Midland Theatre

Here is a paragraph from a January 16, 1926, article about the proposed Midland Theatre in The Reel Journal:

“T. W. Lamb, a New York architect, and Robert C. Boller, of Boller Bros., Kansas City architects, are preparing plans for the big four-story movie palace and office building. Contracts for the construction will be let as soon as plans are finished, it has been announced.”

It’s noted in the description on this page that the Midland Theatre cost $4,000,000 to build in 1926-27. The theater was indeed large and lavish, but I don’t think it accounted for the entire budget. The twelve story Midland Building at the back end of the theater has about three times the floor space of the theater portion of the project, and probably consumed at least half of that $4,000,000 construction cost.

Here is a 1927 photo showing the office building and theater under construction, taken from the office building end of the project.

The poster I’d like to share with you here View link was for a show which took place in the Loew’s Midland Theater I suspect in 1929. The back of the ad promotes a film called “The Taming of the Shrew” which featured Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. It was released on 30 Nov, 1929. I guess the show then was about the same time.

I’d have a couple of questions in relation, and would welcome your thoughts.

First, it says ‘our opening show.’ Would I be right to assume this does not mean the opening show of the theatre itself (which according to the above would have to be 1927) but rather means one of the following: the first vaudeville show in the theatre or the opening show of the Six Rockets at this theatre. In case of the latter, would that mean they’d perform a run of shows? If yes, appx. how many would be a reasonable estimate? I should add, the Rockets includes my grandmother and her sister (bottom left and bottom right respectively who by this time had been on the road since mid-1928!

Second, are all the original schedules of the theatre archived anywhere?

Many thanks in advance for any comments! Warm wishes and season’s greetings!

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

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

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

This fun web-site has details on the Midland Theatre -
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Wow Warren G.,

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

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

A couple 1984 photos of the Midland
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Here is an article published in today’s Business Journal of Kansas City describing the renovation and reopening of the Midland Theater. The theater has its' first performance tonight by Melissa Etheridge, who grew up in nearby Leavenworth, KS.

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

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Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977

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

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

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