed to the Warner Twin since that's what it was called when it closed.

posted by RobertR on Jun 1, 2006 at 3:51am

Is there an actual CT policy? I agree with Warren that CT always seems to display the current working theater's name on its listings (so the Loew's Astor Plaza is listed as the Nokia Theater), but there is some inconsistency as to which name a theater goes by if it is no longer in theatrical operations or has been demolished. It seems that the best known name prevails, but that can be a pretty subjective call and I'm not sure if that is official policy. I certainly wouldn't want to see the Strand listed as "Warner Twin" just as surely as I wouldn't want the Rivoli listed as "UA Twin", but a consistent naming convention should be established. And it does make sense to use the current operating name for those theaters still in operation.

posted by Ed Solero on Jun 1, 2006 at 5:26am

But, this isn't just some ordinary theatre in Kansas - this is what what many would consider to be THE cinema treasure, and known to 99% of people into such things as Loew's Paradise! This is not a ticket buying site - if it were then you want to have the name match the way the place is being publicized. The Nokia/Astor Plaza, aside from the size of the screen and the mumber of seats used as a single motion picture theatre was an otherwise unremarkable facility. Changing the name there is inconsequential.

I haven't noticed a listing on this site for the United Church, but there is one for Loew's 175th Street.

posted by dave-bronx on Jun 1, 2006 at 9:21am

Dave-bronx... not to be argumentative - because I certainly see your point - but the United Church is not a functioning theater but a church. The point I was making is that it seems CT has a policy of using the current working name for any theater listed here that is still in theatrical operation. Hence, the Selwyn is now the American Airlines Theater, the Victory now the New Victory, the Winter Garden now the Cadillac Winter Garden, the Oriental in Chicago now the Ford Center for Performing Arts and the Metropolitan in Boston now the Wang Center. While those theaters may not have quite the magnificent opulence of the Loew's Paradise, neither are they just some ordinary theaters in Kansas.

Perhaps CT should just follow the convention used in most books on the subject of theatrical architecture and use the original name under which the theater first opened. Whatever the choice, it should be consistent. The AKA search works quite well and folks looking for a specific theater (provided they have the right spelling) should have little trouble tracking it down.

posted by Ed Solero on Jun 1, 2006 at 10:04am

For those who are wondering who “Daddy Yankee” is… he performs Reggaeton (the musical equivalent of “Spanish rap”), is from Puerto Rico, and is one of the top Latino pop stars in the world today. If you STILL don’t know who he is, listen to any "Spanish", “contemporary hit”, or “urban contemporary/rap” radio station …or just go to the Puerto Rican parade in NYC on June 11th… and you will eventually hear his music played (as in the mega-hit “Gasolina”)

While I do have some concerns about the type of people his music may attract, I do not consider him or his audience as “hardcore” as some of those involved with “gangsta” rap (thank God). I have danced to his music in Latino nightclubs, and I can assure you, I found people there who enjoy type of music – they were non-threatening and having a good time

I have no doubt that with MTV behind this show “Mr. Yankee” will be arriving with an elaborate entourage that includes an army of “security” personnel who will bounce troublemakers out on a dime. NYPD will also be out in force. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some pot and drug busts and a few confiscated switchblades. Still, there is probably no better place in NYC for a show like this than a large theater in the Bronx – with a huge Puerto Rican and Hispanic population that is into “urban” music, MTV will certainly find its audience here. It is worth the risk – this is THE show that will put the Paradise Theatre “on the map” and establish it as a premiere concert venue.

Monday, June 5th will be a historic night for the “new” Paradise Theatre - a turning point.

posted by Alto on Jun 1, 2006 at 11:48am

Just a note, tickets for Daddy Yankee went on sale at 12 noon on June 1st, and were sold out when I drove by the theatre at 5pm. I guess the $2.00 price was a big draw for Mr. Yankee.

posted by Rabbit on Jun 1, 2006 at 12:56pm

Ed, "but the United Church is not a functioning theater but a church." To clarify, the space at 175th and Bway functions as both Church (Palace Catherdral) and Theatre (United Palace). From their website.

http://www.revike.org/history.asp

Don’t let “ungodly” costs run you away from New York!

At the fraction of the cost of what other locations would rent for, you can utilize the most opulent, restored theatre on Broadway, at 175th Street, in New York City. In Washington Heights at the George Washington Bridge. Easy access from the TRI-STATE AREA, (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) without encountering the congestion and expense of “midtown madness!”

Movies • TV Production • Sound Recordings
Videos Concerts • Special Events • Theatre • Pipe Organ

Note Bene: Concerts of various kinds play there occasionally and stagehands report that church members take terrific care of the space.

posted by Bwayniteowl on Jun 1, 2006 at 2:07pm

Incidentally, there's an error at the Paradise homepage: "Since 1929...85 years of history..." Actually, 1929 is 77 years ago, or 75, to round it off, not 85, I haven't pointed it out to them, but hopefully they read this board, or perhaps someone who speaks with them can mention it.

posted by bubbymeintza on Jun 2, 2006 at 2:20am

The night of June 5th, 2006 could very well be an historic "turning point" for the Paradise. Once Mr. Yankee's fans are unleashed therein, the theatre might not be standing by the next morning.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 2, 2006 at 2:55am

Isn't it interesting that people of Christ take such care of and love these buildings so much. Having been built in the interest of commerce and pop culture at their gaudiest and most baroque they are now welcoming homes for people of deep religious spirituality.
Go figure!

posted by Vincent on Jun 2, 2006 at 3:55am

From a production standpoint, designating the interior of a landmark theatre is a two-edged sword. No one argues that the exteriors and lobby areas need to perserved intact but it's been found that in most cases a landmarks designation of the auditorium will harm the rentability of the designated theatre. It's the argument between the practical needs of the production and the requirements of the law. The Paradise now has a most impractical maple deck thats varnished. With strict enforcement of the landmarks designation, a touring show cannot come in and paint the deck, a common requirement for their production. The same is true for,say, a tour of "Phantom Of The Opera" with it's large chandelier that needs to be rigged over the orchestra seating. Without the ability to secure the main elements of the production, the show will go elsewhere. Lighting, sound, cables, trucking all have modern requirements that can be hampered by the landmarking of the auditorium. This is why experienced theatre owners will accede to landmarking exterior and lobby areas but fight landmarking auditoriums. You won't find it on Broadway or Radio City or any of the large older houses. The Paradise is a jewel and every effort must be kept to maintain what is there and upgrade it to match modern theatrical needs. Landmarking tends to make it a fly in amber situation which will not promote the venue or help the Bronx.

posted by Bwayniteowl on Jun 3, 2006 at 4:24pm

It's surprising - or then again, maybe not - that theatrical spaces do not have a codicil in their interior landmark designations that would allow for the accepted practice of having temporary alterations made to accommodate visiting productions. I would imagine that the costs to effect these alterations, as well as the cost to restore the facilities to their proper configuration once the production vacates, would be covered by that show's producers. At the very least, a quick and easy process should be established for theater owners to obtain some sort of temporary variance to allow the necessary work to be performed. I know nothing is quick and easy with the LPC but it seems rather obvious that in the absence of such a process, the LPC is hindering the economic viability of any theater whose auditorium it designates a landmark. What a great service... preserve, protect and render obsolete!

posted by Ed Solero on Jun 3, 2006 at 6:34pm

Wouldn't a chandelier look kind of absurd hanging from an atmospheric sky, anyway?

posted by BWChicago on Jun 3, 2006 at 6:41pm

Wouldn't a giant light troth cut into an atmospheric sky look absurd, anyway? Whoops!

By the way, everything behind the proscenium, including the stage and the lighting, is NOT original and I think therefore does not quality as part of the landmark status. There ARE in fact clauses that let theater owners do TEMPORARY adjustments for these sort of shows. That was a major concern when "landmark status" for theaters originally began. Otherwise, most placed would be rendered obsolete.

One other point: the Paradise's original lighting scheme did NOT have gaudy LED lights flashing under the statuary, nor did it have ugly, clunky, red vinyl seats scattered around.

And that mustard colored curtain has GOT to go! :)

posted by Jack Theakston on Jun 3, 2006 at 7:28pm

According to the book "Landmarks Of New York" by Barbaralee Diamondstein, the following theatre interiors are landmarked:
Biltmore 1987
Eugene O'Neill 1987
Brooks Atkinson 1987
Royal 1987
Majestic 1987
Golden 1987
St. James 1987
Neil Simon 1985
Ed Sullivan 1988
Beacon 1979
Barrymore 1987
Mark Hellinger 1987
Keiths-Flushing 1984
Radio City Music Hall 1978
46th Street 1987
City Center 1983
Embassy I 1987
Martin Beck 1987
Winter Garden 1988
Imperial 1987
Town Hall 1978
Music Box 1987
Ambassador 1985
Plymouth 1987
Henry Miller 1987
Broadhurst 1987
Apollo (125th St.) 1983
Palace 1987
Shubert 1987
Longacre 1987
Helen Hayes 1987
Cort 1987
Booth 1987
Lunt-Fontanne 1987
Belasco 1987
Lyceum 1987
Hudson 1987
New Amsterdam 1979
Carnegie Hall 1967
Virginia 1985
Many, but not all, are also exterior landmarked. The year after the name is the year each was designated a landmark by the New York City Lamdmarks Preservation Commission. The book was published in 1988, so there are probably others that have been designated since then. Most of the Broadway stage theatres were designated in 1987, in response to the destruction of the Morosco, Bijou and [the first] Helen Hayes theaters on the site of the Marriott Hotel. The Broadway theaters, as well as RCMH have remained viable since landmarking, and the production companies don't appear to have been adversely affected.

posted by dave-bronx on Jun 4, 2006 at 12:02am

If the interior of Keith's Flushing was landmarked in 1984, how come it was permitted to reach its current condition? Surely the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission must have been aware of what was going on. Why didn't it stop it? Or is Diamondstein's listing incorrect? By 1984, KF had been sub-divided, so the LPC would have been landmarking altered premises, and not the original.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 4, 2006 at 6:15am

The one-word answer to that is POLITICS - from what I read over the years the developer, Huang, who has since been convicted of various infractions regarding the Keith's demise, "persuaded" the late Queens borough president, Donald Manes, and other local pols to intervene on his behalf against Landmarks' enforcement efforts. You've heard the old joke - "What did Donald Manes, Rock Hudson and Henry VIII all have in common?" The answer - They all f****d Queens -

posted by dave-bronx on Jun 4, 2006 at 8:49am

There are two existing, original lighting bays in the ceiling along with duct work for ventilation. And during an earlier renovation the ornate plaster work behind the original balcony lighting rail was boxed in. Perhaps more pleasing to the eye but greatly reducing the utility of the auditorium.

As for the landmarking of the interiors downtown. Multi-million dollar productions go into those houses with a great deal of time and planning. The management of the theatres there have generations of dealing with them. The Paradise is being promoted as a Road House of sorts but there is no house crew to protect it. As a promoter, I look for the easiest way to make a buck and often decisions are made on the fly by people with no long term interest in the theatre. Bearing this in mind, do I sign a contract if I have read this from the Landmarks Commission about how long it will take to get a decision about alterations? Or do I go ahead and sign and do what I want, then pack up and be gone and let the process repeat itself while the theatre bears the brunt of the damage?

http://home2.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/faqs/faq_permit.shtml

When will the Landmarks Commission make a decision about my application?
Once the staff has confirmed that an application is complete, the Landmarks Commission will make a decision as quickly as possible. The Commission must make its decision within the following time periods:

Certificate of No Effect - 30 working days
Permit for Minor Work - 20 working days
Certificate of Appropriateness - 90 working days

With a Broadway show, it's one thing, with MTV and Yankee Daddy, it's another.

I'm not looking for a fight or to criticize anyone. I only say this because I want the place to work. it's terrific space in a terrific location. I'm lucky enough to make my living in the business and I want to add my perspective as a someone from backstage.

posted by Bwayniteowl on Jun 4, 2006 at 1:59pm

I, too, want the Paradise to work and thrive once again. I'm by no means an expert on the ins and outs of operating a landmarked theatre, but doesn't it just prevent the destruction of the decorative elements of the interior? You can't go breaking down walls and ceilings and that sort of thing. I've never heard of a show that required any of that. The Broadway stage theatres for years have utilized semi-permanent lighting trusses and towers and other rigging affixed to the walls and the front of the balcony that can be removed fairly easily to restore the original integrity of the room. It would seem that the LPC has to have a certain amount of flexibility so the facility can remain viable and generate an income to maintain itself. Considering the amount of money spent on the restoration I'm sure they want to maintain their investment, and once the place gets itself 'on the map' they will they will establish a house crew. Right now there is not enough of an income-stream for them to be able to do that.

posted by dave-bronx on Jun 4, 2006 at 9:50pm

Out of curiousity, I drove by the theatre tonight at about 7:45pm. The line of people waiting to get in to se Daddy Yankee stretched down the Concourse to 184th street and up to Creston Ave. for a total of about five blocks! The police were out in force as were security guards and several MTV mobile video trucks. I understand the show will air later this month.

posted by Rabbit on Jun 5, 2006 at 2:48pm

Five blocks!?!???!?!?

Very cool!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted by Life's too short on Jun 5, 2006 at 3:51pm

Brilliant!!! The response was just as I expected – perhaps even better!

The purpose of MTV2’s “$2 Bill” concert series is to enable fans to see their favorite pop stars in concert for the mere cost of the bus fare needed to travel to the theatre. I doubt that the Paradise Theatre made much money from hosting this event…but the publicity it generated is PRICELESS.

An informal survey of websites (mostly in Spanish) revealed much “buzz” on the Internet, with one source reporting that tickets sold out in less that one hour!

What was the crowd like (appearance, age, behavior)? If anyone else passed by or attended, please share your observations and experiences – an event of this magnitude is just too difficult to ignore! I’ll be watching for it on MTV2 on Sunday, 18 June at 8:00 p.m. - a great opportunity to see this incredible theatre "in action".

Hey “Rabbit”: do another “drive-by” and let us know whether or not the theatre is still “standing.” ;-)

posted by Alto on Jun 6, 2006 at 6:11pm

Warren, I posted the complete entry on the Keith's from the Diamondstein book under that theatres listing - it gives no reference to the quadding - in fact, it is written as though the theatre was in its original configuration. Perhaps the sub-dividing walls were considered temporary, since they could, as demonstrated here at the Paradise, be removed, thus restoring the room to its original proportions.

posted by dave-bronx on Jun 6, 2006 at 7:37pm

I am pleased to report that the theatre is indeed still standing! Alto, from what I saw, the crowd was very orderly, and mostly in their early 20's. I was a bit surprised at the diversity in terms of ethnicity. It was primarily Hispanic, but some blacks and quite a few whites as well. I guess Mr. Yankee has multi-cultural appeal. The MTV video trucks were parked on the Concourse with a large number of personnel. I happened to stop by the day after the show and spoke to a security guard there. He said there was no trouble but there was a strong police presence outside the theatre. Inside, he said there were plain clothes cops as well. Signs outside the theatre were posted for the first time with this concert, stating, "The Paradise has a strict no weapons policy...All patrons will be subject to search and must pass through metal detector."

posted by Rabbit on Jun 7, 2006 at 2:42pm

I’m glad that the theatre is “intact” and experienced no major problems (I did not see anything reported in the local news media, so I suppose that “no news is good news”). I’m even more pleased to hear that the theatre is capable of attracting a diverse crowd despite its particular location in the Bronx – it sounds like it has a broad appeal that goes beyond just the ”locals”, and its convenient proximity to mass transit is a definite “selling point” and key to its success (especially for MTV2 and its audience alike, and appropriate considering this particular concert series’ theme).

Given all of this and the extra security measures in place, the Paradise should be a “safe bet” as a major destination for many more enthusiastic concertgoers. I’ll be looking forward to seeing more events like this scheduled there. Congratulations and best wishes to Paradise Theatre management – a very smart programming decision!

I would have actually liked to see this show live, but couldn’t since I already had a prior obligation (a college class) – a Monday night seems like a strange time to schedule a concert event (they probably figured that they would get a huge crowd regardless of day and time). I’ll just have to catch it on TV.

posted by Alto on Jun 11, 2006 at 9:47am

Attention Paradise Theatre aficionados:

A RARE opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of this magnificent theatre TWICE in ONE DAY!

On Sunday, June 18th, TWO television shows will be featuring this theatre in all of its glory…

8:00 a.m. EDT
A&E Television – “Breakfast with the Arts” series presents…
“WONDER THEATRES” (documentary)

8:00 p.m. EDT
MTV2 – “$2 Bill Concert Series” presents…
“DADDY YANKEE AND FRIENDS” (June 5th show at the Paradise Theatre)

Enjoy!

posted by Alto on Jun 13, 2006 at 7:05am

How are the plans for classic film shows progressing? (as noted in the April 20 posting).

posted by njmoviefan on Jun 18, 2006 at 2:15pm

I am watching the MTV2 concert event as I write this - great opening shots of the crowds and the theater's interior statuary and ornamentation - what fun! And what a gorgeous performance space!

I have limited understanding of what the Spanish lyrics are saying (much of it is slang) - everyone in the crowd is smiling and nobody on stage looks too angry, although I did notice that one of the songs is entitled "Machete".

Long live the Paradise!

Marcus Loew must be turning over in his grave.

posted by Alto on Jun 18, 2006 at 2:44pm

I thoroughly enjoyed the A&E special but was left wanting more. Much More!!!!! The theaters are incredibly special and represent an architectural legacy that will never be duplicated. That all five of these theaters still exist is a miracle, but this show could easily have done a hour or more devoted to their history and current states of condition. It was truly uplifting to see what has been done by voulnteers to rescue the Jersey. Why can't the same be done for the Kings! It is already owned by the city. The borough presidents office could easily earmark discretionary funds to jumpstart this project and Brooklyn corporate sponsors could be enlisted as well. I was disappointed that we saw virtually none of the 175th St. theater in this special.

I also was surprised that they didn't devote more to the Paradise since it has just been reopened. I wanted to see more of the architectual details. I am taping the Daddy Yankee concert to see if I can see more details there!

Maybe I would never have been satified no matter how much they showed! :-)

I was great to see these theaters given the attention they desparately need if we are to preserve them for future generations.

posted by LuisV on Jun 18, 2006 at 2:53pm

I am happy to see that at least one of the Wonder theatres is still on and will never be demolished. And well obviously Jersey is there too. I hope that they can do this to Kings but so far the theatre is dead. How much did it cost for Paradise's restoration?

posted by ShortyC on Jun 18, 2006 at 4:21pm

Millions of dollars. The Paradise and the 175th are THE last fully-preserved Wonder Theatres.

The A&E documentary was shot by professionals who could make a nuclear dump look good. Seeing the Kings on TV and seeing it in person are two different things. At this point, it is unsavable.

posted by Jack Theakston on Jun 18, 2006 at 5:42pm

Unsavable? That's a little extreme. Why would you say "unsavabe". Obviously, the theatre needs a tremendous amount of work, but after view it, I wouldn't say "unsavable". Take the RKO Keith's Flushing, and I'll agree, "that's unsavable". But I don't believe the Kings is unsavable.

posted by Bway on Jun 19, 2006 at 1:04am

I also totally disagree that it is unsavable. I've seen photos of the old New Amsterdam theater on 42nd St. which was partially open to the sky. That truly appeared to be unsavalbe. Yet it was saved! through a combination of city initiative (The 42nd St. Business Improvement District)and private industry (Disney). The same could be done in Brooklyn! I know that Brooklyn is not Manhattan, but it isn't East St. Louis either. Much can be done here.

The borough President talks about the King's being a passion of his. Let's see him put some money where his mouth is! Give the King's a grant to at least stabilize the building and jump start the rebuilding process.

The Kings can be saved, should be saved and will be saved!

posted by LuisV on Jun 19, 2006 at 6:14am

It's almost a sin that a theater with the status of this one, being among one of the "Wonder Theaters" doesn't even have an opening paragraph or two as a description. Perhaps someone should submit something?

posted by Bway on Jun 19, 2006 at 6:49am

I believe the Paradise might have first opened as a quartet on December 12th, 1980. Stop the presses! (ha ha) Anyway, I have several newspapers from around this time (following John Lennon's death) and curiously find that in the Thursday, December 11th edition, there are listings in the Movie Clock for only Paradise 1 and Paradise 2 (respectively showing "The Elephant Man" and "Boogie Man"). The ad for "Elephant Man" as well as the ads for "Popeye" and "Stir Crazy" (opening the following day) list the theater as "Loews Paradise Triplex":
Elephant/Popeye NY Post 12/11/80
Stir Crazy - NY Post 12/11/80

All the ads in the next day's paper (Friday the 12th) list the theater as "Loews Paradise Quad" with the Movie Clock listing "Stir Crazy" in theaters 1 and 2 while "Popeye" and "Elephant Man" played 3 and 4 respectively.
Stir Crazy - News 12/12/80
Popeye - News 12/12/80
Elephant Man - News 12/12/80

My guess is the theater operated only the two downstairs theaters up through December 11th, while the balcony theater was being divided in two for the December 12th bookings. Just throwing it out there.

posted by Ed Solero on Jun 21, 2006 at 11:00am

Ed....NYC shows a triplex located at this address on April 1, 1977. No fooling. :)

Theater#1-810 seats
Theater#2-845 seats
Theater#3-979 seats

Theater #3 was the former balcony. In December of 1981 NYC shows this theater as a quad, so your December 12th, 1980 date is most likely correct.

Theater#1-810 seats
Theater#2=845 seats
Theater#3=574 seats
Theater#4-549 seats

Somehow they managed to add about 40+ seats to the balcony area when it was divided.

posted by Lost Memory on Jun 21, 2006 at 1:54pm

In May, 1947, the Paradise lost its exclusive status for the Bronx during the city-wide premiere engagement of Selznick's "Duel in the Sun." The movie opened simultaneously in the Bronx at Loew's Boulevard, American, 167th Street, National, Fairmount, and Post Road: www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/duelsun47.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 1, 2006 at 4:49am

Less than two weeks to go - any word on the planned showing of West Side Story on July 21?

posted by njmoviefan on Jul 8, 2006 at 4:31pm

I have a question, according to the friends of Loews website (group who is restoring the Jersey theatre) they said the organ that is now in the Jersey thatre is from the Paradise theatre, how come the paradise doesn't have their original organ?

posted by ShortyC on Jul 9, 2006 at 4:36am

The Paradise gave it to the Jersey City when it appeared doubtful that the Paradise would ever use it again.

posted by bubbymeintza on Jul 9, 2006 at 12:43pm

Still no news about the scheduled movie of West Side Story on July 21?

I would have to guess it's not happening - what gives, Orlando?

posted by njmoviefan on Jul 13, 2006 at 8:40am

I sent an e-mail to Orlando regarding the films. The follwing is his reply...The film series has been delayed until mid to late September. "West Side Story" is still the opening film and a "star appearance" and several "Jets" will be on hand. The theatre is being relamped by a Con Edison contractor and only up to now was 1/3 lit. They will be responsible for replacing the 2/3 bulb outages in the proscenium arch. The vestibule, foyers and grand lobby were done when I taped a BNET television special Thursday to air this October, and the new energysaving bulbs throw off a new glow to the building. Coves were only barely lit as were the chadeliers and wall fixtures. Orchestra blue backlighting is completely out as is the organ grills, the proscenium arch cove ( 1 bulb out of forty working ). The bridge and the center statue will also be lit as well as some overlooked places. I was glad to be there with the contractors who have done several other theatres.

posted by Rabbit on Jul 16, 2006 at 1:08pm

Very cool! It certainly sounds like they are doing things right.

posted by Life's too short on Jul 16, 2006 at 1:28pm

Ah, to replace all light bulbs! Consider: in the 1920s a light bulb cost 2 cents, the electric rate was about 1/2 cent per kilowat hour, and bulb replacement labor was around 30 cents or less the hour; now we have nearly a dollar per standard bulb, around 8 cents per kilowat hour, and probably $15 per hour labor. It is a miracle that they found the thousands needed to pay for all that work! Few of us ever get to see a movie palace's thousands of bulbs fully lit for just these reasons! I dearly hope someone takes photos of the newly illuminated space before about 700 hours pass and most of the bulbs are again burned out without again the money to replace them.

I also hope that the contractor will be careful of the fragile items: paint, plaster and textiles which can easily be damaged by rough fellows on the hurry-up, which all contractors are in order to make the most money. This is why I prefer volunteers if possible to do relamping; presumably they care. Such a theatre is just too precious a learning experience for a contractor who is there one day with his minimum wage crew, and gone the next! Let us hope that the owner keeps at least one 'clerk-of-the-works' on site at ALL times to keep the contractor and crews considerate of the building, and right there with a camera to document any damage they do. It would be good to let it leak that there are hidden security cameras in the attic and all areas to monitor all doings!

posted by Jim Rankin on Jul 17, 2006 at 4:04am

Rabbit:

Thanks for getting the follow-up.

Interesting that Orlando's reply talks about replacing light bulbs and nothing about the installation/specifications of the film projection gear they are going to have.

posted by njmoviefan on Jul 17, 2006 at 4:13am

No shows scheduled until September 30th (a soul music concert)? I am very surprised at the lack of bookings - theater management will have to do better than this if they want to recoup their investment and cover operating expenses - I doubt that their food-beverage services and rented retail spaces generate enough income to support such a large space. So unless they are renting it out every week for private parties, corporate functions or catered events, I can't see how they manage to survive.

Let's hope this "dry spell" is temporary.

At least they are making capital improvements with the funds that they have. Those high-efficiency light bulbs will pay for themselves in energy savings and relamping costs, as they will last up to 10 times (about 9000 hours) longer than old-fashioned incandescent "Edison lamps" and require less-frequent replacement. Only problem is: can they be dimmed? (I assume they are compact fluorescent and/or LED lamps - these require special ballasts and circuits for dimming - this equipment, along with installation costs, is very expensive).

Also, don't they hire union electricians for this type of work? Their labor rates can be outrageous.

Finally, a good point was made regarding movie presentations - didn't they remove projection capabilities (rooms and equipment) when they modified the theater for live performances?

posted by Alto on Jul 18, 2006 at 7:14pm

Well, there has been some discussion of this in the past. It seems like every event is certainly not listed on that web site.

posted by Life's too short on Jul 18, 2006 at 7:28pm

The "capital improvements" are probably why there are no presentations until September 30th. Also, there might be problems with air-conditioning. Does the Paradise even have it? And the cost of running it would be extremely expensive. The system has to be turned on many hours in advance of a performance to cool down such a large auditiorium and its surrounding areas.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 19, 2006 at 3:05am

Frankly, a venue that size in NYC costs less to keep closed and rented out for catering and such than it does to run it for concerts (throwing on EVERY light in the house).

posted by Jack Theakston on Jul 20, 2006 at 9:27am

THE TIME IS NOW! I found tickets for the Paradide listed on the TickerMaster site for "Night in Paradise" on September 30th. It says it's a night of classic r&b music. Several Black groups. Well, OK, I'm white but I've seen many shows at Washington DC's Howard Theatre, Washington's equivalent of Harlem's Apollo. Black people speak English, likewise sing in English. That's all I ask. Before rap they made good music, many still do. Tickets are $75, 65, 55 or 45. Pretty steep, but so what? I'll be there --- in Row A. What about you?

posted by rlvjr on Jul 22, 2006 at 11:22am

According to their website, there will be a comedy show on August 26th. Sounds like a good idea.

posted by Rabbit on Aug 1, 2006 at 3:12pm

FOUND MY LOST LOVE AT THE PARADISE: I met a man who repeately asked me out, but I declined each time. One Saturday he called and asked me to join him for a movie and allow him to change my preception about him. I agreed. We went to the Paradise Theater to see Buglar, starring Whoopie Goldberg. Once we entered the theater, I noticed a gentelman that looked familar, Lorenzo P. We dated a few years before, but never took it to the next level because we both had significant others. Lorenzo greeted us, and my date stepped away to give us some privacy. (MISTAKE #1) Lorenzo and I quickly caught up with each other status (both single) and he asked to visit me the next day. I agreed and offered my number but he refused, stating that he did not need it because there would be no excuses for him not to see me the next day, just give me your address and I'll be there. Till this day, I don't know if it was due to my excitment of seeing him the next day or if the movie was wack, but I had to get out of there and sleep so the day would be over already. Of course I did not decline when my date wanted to leave during the middle of the movie because he was not into it. At my apartment door, I tried to end the date but my date wanted to come in for a drink of water. I let him in and got him the water, he slipped it slowly and tried to get close to me. I was looking for a reason to end the date quickly and he gave it to me when he tried to show me how sexy he was and rubbed up on me.(MISTAKE #2) Goodnite Mr. Nasty! Sleep, Sleep, Sleep. Awake! I was a happy women when Lorenzo showed up at my door the next afternoon. We were inseparable. A few MONTHS later, my date called and I thanked him for the movie and making it possible for me re-connecting with the love of my life. Lorenzo and I were together for many years, but even good things sometime come to an end. I have been to the Paradise several times but of course this was the most memorable. Thanks for reading.

posted by QueenTee on Aug 7, 2006 at 9:28am

I thought that currently opeating theatres were supposed to be listed by their latest name. According to its official website, this is now known as the Paradise, not Loew's Paradise...And what's happening with the programming? Only one event scheduled for the future?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 14, 2006 at 4:07am

The Daily News started a new Tuesday pullout section devoted to the Bronx, yet nothing about this wonderful theater has been featured. The owners are doing a poor job in promoting it. Few people outside of this site and that neighborhood are aware it's even reopened.

Months back I had suggested to the publisher of "Back in the Bronx" magazine to start a bus tour of the Paradise from lower Westchester due to a lack of nearby parking and public fears of street crime which is very, very high in that 46th Precinct area. I usually park on Arthur Avenue and walk up, no problem, but most others fear the
area for good reason. Hopefully the midtown tour companies that presently operate Bronx tours will include the Paradise.

Am surprised the owner has not experimented with showing spanish language films as was done at National Amusements Concouse Plaza multiplex. Did they discontinue it??

posted by TommyR on Sep 14, 2006 at 4:54am

Can't someone please submit an opening paragraph for this theater (I would, but feel someone more familiar with this theater should). It's amazing that a theater as the status of one Wonder Theaters can get by on the site without even a sentence about it in the opening feature section.

posted by Bway on Sep 14, 2006 at 5:05am

Loew's Paradise and its roof sign can be seen in the background of this 1960 image, taken when crowds gathered on the Grand Concourse for a presidential campaign visit by John F. Kennedy:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/pararoof.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 22, 2006 at 5:30am

Any word on if the mid-to-late September showing of West Side Story is taking place this month?

posted by njmoviefan on Sep 22, 2006 at 7:21am

Here is a recent exterior photo of the Loew's Paradise Theater. This is an interior photo and here is another interior photo.

posted by Lost Memory on Sep 22, 2006 at 4:09pm

Many years ago I was involved in the renovation(electrical portion) of this beautiful theater when it was being split into smaller theaters (what a crime). I was able to retain some of the old light fixtures from the original theater. Some are solid brass (Exit sign, balcony sign)and some are wrought iron (main theater side aisle ceiling lights). Now I am seriously low on space to keep them and must sell them. If anyone is interested in these treasures of the past please contact me at revspike@earthlink.net , so we can talk.

posted by Manfred on Sep 27, 2006 at 7:04am

Hi Manfred. Why don't you approach the theatre owners? They'd most likely by thrilled to have a chance to get some original fixtures back again.

posted by ziggy on Sep 27, 2006 at 10:36am

Yes, by all means, approach the current owners of the theatre first, but if they decline you would do best to approach first The Theatre Historical Soc. of America preferably with good snap shots at their address give on the first page of their web site: www.historictheatres.org If they express no interest, The League of Historic American Theatres might through their site: www.lhat.org

Both of these groups have means by which they might sell them for you on a consignment basis, should they not be able to afford them.

Please contact them BEFORE you go to such as E-bay where speculators will snap them up to resell at outrageous prices to the wealthy who care nothing about history, but only want what they think of as "kitsch."

posted by Jim Rankin on Sep 27, 2006 at 11:22am

Thanks Ziggy and Jim. I will definitely try those avenues first.

posted by Manfred on Sep 28, 2006 at 5:48am

I guess the September movie is not happening. :( Should we hope for October?

posted by njmoviefan on Sep 29, 2006 at 5:04am

I would imagine that showing movies there is not as easy as it might seem. Is the Paradise equipped with an up-to-date projection booth or even a screen? And does it have an agreement with the projectionists' union?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 29, 2006 at 5:23am

I returned to Loew's PARADISE last night for the 9/30/06 Night in Paradise show. It had been 55 years since I'd last been there. Some of the theatre's wonderful features are gone, but most remain; and the theatre is still magnificent.
We could not believe the Night in Paradise show lasted for 5 1/4 hours, starting just after 8 pm and ending at 1:18 am. A good show except for the excess of amplification (common at most music shows in 2006). Most of these now-elderly Black groups had (and still have) real talent; but truly talented entertainers do not need excessive volume to wow an audience.
A great big thank you to Orlando Lopes of the Theatre Historical Society, and many others, working to save this wonderful landmark; perhaps a small start to making the Bronx a better place.
Based on an average ticket price of $65, and with virtually all of the 3885 seats filled, I'd guess the show grossed $175,000 to $200,000. That compares to a flat zero if the theatre had remained shuttered. Of greater importance was the good time had by all.
I won't soon return there, however. The 260 mile commute in each direction was a special occasion --- well worth the trouble --- not easily repeated (unless the show's real good).

posted by rlvjr on Oct 1, 2006 at 5:27pm

Im glad you enjoyed the show, rlvjr. I attended a similiar show there back in February and had a nice time as well. That show lasted 3 1/2 hours. It's a real pleasure seeing people once again, enjoy this real treasure of a theatre.

posted by Rabbit on Oct 1, 2006 at 5:44pm

Seventy-three years later, these stage headliners are still celebrated, but the movies quickly faded into obscurity:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/loparade.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Nov 13, 2006 at 5:01am

These guys at the Paradise don't seem to be doing half-bad! It is heart-warming to see.

posted by Life's too short on Nov 13, 2006 at 4:40pm

An article by Christopher Gray from yesterday's New York Times can be seen here, as well as a recent color photo of the auditorium: www.nytimes.com/2006/11/19/realestate/19scap.html

posted by Warren G. Harris on Nov 20, 2006 at 3:30am

Sweet! That is the first decent view I have seen of the auditorium.

posted by Life's too short on Nov 20, 2006 at 8:52am

I saw the article yesterday as well. Too bad they had to cut that long recessed notch across the atmospheric ceiling. I assume that is for lighting? I also suppose that the notch is preferable to bolting a rig in place to hang from the cieling. I wonder if painting the recess the same shade of blue as the rest of the cieling would improve the look. In any event, it is nice to read how nicely the theater is doing. I also enjoyed the quotes and passages about Eberson discussing how he drew inspiration from the warm Floridian evenings he enjoyed while vacationing south for the winter.

posted by Ed Solero on Nov 20, 2006 at 9:47am

If you look closely at the photo published in the newspaper, you can also see air-conditioning ducts in the ceiling. I doubt that they were there when the Paradise opened in 1929. I suspect that they were installed when the theatre was sub-divided. But at least they're painted to match the ceiling and aren't too conspicuous.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Nov 20, 2006 at 10:50am

I just realized that the online photo is cropped more severely than the image that went to print, so you can't make out the recess to which I was referring. For those without the benefit of a printed edition, the cieling recess runs parallel to the stage and directly overhead of mid-center orchestra and it is painted completely white.

posted by Ed Solero on Nov 20, 2006 at 12:19pm

That is unfortunate. But I prefer a hole in the ceiling and a few ducts to the four-plex that previously existed. Sounds like they should paint it blue. Cannot think of a reason why it must be white.

posted by Life's too short on Nov 20, 2006 at 12:57pm

This is an imperfect copy of the newspaper photo with the ceiling trough, which seems to have microphones hanging from it. Elsewhere, the dark spots that look like flying saucers are probably air-conditioning vents:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/paraceil.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Nov 21, 2006 at 4:00am

Yeah, I'd have to say that really stinks. I think I would have rather had a grid. They could have turned it into a trellace and hung fake foliage from it. LOL.

Don't know enough to say whether or not the vents are needed in that configuration.

posted by Life's too short on Nov 21, 2006 at 3:36pm

Unless there are private events not listed at the official website, not much seems to be happening at the Paradise. A reggae/soul concert is set for January 13 and "star boxing" returns on January 25. Perhaps the owner is concentrating on another of his projects, the Russian Tea Room (next to Carnegie Hall in Manhattan), which recently re-opened after a long closure and has not been getting good reviews from restaurant critics.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Dec 19, 2006 at 4:59am

Loew's Wishes You and Yours a Merry Christmas (1952):
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/loews52.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Dec 22, 2006 at 5:41am

I am pretty sure this has never been posted. But I am not going to take the time to scan the long string of comments above to make sure. This PDF has a comprehensive photo set documenting the theatre's interior, as well as many interesting written passages:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/loewsparadise.pdf

Most of the photos can be found in a series starting on page 20.

posted by Life's too short on Dec 30, 2006 at 7:22am

Terrific photos! Thanks Life. Not sure if they've been posted before, but in a string this long, it's not a bad thing to re-post items such as this every so often.

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 30, 2006 at 8:27am

All I have to say is WOW!!!! truly beautiful.

posted by Bway on Jan 2, 2007 at 8:35am

Instead of wasting time posting comments, go out and see a show at the PARADISE. There are four (4) currently listed through Feb 2007. Their website is listed above.

Much as I love this theatre, it was NOT the grandest or most beautiful in the USA let alone the World. Not even in NYC. Loew's Capitol on Broadway was grander, as was the ROXY. But contrary to New York thinking, life does not end at the Hudson River. The Detroit FOX and it's twin the St. Louis FOX are very much grander (and fully operational) to name just two of many. John Eberson designed movie palaces all across America, as did others.

posted by rlvjr on Jan 24, 2007 at 7:57pm

Certainly the Roxy was grander, but since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, who can say? It seems to this outside observer that few other theatres in New York City, if any, were as beloved in their own neighborhood as the Paradise. I have elderly friends from Bronx who recall going to the Paradise with such amazing nostalgia and longing. Much more than I've ever heard from people recalling other theatres. It's almost as if this building was the defining factor for their neighborhood. The theatre even gets mentioned in the movie "Marty" when a few bronxites are discussing what to do for the evening. Of course they pronounce it "Lowee's Paradise".

posted by ziggy on Jan 25, 2007 at 4:44am

Not to mention that seeing that the Loews Capitol, the Roxy, etc are torn down or gone, what's wrong with praising the theaters that are left? It may not have been the "grandest" theater in NYC....but it sure is a beautiful place regardless, espeically pooling from the theaters that are left, intact, and in good condition.

posted by Bway on Jan 25, 2007 at 5:44am

I would also throw in that this theater might appeal to those who are partial to the "atmospheric" design. There aren't many of those left in NYC. The former Loew's Valencia in Jamaica is still open as a church and remains in fine condition, although the original color scheme has been obliterated and the atmospheric effect ruined with the inclusion of a large chandelier hanging from the auditorium ceiling. I haven't been in the fomer Queensboro/Elmwood Theater in Elmhurst long enough to determine if the original atmospheric sky is being restored by the church that now occupies the site. The RKO Keith's in Flushing has been completely violated and stands only as rubble-strewn ruin awaiting redevelopment. That leaves only the Paradise and (if one crosses the Hudson) the former Stanley in Jersey City (beautifully preserved by the Jehovah's Witnesses) as examples of this particular style.

Does anyone know if the "Loew's" signage remains on the facade of the Paradise? Is it protected by landmark designation even though the brand is now owned by AMC Theaters? I'm curious if there is anything going on in that regard by way of litigation between BX Entertainment and AMC.

And just to follow up on rlvjr's last comment... An excellent suggestion, provided the programme appeals to one's tastes. I would remind everyone, however, that a tour of the theater would be considerably less expensive, if all one wants is to see the facility itself. The website also contains contact information regarding guided tours. I haven't taken advantage of this offering yet, but I think I might do so in the Spring.

posted by Ed Solero on Jan 25, 2007 at 6:24am

Ed, the Loew's signage still remains on the facade. As someone who has taken advantage of both the tour and a concert, I would highly recommend it. You're right the tour was considerably cheaper (only six dollars) but there was something special about attending a concert with the large crowd. I think many posters a reluctant to attend a show for a few reasons...show may not appeal to one's taste, apprehension about the neighborhood, and/or the feeling that it can never be like "the good old days." Give it a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised. I went on a tour with my elderly mother who had a fantastic time. In addition, I attended a 70's soul show with my sister, and we both enjoyed it. Even though I was "not in my element" (we are white and the majority of the audience was black) we were treated warmly and never felt out of place.

posted by Rabbit on Jan 25, 2007 at 10:54am

What happened to West Side Story and members of the cast?. This place was built for MGM films from the Hollywood factory days. I want that to be my first visit. How about some cinemascope movies from the 50's. They would be great there as opposed to the Loews Jersey with its narrow proscenium.

posted by Vincent on Jan 25, 2007 at 11:30am

Loew's Jersey has a narrow proscenium? Geez, at 50 feet with the screen filling that width, a widescreen movie looks pretty good there.

How wide is the proscenium at the Paradise?

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jan 25, 2007 at 12:36pm

Speaking of narrow prosceniums, the Meserole in Brooklyn! That's the smallest one I have ever seen. It's now an Eckerd's pharmacy, and the theater is completely intact (minus the seats of course), and they even project slide sales on the old screen area!
But wow, check out the photos linked there, the proscenium is TINY!

posted by Bway on Jan 25, 2007 at 4:05pm

Bob -

When we were at the Paradise last spring I seem to remember that the proscenium measured out at about 50-55 feet, pretty much the same as the Jersey's.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Jan 30, 2007 at 6:54am

FOR THE TOPS IN 3-D COLOR SHOWS-- GO LOEW'S! (August, 1953):
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/goloews.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 16, 2007 at 4:25am

50 ft seems puny to me because I remember the large screens of the Rivoli, Warner and Criterion. I understand that in the midwest Cinerama theaters( now destroyed) had screens were up to 90 to 100 feet in width. If only I could have seen them!

Remember when the Jersey plays a wide screen film it fills only half of the screen space as opposed to when they play a film in 1.85 which fills the entire screen. In effect what they are forced to do is letterbox the print which is the exact opposite of what wide screen was trying to do.
By the way I hear the Fox theaters in the midwest have nice large and wide screens.

The widest screen I ever saw was Sevan Brides in the true early cinemascope at Radio city in the late 70's. Wow that was great. Their Panavision and 70mm screen is no comparison.

posted by Vincent on Feb 16, 2007 at 4:46am

I live and work in Fordham (grew up in Kingsbridge Heights), so I walk by the Paradise all the time. Was thrilled when I found out the place was being renovated. But, like many of you, became quite disappointed to find out that it would only be used for high-end special events, and then only infrequently. Thus, the poor folks who live right in the neighborhood will have little opportunity to spend time there. On Fridays and Saturdays I walk past and see it dark, and think what a shame that this venue is not being made available for some kind of inexpensive entertainment on a weekly basis. If I win the mega-lottery, I'm going to buy (or lease) the place from the guy who is currently mis-managing it, and turn it back into what it was designed for: a movie palace. No first-run shows (too expensive). Just double- and triple-features of old classics, particularly movies that were filmed in NYC. Ticket price: $10, all the time. Plus, I'll revive the old-fashioned policy that allowed patrons to stay through multiple showings. Stay all day if you want. Below are my suggestions for double- and triple-features for the first 10 weeks - all movies shot (wholly or partially) in da Bronx:

Gloria (1980)
Fort Apache: The Bronx (1981)

John and Mary (1969)
I like It Like That (1994)

Marty (1955)
The Wanderers (1979)

Awakenings (1990)
Flawless (1999)

Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)
The Gambler (1974)

Serpico (1973)
Carlito's Way (1993)

Pride of the Yankees (1942)
Babe Ruth Story (1948)

Sins of the Fleshapoids (1965)
Way Out (1967)
The Incident (1967)

True Love (1989)
Love Is All There Is (1996)

Wolfen (1981)
Bronx Warriors (1982)
Emperor of the Bronx (1989)

posted by Charlie Kraybill on Mar 27, 2007 at 12:22pm

Does anyone know what interest, if any, Utopia Studios Ltd or Joseph Gentile played in the restoration or ownership of the Paradise?

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

posted by 'Tonino on May 3, 2007 at 3:53am

I took a group of school kids on a tour of the theatre today. They were in awe at the beauty of this gem. Kids being kids, they asked a few classic questions of the tour guide. "How did they find people so tall, to paint the ceiling?" "With all this cool stuff, who would want to watch a dumb movie?" The staff were very hospitable and even let the kids eat lunch there.

posted by Rabbit on May 15, 2007 at 1:15pm

They got it. We don't sell tickets to movies...

posted by shoeshoe14 on May 15, 2007 at 2:47pm

They did get it. That is a pretty cool story.

posted by Life's too short on May 15, 2007 at 3:36pm

What's on the agenda here? I tried to find out at the Paradise's official website, but couldn't get beyond the opening page, which just displays the theatre's name.

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 16, 2007 at 4:23am

Which link are you clicking on? The link under the "Related Websites" at the top of this page works. After you click that link, click on "English" and you should be directed to the home page of the website.

posted by Lost Memory on May 16, 2007 at 7:02am

It seems to be working now, but three hours ago it was displaying only the word "Paradise." Perhaps the site was under repair at the time. There's an upcoming event with date to be announced that will have a top price of $130 per ticket. Wow! I don't understand Spanish, so I can't say what it is, but it seems to be a play imported from Mexico. Curiously, I saw several mentions at the site of "Utopia's Paradise." Is that the new official name of the theatre, and what is "Utopia?"

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 16, 2007 at 7:28am

I'm not sure but I think Utopia Studios leases the Paradise Theater. Here is a recent article.

posted by Lost Memory on May 16, 2007 at 7:51am

Lostmemory, thanks for your interest in my query of May 3rd. The Norwich Bulletin's reference to Gerald Lieblich's apparent, new tenant wqs the first reliable one between Utopia Studios Ltd/Joseph Gentile. Lieblich is the owner and responsible for the Paradise's renovation. Gentile falsely claimed those honors recently, and appears to be a high end flim-flam artist. I posed my question on this to learn what, if any, involvement Gentile had in the Paradise's ownership or renovation.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

posted by 'Tonino on May 17, 2007 at 6:09am

Warren, what was the site where you saw several mentions of "UTOPIA"S PARADISE"?

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

posted by 'Tonino on May 17, 2007 at 6:11am

LostMemory, how do you imbed an active URL into descriptive words the way you do?

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

posted by 'Tonino on May 17, 2007 at 6:14am

Patrick Crowley, one rarely gets to praise theater highlights these days. May I suggest that you update the description for the Loew's Paradise to include information contained in the NYC Landmarks Preservation Report of May 2006.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

posted by 'Tonino on May 17, 2007 at 6:51am

'Tonino....I can't demonstrate it in a comment because the codes will be hidden. This website will explain how to do it. The first example "URL Hyperlinking" is the one that your interested in. In their example, they use "EvC Forum" the same way that I used "This website". That is the text that will be highlighted in your comment that people will click on.

When you post a comment on this website, make sure that you use the "Preview" button first to see if you typed your codes correctly. Have fun.

posted by Lost Memory on May 17, 2007 at 7:04am

lostmemory, thanks. The procedure is straightforward. And should be idiotproof. !!!! But I can't get it to work in these comments or in trial email. groan. I can't figure out what is wrong. 100 years from now. (url=www.whatever.net)groan(/url). I've been usin real urls

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

posted by 'Tonino on May 17, 2007 at 9:36am

'Tonino....You almost have it. You posted this "(url=www.whatever.net)groan(/url)". You need to use brackets like this [ ] and not these ( ). groan.

posted by Lost Memory on May 17, 2007 at 10:00am

"Utopia's Paradise" appears a number of times on the theatre's official website in the section listing forthcoming shows. I think it's one of the dopiest combinations of names that I've seen yet. The words "utopia" and "paradise" happen to be synonyms.

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 17, 2007 at 10:57am

"[urlhttp://www.evcforum.net/WebPages/UBBCode.html]This website[/url]" w/o = operator for display purposes

This website

Thanks. works here, now. But I know I used those brackets originally. Shouldn't it work in email too?

posted by 'Tonino on May 17, 2007 at 11:04am

I don't think the code works in email. It doesn't seem to work in my email. If I need to email someone a web link, I just put the full link in the email with no code.

Getting back to this theater. Shouldn't the primary name be Paradise Theater? Thats the name given on their website. Loew's Paradise Theater should be an aka name.

posted by Lost Memory on May 17, 2007 at 1:18pm

The primary name shown seems to be at the discretion of the management. The Elgin Theate in Manhattan is still listed as that, even though it has been world-famous for decades as the Joyce Theatre, a performing arts center with emphasis on the dance.

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 18, 2007 at 3:14am

Warren, thanks. I now see "Utopia's Paradise" under the ticket column. It appears only in hype by Gentile, one of the principals of Utopia Ltd. They appear to be the promoter's of shows who are tenants in the builder still owned by the developer, Gerald Lieblich, according to the article posted by Lost Memory. (Big thank you LostMemory, ;-)) First Paradise Theater Corp. is the name of Lieblich's company. The theater will always be known as the Paradise to Bronxites.

Just this kid from Glendale,
Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

posted by 'Tonino on May 18, 2007 at 4:42am

This is my understanding of the theater name policy. A theater is listed by its most current name if it is still operating as a theater, either live or movies. If the building has another use such as retail, the theater is listed under the last name it operated as when it was still a theater. Using those guidelines, this theater should be listed as the Paradise Theater. I will ask if the name for this theater can be changed and I will also mention the Joyce/Elgin Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on May 18, 2007 at 7:43am

The name currently on the building is Loew's Pardise,the same as it was when built. See photo in the Norwich Bulletin article (below the clock and above the sunburst). I have emailed the reporter to ask where she got the name she included in the caption to the photo.

In the NY Times article of October 22,2005, Lieblich stated that one of the keys to making the project profitable, is renting the 30,000 square feet of commercial space that is part of the theater building to a significant retailer. By LM's premise, continuation of the name 'Loew's Paradise' seems assured.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

posted by 'Tonino on May 18, 2007 at 8:14am

'Tonino, you bring up a point that I've been mulling over regarding this theater. Is the "Loew's Paradise Theater" sunburst sign covered by the building's landmark designation? The name "Loew's" is now owned by AMC... I thought that signage that included company brands were exempt from landmark protection. Just wondering if the name "Loew's" will ever be physically removed from the building. I presume that the owners would be able to replace the name on the sign, provided they did so in a manner that was consistent with the original design and met with the LPC's satisfaction.

I agree with Warren that "Utopia's Paradise" is a clumsy and ill-advised moniker. It sounds very fly-by-night.

Not to go off-topic here, but this is a well attended page and I'd like to beg the indulgence of all by inquiring about a building on 144th Place just north of Archer Ave in Jamaica, Queens. I noticed it from the window of an LIRR train as I was pulling into Jamaica station and it appeared very much to be a former theater building. My curiosity piqued, I took a drive to the area and discovered that it was a nightclub/performance space currently knows as the Amazura Music Hall. The building itself is old and has a peaked roof very much like those of most old theaters and the facade is ornamented in a way that also suggests it might have been a theater or perhaps ballroom? The address is 91-12 144th Place and all I can find is a build date of 1968 (the structure is certainly much older than that) and info that shows it was converted from a warehouse in the 1990's.

Does anyone know of this building's history and/or any possible affiliation with movie or theatrical presentation?

Here's an aerial image of the building looking west towards the entrance.

posted by Ed Solero on May 23, 2007 at 7:19am

EdS, I would asssume that exterior signage must be consistent with naming designation contained in the Landmark Commission Report. For a theater to be worthy of landmark designation, I would guess the name used would be its name when originally opened.

Michael____ the guy from ?Forest Hills? who is associated with the commission, or researches landmark projects would knoe the specifics

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

posted by 'Tonino on May 23, 2007 at 4:12pm

EdS, Your 'aerial image' opened as a google map with the Van Wyck Expy going thru the middle. ????

posted by 'Tonino on May 23, 2007 at 4:20pm

'Tonino... If you click the link and then open the window fully, you can close the map that obscures the image by clicking on the small up-arrowhead next to "2D 3D". You can alos close the "Welcome" pane at left by clicking the "X". That should offer you a clear view of the image.

posted by Ed Solero on May 24, 2007 at 3:26am

I have often seen that building while waiting for trains on platforms of the LIRR Jamaica terminal. I doubt that it was ever a theatre, but it might have been a sports arena and/or skating rink. There was once a famous Jamaica Arena, but I don't know its address. That building might have been it, due to its proximity to commuter and subway lines.

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 24, 2007 at 3:53am

EdS, the image opened fine today, with reduced size map and controls to one side, vs map wholly filling pannel yesterday.

posted by 'Tonino on May 24, 2007 at 4:02am

This website gives the address of the Jamaica Arena as 91-16 (Archer Avenue) & 144th Place, Jamaica, Long Island. I don't know if that is an obsolete address or not, but it could be the building in the aerial photo.

posted by Lost Memory on May 24, 2007 at 4:11am

Thanks for leading me in the right direction, Warren.

I found this website that identifies the building in question as the former Jamaica Arena. Not a definitive resolution to the building's identity, but it makes perfect sense.

posted by Ed Solero on May 24, 2007 at 4:30am

Hey Lost. What timing! I found the same site, but clicked one level deeper. Anyway... Guess we should close this topic since this page belongs to the Loew's Paradise.

posted by Ed Solero on May 24, 2007 at 4:32am

Greetings From Milwaukee,

First off, for those of you who read this page fully, you have noticed a number of postings by Jim Rankin. Mr. Rankin passed away in January of 2007. He was well known in Milwaukee for his extensive knowledge of Theaters both here and elsewhere.

Secondly, I am very pleased to find that an Eberson theater has been brought back to life and it seems it has been done well. I hope some day to see it and others designed by him.

I spotted on one of the links a photo of the procenium and was wondering if anyone else had a photo of it that might be sharper... no offence intended, dark theaters are not easy to get a good shot in, more so with digital cameras than older slide/film cameras when we could 'push' the film. Anyway, if someone would have one, would you be kind enought to send it to me at venetianmilw@sbcglobal.net? Thanks.

I'm working on an article about atmospheric theaters and noticed that a link on this page also referred to this theater as the Paradise/Venetian. Any further information on this would be greatly appreciated.

And lastly.. I had to be done sometime.. does anyone know the opening date for this theater?

Thanks Everyone!

Tim

posted by Timothy R. on May 25, 2007 at 4:15pm

The original concept of the developers was to lease the building to Paramount-Publix circuit and it was to open as the Venetian Theatre. However Paramount had over-expanded their construction programme and had second thoughts about moving into neighborhoods. Loew's Inc. didn't have an outlet in the Fordham area and picked up the option. Ground was broken for construction to begin in April 1928 and the name 'Venetian' was retained during construction. It was in the summer of 1929 that Loew's announced the name change to 'Paradise'.

Loew's Paradise Theatre opened on 7th September 1929 with the MGM movie "Mysterious Fu Manchu" starring Warner Oland. The famous British organist Harold Ramsay opened the Robert Morton 'Wonder' organ.

posted by KenRoe on May 26, 2007 at 12:27am

Has anyone reported about the six hour Mother's Day Show,that was given on Mother's Day at the Paradise?

posted by english on May 27, 2007 at 4:47am

Not that I recall. The duration of the show suggests a pageant to select "Bronx Mother of the Year."

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 27, 2007 at 5:16am

MAY I OFFER SOME ADVICE? Sign off of Cinema Treasures right now and do one of two things (1) sign on Ticketmaster and buy a ticket to an upcoming Paradise show, or (2) sign off your P/C and go to the theatre box office.

The theatre is re-opened, renovated and no longer inactive. They have a new "NIGHT IN PARADISE" coming up. The last one was 5 hours and 13 minutes; quite a lot for the money. My wife and I attended even though the 5 hour (300 mile) commute made it inconvenient. If you live in or near the BRONX, what's your excuse?

Sure, I'd rather go there for "Pirates #3" and a $10.50 admission; but that's not the current choice.

posted by rlvjr on Jul 10, 2007 at 10:49pm

Well, rlvjr, I'd consider buying a ticket to the Paradise (I live mere blocks away) if ticket prices for ground-floor seats ever go below $50.

By the way, here's an article about the Paradise that appeared in yesterday's Daily News:

Visitor slaps theater with lawsuit after fall

BY CHRISENA COLEMAN

Tuesday, July 10th 2007

A Bronx man who saw stars at the Paradise Theater after falling down a rickety staircase has slapped the theater and the synagogue that hosted a dinner there with a lawsuit.

Val Karan and his wife, Annette, had gone to the restored grand movie palace on the Grand Concourse for a religious dinner June 7.

The Karans said there was a makeshift stage constructed over seating to create a dining area, the theater was poorly lit, tables were so close it was hard to move and the stairs were constructed from plywood.

"We felt unsafe and many of the elderly people started to leave after the first course, because we feared the stage would collapse," said Annette Karan. "The chairs were too close and we could barely move ... my husband fell down about four steps."

Annette Karan said he didn't make a fuss because the rabbi was about to speak, but when they arrived home he was in excruciating pain. He went to the doctor because the pain was unbearable, she said. X-rays showed Karan had suffered a broken leg, with a fracture of his right fibula.

Attorney Al Bernstone, who is representing the Karans in a lawsuit seeking an as-yet undetermined amount in damages, charged that the theater was negligent and should have constructed a stage that was safe.

"This could have been avoided if the staging area was constructed properly," said Bernstone.

A woman who answered the telephone at the Riverdale Jewish Center said the executive director was not available for comment. Paradise Theater reps were on vacation.

"The theater was not set up to handle the crowd that came out for the occasion," said Annette Karan. "It was a bad situation from the minute we walked through the door."

The black-tie Bronx Ball was held at the theater two weeks later, apparently without incident.

posted by Charlie Kraybill on Jul 11, 2007 at 6:22am

I think that reporter Coleman has already pre-judged the case by stating that the man fell down a "rickety" staircase. That is the injured's claim, but how does Coleman known that's true? If the case goes to trial, a jury will have to decide whether the staircase was "rickety" or not. I'm sure that the Paradise's lawyers will claim that it was "safe."

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 11, 2007 at 7:08am

This is why theaters have insurance! These kinds of claims happen all the time, but are not usually in the press unless someone is connected or very very whiney.

posted by Ian M. Judge on Jul 11, 2007 at 10:44am

Loew's Paradise is prominently mentioned in this article from yesterday's New York Times: www.nytimes.com/2007/07/17/nyregion/17ink.html?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 18, 2007 at 6:08am

Warren, Warren, WARREN, what are you trying to intimate by referring to something that happend over twenty years ago. The Bronx is Safer than a lot of places in Surburbia. Do you agree?

posted by english on Jul 28, 2007 at 5:03pm

I wasn't trying to "intimate" anything. When I read the article, I never connected it with the Bronx of today, and I don't think that the NYT writer intended to either. It's simply a nostalgia piece. If it irks you, send an e-mail of complaint to The New York Times.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 29, 2007 at 7:27am

Perhaps english did not realize the dateline was July 17, 2007.

posted by BWChicago on Jul 29, 2007 at 8:31am

Since I posted the link to that article on 7/18/07, I haven't been able to connect to the Paradise website. The name Paradise appears on the screen, but nothing after that. I wanted to check the Paradise's upcoming schedule, but perhaps the theatre has closed for the summer?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 29, 2007 at 8:56am

I was finally able to get into the website through this link found with the help of Google. The current owners have re-written history with the opening sentence in the section about the theatre's past: "The Paradise Theater was opened in 1929 as the nation's premier movie house and vaudeville stage." Give us a break!
www.theparadisetheater.com/en/defaulten.htm

posted by Warren G. Harris on Aug 5, 2007 at 8:39am

I have enjoyed many of the posts, and thank all the positive responses about the Bronx. This years Bronx Ball was held at the Paradise, so you might like to check out the video I posted. Some shots of the interior (www.youtube.com/dwiproductions)
Stay Well
Derek Woods
Producer/Host
Bronx Magazine

posted by Derek Woods on Aug 8, 2007 at 11:13am

MOAN! MOAN! MOAN! BOO! HOO! HOO! If you really want to find the website, just Google: Utopia's Paradise. That's it. It took me less than 30 seconds.

After all the talk, we get a poster who moans about tickets costing more than $50. How shocking! A live show costing more than $50 --- for the good seats! Alert the media! GROW UP! That's what shows cost these days. I'll say it again: Sign off and go buy a ticket. Learn to live some sort of life besides the internet.

posted by rlvjr on Aug 18, 2007 at 10:14pm

The 2003 documentary Loew's Paradise Theatre, narrated by WPIX anchor Marvin Scott, will be shown on Saturday, September 15 at the Portage Theater as part of the "Preserving Palaces" documentary film festival, along with The Wizard of Austin Boulevard and Memoirs of a Movie Palace. The festival begins on Friday, September 14 with Uptown: Portrait of a Palace and Preserve Me a Seat (chronicling efforts to save the Indian Hills in Omaha, Gayety/Publix in Boston, DuPage in Lombard, and Villa in Salt Lake City). A theatre preservation discussion panel will follow the films on Saturday night. For complete information, visit www.portagetheater.org.

posted by mp775 on Aug 28, 2007 at 1:19pm

Some recent photos of the Paradise Theater can be seen here. Click each photo to expand it.

posted by Lost Memory on Aug 30, 2007 at 8:20am

There IS a documentary film about the Paradise Theater. A clip of the film is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmOI95U40nA I'm borrowing a copy on video from the New York Public Library (I don't know if it's the same thing as the YouTube video I showed you...but it might be). The Paradise was one of the grand movie palaces of it's day. I wish they would show movies again!

posted by johnblattnerstudios on Sep 3, 2007 at 10:28am

Thanks for sharing. That clip is actually from an installment in a long running PBS series featuring walking tours through various parts of NYC. Previous episodes include "A Walk down 42nd Street" and "A Walk Up Broadway," each featuring host David Hartman and NY historian Barry Lewis. It's an excellent series with lots of great footage, photos and historical anecdotes.

posted by Ed Solero on Sep 3, 2007 at 1:44pm

Yeah...the video that i'm holding is at http://leopac3.nypl.org/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=1B88868H97N34.5252&profile=dial--3&uri=full=1100001~!2092750~!10&ri=&menu=search&source=~!dial&ipp=20&spp=20#focus I don't know if it's the same thing. Its on VHS.

posted by johnblattnerstudios on Sep 3, 2007 at 6:17pm

The video you have from the library is the film that is being shown at the Portage next Saturday. It was written and directed by Steve Samtur of Back in The Bronx. It is not the same video as the YouTube clip.

posted by mp775 on Sep 8, 2007 at 7:23pm

This is a recent photo of the Paradise Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Nov 2, 2007 at 7:24am

Some recent interior photos can be seen here.

posted by Lost Memory on Nov 5, 2007 at 5:00pm

My uncle was Jerry DeRosa. He managed the Paradise Theatre from about 1930 until his death in 1945. In fact, he actually died of a heart attack in the theatre. His brother was my uncle Eugene DeRosa, who as an architect, along with my father Felix DeRosa, designed a number of famous theatres in New York in the 1920s. If anyone has any information these three DeRosa brothers, I would be very appreciative. I have so little information myself. NOTE: Jerry was born in 1891 in the region of Calabria, Italy. He arrived at Ellis Island in 1897.

posted by Fred DeRosa on Dec 23, 2007 at 6:58pm

The Paradise has been keeping a very low profile since it re-opened in 2005. According to its website, only two "events" took place last December. I wonder if the owners are having financial problems?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jan 31, 2008 at 6:27am

Something has apparently gone wrong at the Paradise. No events have been held since December, and there's nothing scheduled for the future. I'm not even sure if the events listed for December were actually held. Today, when I tried phoning the number listed at the Paradise's website, I got only a recorded message: "Sorry. The number you have reached is not in service at this time. No further information is available."

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 23, 2008 at 7:46am

and now their website seems to be down....

posted by beardbear31 on Feb 24, 2008 at 8:45pm

I just called @ 12:35AM and the number was working.Someone DID answer "Utopia's Paradise Theatre" they were security but said to call the box office in the morning.

I will check it out and see what info I can come up with.

posted by Peter on Feb 24, 2008 at 9:32pm

The phone # for The Paradise on the top of this page is INCORRECT it should be changed to 718-563-2222

posted by Peter on Feb 24, 2008 at 9:34pm

Sorry! The number that I phoned is the one listed on this page. I just tried phoning the corrected number (at 9:10 AM EST), but it just rang and rang until I finally hung up. I guess they're not open yet, though one would think they'd have an answering machine to cover that...The official link in the CT introduction doesn't seem to work. I could only get to the website through a link that I found at Google: www.theparadisetheater.com/en/defaulten.htm

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 25, 2008 at 6:14am

This website has some photos of the Paradise Theater. Boxing matches are also held at this theater. At least one of the photos shows the location of the ring. The last match that I can find was held on January 31, 2008. Punchin' at the Paradise.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 25, 2008 at 7:14am

I just spoke to an agent at the box office.There is boxing this Thursday and on April 26th a Latin concert.More events will be added by the middle of the week.

Showing older movies from the 30's-80's when no big events are taking place would be a good way to make $$$.Charge $6.00 and do a double feature.

They just have to get projection equipment and set up for films.

posted by Peter on Feb 25, 2008 at 7:59am

I don't think that showing movies there is as easy as it might seem. The Paradise is a commercial venture (not non-profit), so it would have to make a deal with the projectionists' union. Also, installing projection equipment, a screen, etcetra, won't be cheap.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 25, 2008 at 8:10am

The Paradise was offered a complete working 35mm setup at no charge (as well as the programming of a full classic film series schedule) a few years ago and was not interested. Sadly, the original booth has been converted into "luxury boxes", so there would need to be construction to accommodate projection gear.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Feb 25, 2008 at 8:41am

Hmmmm. Converting the booth to a luxury box strikes me as a rather short-sighted move. Why not keep the booth in reserve - and take up the generous offer of free equipment - just to maintain the Paradise's capacity to run a film or series of films should the prospects for such an event ever arise? So much for the hopes of ever catching a flick at what we can now safely describe as a FORMER movie palace?

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 25, 2008 at 7:43pm

Well, they did the conversion during their big renovation, which was prior to us making the offer of the gear back in the spring of 2006. They would need to turn the center box back into a small booth to show films, which would involve some reconstruction. Not likely at this point, from what we were told.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Feb 25, 2008 at 8:15pm

Regarding the projection equipment offer. Was that with the prior manager or during the current one, Joseph Gentile? IMHO, the removal of the drywall for the booth would be easy. It's the booth A/C and electric that would be most costly.

Do you think tik sales would be sufficient to cover operating expenses? What kind of program would attract audience big enough? Old films, new or a mix of both?

Also see the Jersey City Loews Jersey for a active film program. This March 1 they are having a Bette Davis salute. $6 tik tops.

posted by Bwayniteowl on Feb 25, 2008 at 8:57pm

It was with the Russian gentleman in the Spring of 2006, I assume this is the current occupant. It wasn't just the drywall, they had raised the floor as well which created a height problem due to the projection angle, but that could be dealt with.

Regarding programming, we had a full summer and autumn schedule worked out with classics and first-run, the idea was to try and see if there was enough interest to continue on a regular basis or just on an infrequent basis. We were willing to tackle all the film costs and promotion, the Paradise just needed to open the doors. The kibosh was apparently put on it by the technical director at the time, who had his own designs on the place if the current management failed.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Feb 26, 2008 at 6:41am

From the Bronx BP Carrion's office.

http://www.ibcsolutions.net/bandj.html

posted by Bwayniteowl on Feb 26, 2008 at 10:56am

Should this theater be listed as Utopia's Paradise Theater?

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 26, 2008 at 11:09am

I hope not, especially with that spelling of "theater." Note the spelling on the exterior signage in the introduction's photo. And as I mentioned once before, the combination of the words "utopia" and "paradise" is stupid and hilarious. They're synonyms of each other.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 26, 2008 at 2:01pm

The link to the Bronx Borough President gives the name as "Utopia's Paradise Theater". Note the spelling of theater. The link that you posted on Feb 25, 2008 at 6:14am has the name "Paradise Theater". Again, note the spelling of the word theater. The link that I posted on Feb 25, 2008 at 7:14am gives the name as "UTOPIA'S PARADISE THEATER". The word theater is spelled with an "er". Since the policy here is to spell the word theater as it is given on the website, this theater should be listed as the Paradise Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 26, 2008 at 2:18pm

Actually, the spelling "theatre" refers to the actual physical structure in which the business of "theater" takes place. Someone needs to correct the theatre's website.

posted by ziggy on Feb 26, 2008 at 2:32pm

I was always told 'theatre' referred to a facility that showed movies, and 'theater' was a facility for live stage performances.

posted by dave-bronx on Feb 26, 2008 at 2:41pm

Why would their website need correcting? They have the right to use the word theater or theatre. It is not up to us to tell them how to spell theater. It is our obligation to list this theater with the name that is on their website no matter how they choose to spell it.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 26, 2008 at 2:43pm

Well, if by "theater", they simply mean some corporation that runs and owns the "theatre" then it doesn't need correcting at all, but if we aren't even going to insist on correct usage of spelling and words, then why not just call the building "sohjdeijnvaoi"? Words mean things, and the way they are spelled affects (or should eye say "effects") there meening. Since their iz a write and wrong whey to spell, Y not dew it write?

posted by ziggy on Feb 26, 2008 at 2:54pm

In short, if you would read my post from 2:32 today, (with apologies to dave-bronx) a building in which theater takes place is called a "T-H-E-A-T-R-E", and just because someone wants to spell it with an "E-R" on the end, doesn't change the way the english language works, it just means they aren't aware of how it works.

posted by ziggy on Feb 26, 2008 at 2:58pm

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

American and British English spelling differences

Theater is the prevailing American spelling and is used by America's national theater as well as major American newspapers such as the New York Times (theater section) to refer to both the dramatic arts as well as to buildings where performances take place; yet theatre is also current, witness Broadway and The New Yorker. Some places in the United States have "Centre" in their names (i.e. Rockville Centre, New York), named both before and after spelling reform, and there are very occasional uses of "Center" in England [4]). For British accoutre(ment), US practice varies: Merriam-Webster favours the -re spelling,[27] American Heritage the -er spelling.[28]

posted by Bwayniteowl on Feb 26, 2008 at 3:14pm

Thanks Bwayniteowl. "Theater" is the prevailing American spelling. I've done enough research on this topic to know that. BTW....In some European countries, "Theatre" refers to live theater.

I've already had this theater vs theatre discussion on other theater listings here and I'm not going to clutter this page with a debate. The people that own the Paradise Theater can use any name they choose and they can spell it anyway that they choose. If the owners chose Paradise Cinema instead of Paradise Theater, that is their choice and not ours. If they choose to spell Paradise with a "z" instead of an "s", that is their choice. You might not like it, but its their business and they can name it anything they want to and spell it anyway that they want to. And I would like to see this listing updated with the same name that is on the Paradise Theater website.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 26, 2008 at 4:11pm

This spelling discussion has been bouncing back and forth from one listing to another for weeks if not months. We seem no nearer to agreement now than we did at the start, so could we just move on to something else, like the correct pronunciation of the word? Some say "theeaytah," which causes me to laugh whenever I hear it.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 27, 2008 at 6:22am

The policy of this website is to use the same spelling that is given on a theaters website. In this case, its Paradise Theater. The aka name should remain as Loew's Paradise Theatre since that was the correct spelling of its previous name. The policy applies to all theaters listed on this site and not to just a select few. So lets abide by the policy and not have to debate the spelling of each theater listing. As soon as this theater is updated, I'll be happy to move on to something else.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 27, 2008 at 7:28am

What about the thousands of theatres that don't have websites? What would you use as the basis for the CT spelling in those cases? Like General Custer, are you prepared to die with your boots on for the sake of this nit-picking argument?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 27, 2008 at 7:40am

Why do you consider this to be a "nit-picking argument"? I'm not going to "die" for anything. I'm just following the policy of this website. If its a closed theater with no website, no ads or photos, and no way to determine the correct spelling, the word could be spelled either way. In this case, the correct spelling is "theater". And why do you have a problem with this policy?

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 27, 2008 at 7:47am

If you want to do something constructive for this listing, why don't you contribute a proper introduction? The current one is a disgrace for a theatre as important as the Paradise. Don't bother to reply, or try to pass the buck. Just do it!

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 27, 2008 at 9:00am

As far as actually relying on Wikipedia for reliable info, well, I'm still trying to control the laughter on that one. Any doofus anywhere in the world can post whatever he likes on Wikipedia. If you look at the photo of the Paradise Theatre at the top of this page you'll see what spelling Loew's preferred. Okay. It's been fun, and I'm done.

posted by ziggy on Feb 27, 2008 at 10:54am

I don't mind replying. I didn't add this theater and therefore I'm not writing a description for it. You seem to know alot about this theater so you might be better qualified to write a new description. I am trying to do something constructive for this listing. I'm trying to get the name of this theater spelled correctly. Accuracy is important, isn't it?

I don't understand why its taking so long for this theater to be updated. I've seen some theaters updated within minutes after a comment is posted. To quote former President Truman, "The Buck Stops Here". I'll be happy to post as many reminders as necessary until this theater is updated.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 27, 2008 at 11:18am

The name "Paradise" is spelled correctly, so what's your problem? Has it ever occurred to you that the people responsible for the website might have made an error, or don't know the appropriate spelling of the word "theatre" in relation to "Paradise," or may not even be aware that the word has two spellings?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 27, 2008 at 1:17pm

I don't have a problem. Maybe your the one with the problem. I never said that the name "Paradise" was spelled incorrectly. And who says that the appropriate spelling of the word is "theatre"? As I wrote a number of times here, the name at the top of this page is supposed to match the name on the theaters website. The word theater at the top of this page does not match. You were quick to point out that the word "theatre" in the ad that you posted on the Glory Theatre listing did not match the spelling of the word "theater" that was at the top of that page. The Glory Theatre listing was updated within minutes to reflect the spelling in the ad. I expect no less for the Paradise Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 27, 2008 at 1:39pm

Only women expect. Men suffer through it.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 27, 2008 at 1:50pm

Thats funny, but it doesn't change anything.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 27, 2008 at 1:54pm

I've read too many comments above- and on other theater pages, about the "theater" vs. theatre" spelling. ENOUGH! Please- NO more debates about this trivial point. This movie palace was saved, restored, and reopened! That should be enough.

The official website says Paradise Theater, with no "Utopia" in front.

posted by HowardBHaas on Feb 27, 2008 at 5:11pm

Didn't Patrick and Ross post a news item recently about new format guidelines for theatre (that's my choice of spelling for the generic use of the word) descriptions, wherein they formally announced that CT would adopt the American custom of spelling the word with "er" at for US cinemas and with the appropriate "re" for cinemas in the UK? If so, I think that pretty much settles the issue as to the generic use of the word to describe the building. I would think that those guides also apply as defaults for the name of any particular cinema where the "official" spelling of the name can not be verified.

For the Paradise, we do have the official website as our guide - and therefore the "er" prevails.

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 27, 2008 at 8:07pm

Ed, as to theater vs US and theatre for the British, no, they did not.

You can find the Guidelines by visiting "Add Theaters"

Theater vs Theatre
When a theater name contains "theatre" or "theater", use the name provided by the theater in question. Do not deviate from a theater's official name or listing.
When referring to a theater in the generic sense, always use "theater" — unless you are referring to a theater by its name.
For European theaters, as well as those in Australia, the term "cinema" should be used instead of "theater" or "theatre".

posted by HowardBHaas on Feb 28, 2008 at 5:29am

This site has so many incorrectly spelled listings that I guess one more won't make any difference. Perhaps the introductory photo of the Paradise's exterior could be airbrushed so that the spelling in the signage conforms.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 28, 2008 at 5:55am

I can't speak for long time advocates of the Paradise, but if somebody came to us (Friends of the Boyd in Philadelphia) and said they'd fund millions for the restoration, but contrary to Opening in 1928 (Boyd Theatre), it will be Boyd Theater, we'd be thrilled!

Any of you harping on this trivial point who didn't actually fund the restoration of the Paradise? The funds did not come from Loews either (vintage photo posted in Intro.

posted by HowardBHaas on Feb 28, 2008 at 6:15am

The website for this theater does mention Utopia's Paradise Theater when you click on event calendar. This article mentions, "Utopia's Paradise Theater, as it is now called....". This website also refers to this theater as "Utopia’s Paradise Theater". Is "Utopia's" part of this theaters official name? It probably is, but using the guidelines given to us, the name should remain Paradise Theater. As far as I'm concerned, this theaters name is now correct and we can move on to something else.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 28, 2008 at 6:31am

Judging by the few presentations so far at the Paradise, I don't think that the current ownership knows its ass from its elbow, so their incorrect spelling of "theatre" doesn't surprise me. Their usage of "Utopia" in connection with "Paradise" is further proof of their ineptitude. Another of their acquisitions, the Russian Tea Room in midtown Mahattan, is reportedly on the verge of closing due to negative reviews and low attendance.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 28, 2008 at 6:58am

Many thanks are due Ken Roe for the wonderful new Introduction posted yesterday! Previously, there was NO introduction.

posted by HowardBHaas on Feb 28, 2008 at 7:00am

Incorrect spelling of "theatre"? Thats funny.

The new description for this "theater" is great. Thanks Ken.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 28, 2008 at 7:05am

In an otherwise splendid introduction, I question the description of the renovated Paradise as "a Latino theatre and special events venue." I don't quite get that bit, except as relates to the predominant ethnicity of the Fordham neighborhood in which the Paradise is situated.

I haven't seen anything in the events booked so far -- or on the theater's official website -- that would justify describing the Paradise as a specifically Latino venue.

posted by stevebob on Feb 28, 2008 at 8:22am

The Paradise's stage shows were dropped in 1935, which was in the midst of the Great Depression, not "after" it.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Feb 28, 2008 at 1:45pm

Wonderful introductory comments! Just one correction; the interior of the Paradise as well as it's facade is landmarked.

posted by Rabbit on Feb 28, 2008 at 3:15pm

Thanks, Howard, for posting the "theater vs. theatre" passage from CT's guides. Hopefully that settles this tempest in a teapot. As for the management of the Paradise mispelling the word... both spellings are acceptable according to the Miriam-Webster and American Heritage dictionaries. No need to insult the folks in charge of the Paradise for no good reason.

And thanks, Ken, for at long last providing a proper and fitting introduction for this great palace!

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 29, 2008 at 7:12pm

These two photos are in the Ben Hall book, "Best Remaining Seats". The exterior photo is circa 1929. No date for the interior view. As always, apologies if these photos have already been posted:
http://tinyurl.com/2tq8r3
http://tinyurl.com/3djlhm

posted by ken mc on Mar 31, 2008 at 7:22pm

Marianne with Marion Davies was released in August of 1929.

posted by Lost Memory on Mar 31, 2008 at 7:33pm

If the theater opened in September 1929, I guess they played the Davies film as soon as they opened, unless it was a re-release.

posted by ken mc on Mar 31, 2008 at 7:47pm

The exact U.S. release date that I found for Marianne is August 24, 1929. I don't know if Marianne was the opening day movie. A 1929 opening ad was posted above but the link no longer works.

posted by Lost Memory on Mar 31, 2008 at 7:56pm

Ken (aka "Lost Memory"), you need to learn to double-check sources, because many of your claims about release dates just ain't true. MGM's "Marianne" was released in October, 1929. Its first engagement in the NYC area was an exclusive one at the Captiol Theatre in midtown Manhattan starting on October 18th. I don't know how long that run lasted, but at least one week. After that, "Marianne" played the Loew's circuit, but not necessarily immediately after the Capitol. Circuit theatres like the Paradise played movies from other studios besides MGM, so there were sometimes delays in new films reaching the neighborhoods after they finished their Broadway runs.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Apr 2, 2008 at 7:42am

Disagreeing about theater related comments is one thing, but you've chosen to make this personal. I've sent an email to management asking if something can be done about your constant harassment and childish behaviour on this website. Hopefully some sort of disciplinary action will be taken.

posted by Lost Memory on Apr 2, 2008 at 8:12am

Yes, guys. Let's keep the discussion civil here.

Warren, please refrain from making personal attacks against other users. You may feel justified, but the "be nice" rule applies here. If you don't have anything nice to say, just don't comment.

We have the same goal here. Let's remember we're using this site to save and document movie theaters... not attack each other.

posted by Patrick Crowley on Apr 2, 2008 at 12:24pm

Here are new direct links to ads from Bronx newspapers for the 1929 grand opening and the Paradise's 1973 re-birth as twins:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/124-2428_IMG.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/124-2441_IMG.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Apr 3, 2008 at 7:30am

Here is a 1960 ad:
http://tinyurl.com/2kduo6

posted by ken mc on Apr 3, 2008 at 1:07pm

BUtterfield 8 was released in November of 1960.

posted by Lost Memory on Apr 3, 2008 at 1:15pm

"Butterfield 8" opened its exclusive NYC premiere engagement on November 16th, 1960 at Loew's Capitol Theatre, where it proved a smash hit and had a considerable run. I doubt that the movie reached neighborhood theatres like Loew's Paradise before the end of December, at the earliest. It could have been 1961, but prior to Taylor's 'Oscar' nomination, which isn't mentioned in the ad.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Apr 3, 2008 at 2:10pm

The exterior photo displayed above on 3/31/08 had to be taken during the week starting November 2nd, 1929, which is the day that "Marianne" opened at Loew's Paradise, according to advertising in The New York Times. That was eight weeks after the Paradise's grand opening, so "Marianne" would have been the ninth movie to be shown there. Programs changed once a week...The paucity of people outside the Paradise can be explained by the time displayed on the clock above the attraction board. The Paradise's first show of the day had started at 11AM, only 50 minutes before the photo was taken.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Apr 4, 2008 at 7:30am

The "Butterfield 8" advertisement displayed above on 4/3/08 at 1:07pm is incorrectly dated. The year was 1961 (not 1960), and the exact date of publication in The New York Times and other newspapers was March 1st, 1961. Due to press deadlines, Loew's wasn't able to include Elizabeth Taylor's 'Oscar' nomination, which had been announced in Hollywood on February 27th, but ads did mention that starting on March 2nd.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Apr 4, 2008 at 10:20am

***STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT BIG CONCERT IN AND OUTSIDE NYC***

We welcome signed artist for mini concert events / Party rentals @

Loew's Paradise Theater 2413 Grand Concourse, Bx, NY USA

El RANCHO E. Tremont & Park Avenue, BX NY USA

PASSIONS E. Tremont & clinton BX NY USA

TEMPLO 154 st & 3rd ave BX NY USA

LET US KNOW WHO YOU LIKE TO SEE IN CONCERT

(ROCK, LATIN, CARRIBEAN, POP etc...)

VISIT US @

http://www.myspace.com/the_industry_nyc
http://www.myspace.com/soulricanent
http://www.myspace.com/ashelynmusic

posted by THE PARADISE THEATER on May 16, 2008 at 3:29pm

The above seems to be an announcement that some booking agency is seeking talent to perform at the Paradise and several other Bronx venues. I notice also that the Paradise is listed as "Loew's Paradise Theater" Is it now usuing that name? If so, the main name in the CT listing should be changed. I'm also puzzled by the apparently new member using the signature THE PARADISE THEATER. Is this an official spokesperson for the Paradise Theater or just someone using it as a pseudonmyn?

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 17, 2008 at 7:46am

Warren, the theater has been having events lately such as boxing and their recent Mother's Day Show. There is also a hip-hop show coming up. About a month ago, I stopped by the ticket booth to inquire about their website, and the unavailability of same at the time. I was told that the website was being updated, and would be back up soon.

posted by Rabbit on May 17, 2008 at 9:05am

The theater is going towards a new direction and everything is being updated....Stay tuned

posted by THE PARADISE THEATER on May 17, 2008 at 9:18am

"THE PARADISE THEATER," are you speaking in behalf of the management of the Paradise Theater or just someone using that as a pseudonym? If it's only a pseudonym, I think that you should change it before it causes even more confusion and possibly chaos. I request a decision from the owners of Cinema Treasures as soon as possible. Suppose someone came on here signing themselves "RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL" or "GRAUMAN'S CHINESE?" I don't think it's permissible.

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 17, 2008 at 1:18pm

I'm a promoter and you sir?

posted by THE PARADISE THEATER on May 17, 2008 at 1:27pm

Warren, There are no rules regarding what names people log onto as on this site, providing they are not obscene or offensive. 'THE PARADISE THEATRE' is quite rightly pointing the way forward on the future of the the Paradise Theater, and drumming up interest for the building. Let's hope that more shows come our way and keep the building operating.

Last November I toured the building with my group of 60 members of the Cinema Theatre Association (UK) and we were eagerly greeted and welcomed by management and staff of the theatre, who made us feel most at home. If this welcoming attitide is passed onto regular patrons, then the future of the theatre will be even more secure.

posted by KenRoe on May 17, 2008 at 1:53pm

I'm sorry, but I vehemently disagree. Using the name of an active theatre for one's signature should be BANNED unless the person actually is the owner/operator. If that's the case with "THE PARADISE THEATER" I consider it acceptable, but otherwise NO!NO!NO!

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 17, 2008 at 2:01pm

Gentlemen, We had great success with Patti Labelle and friends and will continue to bring THE BEST of THE BEST to the Theater. We hope everyone enjoys the show and welcome all promoters to put the Theater on the map again...in good taste of course

posted by THE PARADISE THEATER on May 17, 2008 at 2:05pm

I have to agree with Warren over this particular issue - misrepresentation can cause all sorts of issues. A theater can have/be a promoter, but not all promoters work for theaters directly. If one of the promoters who occasionally use the theater I operate was to have a signature/moniker of my theater's name, I would be irate. It is not clear whether that is the case here, but what is very clear is that many people have great affection and hopes for the Loew's Paradise, including THE PARADISE THEATER.

posted by Ian M. Judge on May 18, 2008 at 1:25am

It sounds to me like the Paradise as of now, is doing the same types of shows as the Ritz in Elizabeth N.J. That theatre underwent a complete restoration, and now sits empty except for the occasional spanish show that comes in. Yet, with proper management and promotion, that theatre could be as big as the New Jersey PAC in Newark, or the State in New Brunswick. For any of these big theatres to survive as performing arts, they need to be diverse, cater to all, and let people know youre out there. With the Paradise, its been documented in the newspapers, as with the Ritz, no one knows its there.

posted by movie534 on May 18, 2008 at 5:39am

I would like to see some great vocalists, such as Tony Bennett, Al Martino and Keely Smith. Or some acts from the early days of rock and roll, such as Brenda Lee, Neil Sedaka and Dion. Latin legend Trini Lopez is still cooking and puts on a great show. Big Bands from the forties and doo-wop from the fifties would be wonderful too!

posted by Bob Furmanek on May 18, 2008 at 8:17am

The two most recent comments speak for those of us who would like to see variety in the programming at the Paradise. Unfortunately, its description in the introduction on this page as a "Latino theatre and special events venue" is vexingly at odds with such a goal.

I raised an objection to the offending phrase in my comment on February 28 and repeat it now—unless, that is, management's booking policy genuinely is specifically to target such a narrow audience.

Otherwise, it's nonsensical and off-putting. Would anyone seriously describe the Apollo Theatre as a Black theatre just because it's in Harlem? Or a theatre in Chinatown as an Asian theatre? New York City is all about diversity, and even the Bronx is far more diverse than many realize. That description is exclusionary, rather than inclusive.

Because of that great diversity in audiences easily within the potential reach of the Paradise, limiting its programming to hip-hop, boxing and "the occasional Spanish show that comes in" wouldn't seem to make much business sense, either.

posted by stevebob on May 18, 2008 at 9:20am

For those who manage the Paradise, it will be a difficult task to make it a success. In the trade it's a type of theater known as "a barn." A beautiful place but difficult to program for. There a several factors working against it even before you take into account the skills of the managers.
Size: 3800 seats is a tough room it fill.
Competition: More established spaces of similar size are plentiful. In mid sized cities you can program for a place this big because it's the only one in town. Broadway tours can fill it for a couple of nights, concerts on week ends. There is a built in audience base. In NYC there are at least 50 houses in a 10 mile radius that provide either theatre or music on a regular basis.
Name recognition: People know the Garden, Radio City, the Beacon, Broadway. Loews Paradise, not so much. There's a simple solution. Produce your own show on a regular basis with the theater's name in the title and get out to as wide an audience as you can. internet, public access, cable.
The Paradise will need to find a niche and build an audience. The key to success will be getting audience members into the habit of going there. Studies find audience members will go to more events if they will go to the first one. If two different shows are playing across the street from each other you will find that they don't compete against each other but rather complement each other. If an audience member is willing to go to one event, they are more likely to go out the next night to another event. They need variety.
If I were managing the place, I would try to reach out to the local artistic community and make the place available for a series of low cost events. In my youth, it would be a regular battle of the local bands. Local acts on a regular basis. Make your break even point filling the orchestra,close the balcony and make your profit on concessions. Read the article in this Sunday's Times about programming for the New Victory. Look everywhere for new acts and give them an outlet. That is the road to success. Put butts in seats.

posted by Bwayniteowl on May 18, 2008 at 10:30pm

It is too bad that a theater like this is not in manhattan and stuck in a a neighborhod where people generally have no culture at all or an interest in a theater that would show film classics.The neighborhood is the main problem.Nothing against a neighborhood that is primarily Dominican.Believe me I know.I have asked many people around there in spanish(I'am puerto rican).You are talking about the great unwashed that live around there.It just seems to be the truth.I have seen people walk by that theater that could care lees about the treasure they have in their community.

posted by jorge68 on May 21, 2008 at 5:51pm

Though situated in a poor neighborhood, the location of the Paradise has the advantage of proximity to two subway lines plus easy accessibility by car.

The exact same description can be applied to The United Palace (a/k/a Loew's 175th Street), a venue of similar size and ambiance.

The crowds that have filled the United Palace to see Van Morrison, Annie Lennox and Neil Young weren't drawn from its immediate vicinity. They traveled! Audiences for shows at the Paradise can, too.

posted by stevebob on May 21, 2008 at 6:55pm

yes, that is so true.my grandmother's sister lives in washington heights and my cousin went to see annie lennox.the overwhelming majority of people that attended she told me were not the local great unwashed uncultured declasse hoodrats that inhabit the neighborhood.I'am sorry they destroy everything they touch or every neighborhood they go to.fordam road and washington heights were beautiful neighborhoods when they were jewish.Thank god i do not come from those low class type of latinos.enuff said.the theater is not to far from yankee stadium(On the same subway line).So that is probably a great idea.I would love to see old movies being played there.like at the loews jersey.

posted by jorge68 on May 21, 2008 at 9:23pm

The theatres official web site seems to be down

posted by RobertR on May 22, 2008 at 5:52am

A film clip from a salsa stage show at the Paradise can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlof7MAiP9k

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 22, 2008 at 8:07am

That's Bernie Williams, from the Yankee's.

posted by dave-bronx on May 22, 2008 at 9:42am

It's up to the theater's management to program what it thinks will fill the seats. Since the Paradise has been open for more than two years now, the "narrow" scope of programming and the community the building serves must be a formula for success. We would love to see classic films up on the big screen all the time, but when was the last time you saw capacity crowds on a regular basis at the Loew's Jersey? We theater and film buffs are in the minority, and it's $60-a-seat live events that will ultimately pay the bills. We should be thankful this place is restored and not torn down or turned into another Modell's or Marshall's.

posted by mp775 on May 27, 2008 at 1:43pm

How do we know that the Paradise has found "a formula for success?" Based on the limited number of bookings since the theatre re-opened, I would guess that it hasn't.

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 27, 2008 at 1:52pm

The Paradise has a beautiful proscenium for movies and I would love to see cinemascope on that screen.
I thought they once were going to show WWS(though god knows that film needs a rest) with some of the cast members present.
Why would those involved not want to show movies there occasionally?
And the Jersey could use some help with their programming which at times can be strange though they have a good one coming up.

posted by LeonLeonidoff on May 27, 2008 at 3:08pm

Any news on what's happening here? The official website is still "out-of-order."

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 4, 2008 at 8:21am

Nope!

posted by Lost Memory on Jun 4, 2008 at 8:52am

Balcony .

Balcony#2 .

Box office .

Facade.

Lobby.

posted by Lost Memory on Jun 4, 2008 at 8:12pm

The theater is going through changes. I believe this is why the site is temp. down

posted by THE PARADISE THEATER on Jun 5, 2008 at 7:13am

According to the internet, the Paradise will be presenting a "live" concert by Trey Songz on Friday night, June 27th, at 8:30 PM. Can't wait!

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 16, 2008 at 10:42am

Could someone please give me a contact number for the theatre. I'm getting married next year and would like to rent the place for this purpose. I would greatly appreciate the help.

posted by Luisana on Jun 30, 2008 at 2:21am

The photo number listed in the introduction is "not in service at this time." I wonder if the Trey Songz concert scheduled for last Friday night was actually held? I haven't seen any reviews of it yet.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 30, 2008 at 7:18am

I'm going to have to swing by there to see if I see something. The site isn't working and there is no contact info. Ahhh this sucks!

posted by Luisana on Jun 30, 2008 at 11:21am

Luisana, before you do that, are you sure that they cater to weddings? I've never heard or read that they do. You might try phoning the Russian Tea Room in midtown Manhattan. I believe that it has a business connection with the Paradise, and might even be owned by the same people.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jun 30, 2008 at 1:10pm

yes they cater to weddings, as of the last time their website was functioning

posted by beardbear31 on Jun 30, 2008 at 10:55pm

Thanx Bear! I thought they would because the Loews Jersey theater does. Thanx Warren for your help. If I could only find a contact number.

posted by Luisana on Jun 30, 2008 at 11:08pm

You might try contacting Orlando Lopes, the director of the New York area chapter of Theatre Historical Society of America. His e-mail is lopes1956@hotmail.com

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 1, 2008 at 6:01am

Luisana Do you have an email I can send you the information you requested.

posted by THE PARADISE THEATER on Jul 1, 2008 at 10:58am

Was the Trey Songz concert of 6/27/08 ever held? Today at the Ticketmaster website, there's a Trey Songz concert at the Paradise marked "TBA," which means "time to be announced." Could that be a postponement of the 6/27/08 concert, or an additional booking? The Paradise's own "official website" is still not operating. I wonder if a visit to the site would find a "For Sale or Rent" sign on display?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:50am

Thanx Warren! I emailed Mr. Lopes. I'm just waiting for a reply. Is the person under the name "The Paradise Theater" an employee or staff member?

posted by Luisana on Jul 11, 2008 at 1:21am

A lot of people have been wondering about "The Paradise Theater," but the person has never responded to queries about his/her connection, if any, with the management.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 11, 2008 at 5:32am

I talked to a rep at the box office today.He said that by tomorrow they will have a new schedule of shows. They will be some very big surprises in his words. See we will see hopefully they will offer some shows aimed at a more diverse population then the shows in the past.

posted by Peter on Jul 16, 2008 at 7:22pm

So where's the new schedule? A month has passed since it was promised for "tomorrow."

posted by Warren G. Harris on Aug 17, 2008 at 9:47am

Something's going on... (or NOT going on, for that matter.) Check out this listing on RipOffReport.com, a website about companies that don't pay their employees:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/358/RipOff0358771.htm

posted by mahermusic on Aug 24, 2008 at 10:07am

Looks like there is "TROUBLE IN PARADISE!" I was told in July that "There will be a BIG Schedule of shows for the fall". I have called back 4 or 5 times since then and been told that "In a few weeks we will have the schedule up"

I even received a call back from the manager of the Paradise in response to one of my calls around Aug 22nd, promising the unavailing of the fall/winter schedule.

I hope that some events will be taking place at this Grand Movie Palace. However with the bad economic times that seems to be unlikley.

posted by Peter on Sep 20, 2008 at 6:06am

I was told that the schedule for Mid Oct to Dec WILL be ready soon. I will post when I have the information.

posted by Peter on Sep 23, 2008 at 9:05am

The area seems to be booming, but the Paradise needs to figure out a way to benefit.
Sporadic concerts don't seem to be the answer:
http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2008/09/21/2008-09-21_sears_spurs_strips_revival_in_central_br.html

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 23, 2008 at 9:18am

Concerts are a fine draw, but with ticket prices from $40.00 to $100.00+ the Paradie needs to have tower priced events.Classic films from the 40's 70's would be a good draw.

posted by Peter on Sep 23, 2008 at 6:29pm

As far as concerts go, $40-$100 isn't bad. However, yes, they should have some "cheap" stuff, such as classic films or stuff, mixed in.

posted by Bway on Sep 25, 2008 at 9:12am

The other side of the story from the promoters.
http://www.norwoodnews.org/story/?id=108&story=paradise+theater+in+hands+of+utopia

Damon Van Dyke
"I promoted a show at Utopia Paradise Theater last year on Friday, Aug. 10,2007 titled Tribute to The Furious Five. To this date I have yet to receive any monies from my event. I am presently suing the Utopia for payment."

Heart and Soul
"that has also been victimized by the unethical practices of the current management."

Intimidated Promoter
"two crooks"

posted by Bwayniteowl on Oct 1, 2008 at 5:35pm

That story in the Norwood News was published more than a year ago, on July 12, 2007. An update is urgently needed. By now, Utopia might have been ousted from the management.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Oct 2, 2008 at 6:29am

Any chance they might show movies here again for special shows like the Loew's Jersey does?

posted by JimmyD on Oct 7, 2008 at 6:42pm

What happened to the promised schedule of events for the balance of 2008? Can we assume that the theatre is now a case of Paradise Lost?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Oct 15, 2008 at 6:20am

Warren, I stopped by the theatre yesterday. There was no sign of life, just a notice on the box office window stating that the fall schedule will be coming soon. Maybe their referring to the fall of 2009?

posted by Rabbit on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:14am

I saw the comments above about the neighborhood being a disadvantage and have to strongly disagree. If anything, this theater has a huge advantage, particularly if the right promoter comes in and starts promoting rock and pop shows. The theater is six blocks from the Fordham stop on two separate lines for Metro-North. The Harlem Line, which runs all through Westchester and Putnam counties, and the New Haven Line, which runs through southeastern Connecticut. This is a rock-and-roll goldmine. Hundreds of thousands of college-aged kids living and/or going to school in these exurbs who would love to hop on a train and take it to Fordham, thereby spending less than it would take to go all the way into Grand Central, to see their favorite band at this magnificent venue that blows the overpriced Beacon away. And, if they went to see a show at Irving Plaza or the Gramercy, they'd have to spend another 4 bucks on the subway. Here, they can just walk. It would also be a boon to Fordham Road, as they would patronize the restaurants along that strip pre-show.

Recently there was a boomlet of rock venues opened in Manhattan - Highline, United Palace, Blender at Gramercy, Coda. Too many venues in too small a space, and Coda already went out of business as a result. The Paradise would stand out by being the only venue like it in the Bronx and that much easier to get to for people from the north and east. And you can still get there from Brooklyn and Manhattan on the 4, B, and D.

The Allmans always make a big deal out of their March residency at the Beacon, but I know several people who won't go there anymore because of security and management. If you can get another big band to establish a residency at the Paradise, and pay attention to the details so the customers feel like it is a real "experience," there is no reason for this venue not to succeed.

Well, except for the recession.

posted by sandpiper on Nov 19, 2008 at 1:56pm

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