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Looking for a Broadway theatre
posted by
JoelWeide
on
June 14, 2006 at 5:32 am
I was in New York City in 1974, on Broadway, and there was a round theatre, and I was under the impression the auditorium was underground. It was playing the “Exorcist”.
I remember seeing very long lines totally around this theatre and I think the name of this theatre was the Paramount, however I can not find it listed. Can anyone update my memory of what this theatre actually was, and if it is listed here?
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Comments (8)
i think you thinking og Loews Columbus Square on the coner of broardway Central park South and Cenral Park west. It is now part of Trump tower i think
You are indeed thinking of the former Loew’s Columbus Circle, which was located in the basement of the Gulf and Western building where Broadway and Central Park West diverge. It was later named the Paramount (which was owned by G&W at the time) and run for a long time by Cinema 5. Here’s a link to the CT page for the theater where you’ll find more info and some recollections by CT members. Warren posted a 1979 photo of the theater’s circular above-ground entrance pavillion that was located in the triangular plaza to the south of the G&W building. If you were to pass the spot today, you would find a Unisphere (similar to, but smaller than, the one famously located in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens) now standing where the theater’s entrance once did.
Thank You !!!!!!Thank You!!!!! Thank You!!!!!! all your information was a great help!!!!!!!!!
Cheers….Joel Weide
I remember this place well. I worked nearby and saw “Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Chorus Line” there.
Hi Joel!
Here’s a photo from Ed Solero’s new website documenting theaters around Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, & some other interesting links:
View link
I must quickly point out that I purloined that photo from a posting that CT member Warren made some time ago on the theater’s page here.
THIS THEATRE WAS AT THE CORNER OF BROADWAY AND CENTRAL PARK WEST…ON COLUMBUS CIRCLE…WHERE 59TH. STREET (CENTRAL PARK SOUTH), CENTRAL PARK WEST AND BROADWAY CONVERGE AND WAS ACROSS FROM THE CONVENTION CENTER. I do not know if it was a Loew’s at one time but it was called the Paramount after Gulf & Western took over Paramount and was in the G&F Building…a logical reason to change the name…I do not know if the Bluedorns were still the principles in Paramount and G&F. I worked on 61st and West End Avenue and passed this corner often when I went out to lunch…..I think it has now been torn down. I am talking 35-40 years ago. The original Paramount (home of Frank Sinatra and other famous stage shows and movies in the 30’s, 40' & 50') on Broadway and 43rd was torn down prior to the name change up on Columbus Circle.
THIS THEATRE WAS AT THE CORNER OF BROADWAY AND CENTRAL PARK WEST…ON COLUMBUS CIRCLE…WHERE 59TH. STREET (CENTRAL PARK SOUTH), CENTRAL PARK WEST AND BROADWAY CONVERGE AND WAS ACROSS FROM THE CONVENTION CENTER. I do not know if it was a Loew’s at one time but it was called the Paramount after Gulf & Western took over Paramount and was in the G&F Building…a logical reason to change the name…I do not know if the Bluedorns were still the principles in Paramount and G&F. I worked on 61st and West End Avenue and passed this corner often when I went out to lunch…..I think it has now been torn down. I am talking 35-40 years ago. The original Paramount (home of Frank Sinatra and other famous stage shows and movies in the 30’s, 40' & 50') on Broadway and 43rd was torn down prior to the name change up on Columbus Circle. Ritch