Birmingham, MI - Historic Birmingham 8 movie theater being modernized

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on April 13, 2017 at 8:00 am

From the Oakland Press: When patrons attended vaudeville shows at what is now the Birmingham 8 movie theater in the 1920s, it’s unlikely they imagined that in the future, audiences would put their feet up and relax while they watched a movie.

The historic theater in downtown Birmingham is joining the chain movie houses by adding reclining seats, which are being installed in phases. The theater’s owners hope to secure a liquor license from the state by the summer, also following the lead of many of the area corporate theaters that serve beer and cocktails, such as MJR and Emagine.

In the past couple of years, the Birmingham 8 has gotten new screens, new carpeting and other upgrades, said Tim Queen, general manager.

Seating at the theater, 211 S. Old Woodward Ave., will be reduced from about 950 seats to about 550. The reduced capacity is worth it, Queen said. He said it’s part of the experience that current moviegoers are seeking.

The marquee at the theater, a fixture in Birmingham’s downtown, will stay just as it is, he said.

Story link: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20170412/historic-birmingham-8-movie-theater-being-modernized

ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org

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