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Historic Midland Theatre restoration includes major alterations to the auditorium
posted by
philbertgray
on
September 8, 2008 at 11:27 am
KANSAS CITY, MO – The two year restoration of the Midland Theatre in Kansas City will most likely upset preservationists. Although the 3,573 seat theatre has remained mostly intact since it was built in 1927, seating for the entire main floor has been removed in favor of a seven tiered floor that allows for tables and chairs for cabaret-style entertainment, or fundraising and corporate events. The orchestra pit has also been covered to increase the space available and a plush bar has been built at the back of the main auditorium.
The AMC theatre chain, present owner of the Midland, says the changes will guarantee up to 200 bookings a year. According to AMC the theatre had been booked only a couple of times a year prior to the alterations. AMC additionally stated the tables can be removed for “stand up concerts” or 700 temporary plush seats can be placed in the auditorium. This seems to offer little hope that movies will be a part of any future venues at the Midland.
Details, along with a couple of pictures and a video of some of the restoration, can be found at
http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/784371.html
An additional article that includes a designer’s rendering of the auditorium with the tables installed can be found at
