Plaza Theatre
617 State Street,
Schenectady,
NY
12305
617 State Street,
Schenectady,
NY
12305
3 people
favorited this theater
The RKO Plaza Theatre was opened on August 28, 1931, with Maurice Chevalier in “The Smiling Lieutenant. Designed in an Atmospheric style by theatre architect John Eberson, the theatre took three years to build. There was an enormous lobby, complete with ornate chandeliers. Seating in the auditorium was provided for 2,500 in orchestra and two balcony levels. As well as movies, the RKO Plaza Theatre hosted stage shows and performances by the likes of the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra with Eugene Ormandy, George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra and many more.
It was demolished in 1964.
Contributed by
Bryan
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Recent comments (view all 13 comments)
The Plaza Theatre opened on August 28, 1931 with 2382 seats. It was the second of two theatres built by Jacob (father) and Si (son) Fabian after they left the Stanley-Fabian Theatres that were acquired by Warner Bros. in 1928. The two theatres, the Palace in Albany and the Plaza in Schenectady were leased to RKO. RKO defaulted on the leases and the theatres were taken back by the Fabians and operated as part of the Fabian Theaters circuit. The Plaza Theatre was demolished in 1964.
Check out some Plaza ads here:
http://plantweed.blogspot.com/search?q=plaza
I believe this is the theater my dad, who was born in 1924, often spoke about. He said when you looked up at the ceiling, it looked like stars were shining and that it was air conditioned (which was apparently a novelty).
Grand opening article and ads is at View link
Not only were the stars shining the clouds also moved over the entire ceiling. It was so fascinating to watched that
As I spent my childhood years in Schenectady, I saw movies at the Plaza Theater many, many times. When I was 12 years old, the manager gave me a tour of the projection booth. Very exciting, since I wanted to be a projectionist when I grew up. A goal which was realized in 1969 after a 8 year hitch in the Navy. Too my eyes,the Plaza was a huge palace from the long hallway that lead from the enterance to the concession stand and the auditorium. It was heart breaking to see an empty lot where this beautiful theater once stood.
The Plaza demo photo is hard to view though glad to see this once great theatre is included on CT. I have recently learned that the site is now home to an insurance company’s headquarters. Do hope an historical plaque is placed at the location so nobody will ever forget what was once there for theatre and movie goers. And I sincerely hope that there were some residents of Schenectady who opposed the demolition and fought to keep this theatre standing for future generations. Sadly, someone with pen in hand presented the RKO with its final blow and existence.
And I wonder who the 2 men are in the photo as they look at the destroyed stage. I hope that at the time they wondered “if” they were doing the right thing! I can anwer that question now in one simple word……NO!
This must have been one of John Eberson’s last large theatres in the atmospheric style, perhaps even the very last.
I’ve raised some questions about the auditorium in the Photos Section. If anyone can answer them, please do. Thanks!