Joy Theater

that marquee lit up at night is truly a sight to behold… just gorgeous. unfortunately, the joy is no longer a movie theater, so my interest ends at the beauty of the marquee. in it’s last few years as a movie theater, the joy was a mess… terrible conditions, loud, obnoxious and possibly dangerous patrons, etc. but i have a lot of fondness for that sort of grindhouse atmosphere, so i sort of miss those days.

The Joy Theatre was featured in this 1947 trade ad for Wagner Sign Service: boxofficemagazine

A USA Today article about the theater: View link

The Joy reopened with live music performances on Dec. 29, 2011. From the outside it looks great. I understand they can still show film.

The relighting of the marquee in December 2011.

Article, with pictures, about the reopening:

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/12/joy_theater_on_canal_street_co.html

Yes, it’s true. The Joy Theater is going to open on December 29, 2011. It is locally owned and operated. The new owners have completely renovated the venue and made it a multipurpose entertainment venue. They retained the balcony and have added a bar, an elevator and permanent seats. They added a stage, a state of the art sound and video system. The floors on the first floor will be removable so you can add a dance floor or have a reception.

Opening night: Irma Thomas (12/29), Soul Rebels (12/30), and Kermit Ruffins (12/31). Tickets are going on sale 12/1. We are active on Facebook/thejoytheater. And the website will be up next week.

Most importantly, the marquee is being restored and returned to Canal Street during the second week of December!

That is great news!

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/07/happier_days_ahead_for_the_der.html – The Joy is finally getting renovated. To be reopened as a multi-entertainment venue next year.

Joy Newton Houck was Joy Sr’s name. Joy Houck Jr., known around the theatre biz as “J.N.”, and Clyde Joy Houck are sons of Joy Houck Sr.

His name was indeed Joy Houck. Here is a link to an article in regardds to Mr. Joy Houck building the Joy Theatre in New Orleans.
http://www.nomorejoy.com/script/thestory04.html

I never met Clyde Joy Houck but heard wonderful stories of the Grandfather who piloted his own plane on trips into his 90’s. Cheryl told me how Clyde Joy pioneered traveling to small towns and rural areas throughout Texas and pitching a tent in a field for country folks to watch cinema that they might not otherwise be able to see. Reminds me of the “Grapes of Wrath”.. With a twinkle in her eyes, Cheryl recalled childhood memories of spending time in the theater watching movies and eating all the concessions she wanted. I got the impression that Clyde Joy knew how to make his granddaughter feel special and that no granddaughter was ever more proud of her grandpa.

After many years I have come to appreciated those stories and who Clyde Joy Houck was and how special the Houck family is.

It’s sort of a fluke that I came to this site and I have never read anything about the Houck Family until today. All I ever knew was what little bit Cheryl told me (25 years ago). Obviously she made an impression on me.. But after having a Houck family heirloom (a dining room table and chairs) that Cheryl sold me in the 80’s (with Grandma’s blessing). I can only imagine the feasts and the stories that where once told at that table. To me it just always had some sort of magical aura about it.. (sounds funny I know) But of all the “stuff” I have, it remains one of my favorite pieces., last week I decided to have it professionally refinished. And on a whim, today I thought I would Google “Houck Cinema Texas” and VAVOOM!

Cheryl, hope all is well with you and your family. If you’re ever in Denver, call me!

Jim (in Denver)