Stanley Theatre

The Stanley Theatre in Newark (cinematreasures.org/theaters/6562/) is a virtual replica of the Stanley in Jersey City, albeit on a somewhat smaller scale (1,949 seats). The lobby is not an exact reaplica but is similar in style and fully atmospheric. That Stanley is also a church.

Some more videos:

nine minute video tour + slide show with history & restoration:
View link

Another…:
View link

One more…:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux_IHX4X3vw

I wanted to tour this theatre next week. A call to the number lister said there are no more tours. Say it isn’t so, urgh!!!!!!!!

Here’s a new link to a 2007 video slide show that may have been previously posted here on 12/15/09: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux_IHX4X3vw

To commemmorate the New York opening of “Psycho” 50 years ago today, here’s an ad from the Jersey Journal. “Psycho” didn’t branch out to New Jersey theaters till August 3, 1960:

View link

Very nice photo Patsy.

After reading all posts, I would like to state that Schmadrian has tried to be respectful. I admit that it would be nice to have a little film history in a tour, but if the guide is not familiar with that part of it, especially being a volunteer, not as a guide, but in the facility itself, they may not know particulars. Schmadrian appears very sincere to me, although Jehovah’s Witnesses are not aggrandizing themselves in this regard. Schadrian does appreciate the hard work that was put into the renovation. Proof of this is in the link of his profile showing his favorite theaters, the Stanley being among them. Schmadrian: I applaud how you were not attacking the faith of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I believe that if I came to your door, you would be very respectful of me/my faith, even if we do not agree, unlike many.

Back in November 2008 I was treated to a wonderful tour of the Stanley theatre as a featured part of the “Wonder Weekend” celebration at the Loewâ€\s Jersey Theatre across the street. About 150 participants were given a thorough tour of the Stanley and it really is as amazing as people have said in the posts above. They did a fantastic job of restoring the theatre, and the tourguides were very friendly and informative. I would encourage anyone attending an event at the Loewâ€\s Jersey to make time in their schedule for a tour of the Stanley as well. There are few places where two top-class movie palaces are located literally across the street from each other. We were able to learn a lot about the history of the theater and restoration, and the witnesses were able to learn a lot more about the theatre history from the “wonder weekend” attendees. A couple of the volunteers then came over to enjoy Ralph Ringstadâ€\s concert at the Loewâ€\s!

I did find a few new pieces of information:

The staff of the Assembly hall is very interested in hearing from people with information about the history of the theatre, and peopleâ€\s memories of it – email them at or 201/377-3100 if you have anything to offer!

The big patch in the ceiling above the proscenium arch covers the main speaker system. It is color-matched very well to the ceiling plaster so when youâ€\re actually standing there it doesnâ€\t look too obtrusive.

When the Jehovahâ€\s Witnesses bought the theater, the big lobby murals were deteriorated beyond repair, and a couple were completely missing; hence their replacement with new murals reflecting a more religious them. They are gorgeous!

They no longer offer hot chocolate or iced tea after the tours, but they will give you a beautiful packet of a dozen color postcards of the theater, mostly of the wonderful interiors. Also the free tours now need to be arranged in advance – contact them at or 201/377-3100 a couple days before you plan to arrive- tours can be scheduled between 8-12 and 1-4:15.

ORGAN INFO! The Stanleyâ€\s Mighty WurliTzer (Opus 1836, type SP-3M, 3 manuals, 27 ranks) was sold off in the early 1970s, and in 1973 was installed in the home of Dick Loderhose in Jamaica, Queens. It was subsequently sold to Ron Walls and installed at the Roaring 20â€\s Pizza in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later installed in its current home, the Meijer Theatre at the Van Andel City Museum in Grand Rapids. There it entertains a steady stream of local school groups who attend their popular “storytime with the organ” presentations, offered weekly on Mondays, and the second Friday of the month. These 35 minute programs include live thematic readings, accompanied by projected images and musical accompaniment on the organ, followed by an explanation of the workings of the pipes. The organ is also used for periodic concerts and is available for weddings. Photo of the console can be found at http://www.grmuseum.org/host/pricing (click on Meijer theater). Itâ€\s great to see the organ is being used so extensively! During these many moves, the Solo String and Solo String Cello were sold and installed onto Opus 2006 in Berkeley, CA, and the 15” Diaphonic Diapason were installed on a privately owned organ in Detroit, MI.

Here is a marquee photo:
http://tinyurl.com/l6jg85

I'am glad they did'nt tear it down for a parking lot, he would have written a ten chapter book. Save them all.

LOL

I’m not the one who resurrected it, Larry! Why bring it up, except to try and slap my wrist?

Maybe you’re just bored. Here’s an assignment: fix the economy.

Um… OK… So what does posting frank opinions on a site have to do with my graciousness while on the premises of the building? And if you were to ask the tour guide in question, if she remembered me at all, she’d probably tell you I was a convivial and genuinely interested guest. But I’m under no obligation to toe the party line and genuflect at the altar of the JW restoration efforts elsewhere.

Besides; you’re giving them FAR too much credit when you ‘explain’ their motives, trying to provide some perspective as to what ‘they did’. They made the best of a situation and in the resultant efforts, made an offering to their god. (Not to mention aggrandizing themselves in the process; the very fact that they have purposefully omitted/deleted all references to the building’s history…I could provide a list of people throughout history who have ‘wiped the slate clean’ like this, but I won’t bring politics into the discussion, religion having made its presence is bad enough…says more about their ‘selflessness’ than anything else) And frankly, I’m not interested in, nor do I need any of your clarification as to ‘what they’re about’. I know. I have direct experience with them.

Nothing I wrote initially about my visit to the Stanley has changed, and I understand that I am in the minority on this issue. Judgemental comments as to my graciousness are, at best uncalled for, and at worst, a complete indulgence on your part. If you love the Stanley, great. Have fun. Just leave me out of it.

And no, I’m not a woman. But thanks for the compliment. : )

Does anyone happen to know what the mythological paintings that were originally in the vault over the staircase looked like? Or what stories they were of? I’m writing a paper for a class about the transformation of this building, so any information that anyone remembers would be much appreciated!

Also, someone mentioned that there used to be statues around. I hadn’t seen any of them in the old photographs (though I haven’t seen that many old photographs) so if anyone remembered more details about these too, that would be fantastic.