Redford Theatre

17360 Lahser Road,
Detroit, MI 48219

9 people favorited this theater

This 1928 Detroit neighborhood house was built to resemble a Japanese outdoor garden theater. The theater was opened by the Kunsky chain on January 27, 1928, with a seating capacity of 2,051. It was purchased by the Goldberg family in 1931 as part of their Community Theaters circuit.

The Motor City chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society took over operation of the Redford Theatre in 1974, and purchased the building in 1977. Since that time the all volunteer staff has run it as a classic films/rental/stage show/organ concert venue. Much of the original Japanese Atmospheric style decor was altered in past decades, and the MCTOS have been working for many years to re-create what was lost.

Recently the theater has a new computerized light board and new historically accurate seats. Restoration is continuing as funds and time permit. The classic film series shows a different film every other weekend.

Contributed by John Lauter, Oren Walther

Recent comments (view all 19 comments)

sevenyritch on August 21, 2005 at 1:13 am

I love the Redford. If only the city of theatres could have held onto a few more..

jawalker on September 9, 2005 at 5:02 pm

I saw Phantom of the Opera (1925 – Lon Chaney), Some like it Hot (M Monroe) and The Mark of Zorro back in the early 90’s. Only classics were being shown then, and just one of two showings a month. But a memorable experience with the organ.

BoxOffice70MM on November 2, 2005 at 1:29 am

I hope to be able to come for IMITATION OF LIFE, that is one of my all time favs !!

allenfitz on November 2, 2005 at 3:16 pm

As one of the people restoring the Redford I want to say thanks for all the complements. We still need your help. Bring all you friends to see the Redford.

Kaimannaa on January 2, 2007 at 11:12 pm

She’s a beautiful place. My husband and I were there all the time while dating and engaged. We really miss it now that we’re in PA! How is the artist’s space/lounge in the back doing? It was really exciting to get a peek at that.

TEWinkes on March 9, 2007 at 5:19 pm

My wife and I saw “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” along with a Bugs Bunny cartoon last weekend. Four dollar? They should charge more!! The price at the concessions was great! The organ music before, at the intermission and the end was fantastic. WE WILL BE BACK!