Have a news tip for us?
Just email . Ideas for stories, links to interesting articles, and press releases are welcome.
Events
-
August 10, 2007
A Grand celebration
GRAND ISLAND, NE — In honor of the Grand Theater’s 100th Anniversary, the town is honoring its biggest supporter, Wally Kemp, along with a slate including a book release and a vintage documentary presentation.
For Grand Island native John Sorensen, the timing of the upcoming Grand Event was “cosmic.”
It’s the culmination of a number of historic anniversaries and events the release of two books about Grand Island’s history, the 100th anniversary of the first movie theater opening in Grand Island and the 150th birthday of Hall County, to name a few.
So to celebrate the city’s history and remember the early beginnings of Grand Island’s movie theaters, Sorensen and a number of local sponsors will host The Grand Event at the Grand Theater on Aug. 19.
For more, go to the Independent.
0 comments -
August 8, 2007
HDC Fall Theater Tour Series
NEW YORK, NY — This September you can visit some of Manhattan’s historic bars as well as theaters on this innovative tour.
During the month of September HDC will present “On the Town in New York: Historic Theaters and Bars of New York City,” a fascinating series of programs that will investigate the history, archaeology and preservation of some of New York City’s most notorious haunts.
Two tour dates to choose from! Sunday, September 23, and Sunday, September 30.
The series will conclude with a rare behind-the-scenes tour of Manhattan’s Theater District. The tour, put together by noted tour guide Joseph Rosenberg of VIP Tours New York and restoration specialist Jeffrey Greene, will go inside some of Broadway’s most infamous theaters.Visit the Historic Districts Council for more info.
-
August 1, 2007
Rooftop Films in NYC
All around New York City, Rooftop Films is projecting movies in some original locations.
Literally, in the case of Rooftop Films. Moviegoers climbed several flights of stairs, weaving their way through the Old American Can Factory, a former industrial complex near the Gowanus Canal that now houses artists' studios, to see “Crossing the Line.” Rooftop Films also shows movies on the lawn of the Automotive High School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and in various locations around Manhattan.
Held regularly since 1997, when it began on an East Village apartment roof, and organized like a festival, Rooftop has become a destination for independent shorts, documentaries and features, the kind that might one day win honors at Sundance or Cannes. Rooftop receives 2,500 submissions annually from all over the world, said Mark Elijah Rosenberg, the co-founder and artistic director, and aims for unusual programs, like one showcasing filmmakers' home movies. Tonight it is showing shorts from an independent animation festival at Automotive High School; an afterparty with an open bar follows. Take that, Bryant Park.
You can read the full story at the New York Times.
-
July 23, 2007
Upcoming theatre events
COMING SOON
Capitol Theatre
ROME, NY — “Capitolfest 5” at the restored Capitol Theatre in Rome, New York will be held on August 19-12, 2007. Go to www.romecapitol.com for more information on the Vitaphone shorts that will be shown. A wonderful series of of rare silents and early talkies.
Heights Theatre
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — This historic theatre will again present a program of early Vitaphone shorts and early talkies. Special treat will be the appearance of “Baby” Rose Marie. Go to www.heightstheatre.com for this September Program.
-
July 18, 2007
More boxing coming to Paradise
BRONX, NY — Amongst the concerts and special events is a series of boxing matches continuing at the historic Paradise Theatre.
Star Boxing ( DeGuardia’s promotional company) has 20 boxers under contract, most of whom are credible club fighters, a few of them world-class. More significantly, Star Boxing has brought boxing back to the Bronx in the form of a series of fight cards at the Paradise Theater.
The first installment of “Punchin' at the Paradise” took place last December. DeGuardia is on track to promote six fight cards at the venue this year, and 12 in 2008. In many respects, the theater itself is the star of the show.
Read more at the New York Sun.
-
Academy Theater memories
INGLEWOOD, CA — Do you have fond memories of the Academy Theater? If so, we want to interview you at the book signing and release party on November 9, 2007 in the lobby of the Academy.
Please go to the official website and register today or call 310-357-5462.
-
July 13, 2007
‘Blobfest’ at Phoenixville’s Colonial Theatre
PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Nearly fifty years ago, the Blob literally appeared at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville (on-screen, at least), causing panic and terror as the gelatinous creature seeped into the movie house. The sci-fi classic was filmed in and around this Chester county town in 1957, bringing a little bit of Hollywood for a time to the Phoenixville area, including the film’s star Steve McQueen. The Colonial, which opened in 1903 as a legitimate and vaudeville house, later turned to movies, but declined in more recent decades. It was acquired by the Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corp. in 1995 and for the next several years, was closed for renovation and restoration. It was reopened in 1999, and today features independent and classic films as well as live entertainment. It has also, since reopening, been host to “Blobfest”, a yearly event honoring the film that made the Colonial and Phoenixville famous.
This year’s “Blobfest” is today and tomorrow, July 13th and 14th, and will include a scream contest, costume contest, street fair, live music, a “running out of the theater” reenactment, and of course, screenings of “The Blob” and other sci-fi films. Further information on “Blobfest” and other events at the theater can be found at the Colonial Theatre’s website.
See the related story in yesterday’s Philadelphia Inquirer.
-
July 12, 2007
Academy Theater book release
INGLEWOOD, CA — The official release date of the highly anticipated coffee table book, “The Incredible History of The Academy Theater”, will be released on November 9, 2007. The invitation only and VIP book signing and reception will be held in the lobby of the Academy.
BEM Books, the publishers, have launched this official website as the official “pre-order” website for this incredible piece of history.
The book will retail for $49.95, however, if you order online between July 11, 2007 and August 1, 2007 you can purchase the book for only $40, plus shipping and handling. This will guarantee you admission to the VIP book signing and reception. To order your copy, log in to the site. Your order is guaranteed and your information secured. For questions call Mr. Thomas at 310-357-5462
-
June 29, 2007
Somerville Theatre Summer Film Series
Enjoy “classic” films on the newly renovated Big Screen at the Somerville Theatre. Films from all decades for all film tastes and ages. Also featuring great concessions:
Fresh Popped Popcorn
Real Butter
Pepsi-Cola Fountain Drinks…plus
Beer and wine (for our 21+ Guests)
*beer and wine sold only until 11 pm…no beer or wine sold at midnight shows.
and soon featuring Richardson’s Ice Cream, Cups, Cones and Frappes at our outside window!
For more details and a full Summer Film Series schedule go to FEI Theatres.
-
Hornbeck Theatre celebrates 60th birthday
SHAWNEE, OK — A Downtown Shawnee, OK. landmark turns 60 on July 10th as the Hornbeck Theatre celebrates six decades entertaining Shawnee moviegoers.
Built in 1947, the historic theatre was opened by former Shawnee mayor Adam Hornbeck, in partnership with Griffith Theatres, Inc. of Oklahoma City. Designed by Dallas architect, Jack Corgan, the spacious theatre originally seated over 1100 with its main floor and large balcony.
In the early 1950’s Griffith Theatres became Video Independent Theatres and in 1954 Hornbeck sold his interest in the theatre to Johnny H. Jones and sister Ruby Jones. The Jones Family has operated the theatre ever since, now in a joint venture with national cinema chain, Carmike Cinemas, which succeeded Video. That spacious balcony was remodeled in 1972 into a separate theatre, called the Penthouse.