Theaters

  • May 10, 2005

    New Children’s Book, Old Theater

    NEW YORK, NY — We are the authors of a new children’s historic fiction book about Walt Disney and the B.S. Moss Colony Theater being released this month by Simon and Schuster. BLAST TO THE PAST: DISNEY’S DREAM is geared to 7 to 11 year olds and perfect for anyone interested in this slice of theater history.

    DISNEY’S DREAM asks readers to consider what the world be like if Walt Disney had given up his dreams and quit?

    The book takes place entirely around Broadway in 1928. It is the task of four third grade students to time travel to Broadway’s B.S. Moss Colony Theater and convince Walt Disney of the immeasurable value his work will mean to future generations. The novel focuses on the moment when Walt Disney added sound to his Steamboat Willie cartoon simultaneously introducing Mickey Mouse and solidifying his place in American history.

  • Summit Plaza Closes

    HOLTS SUMMIT, MO — The Summit Plaza Theater recently closed.

    “It wasn’t making any money, our lease was up, and we couldn’t afford it anymore,” said owner Kelly Porch. “It just was not bringing in enough income — we had no choice.”

    Apparently, it is available for lease, according to this article in the Jefferson City News Tribune.

  • May 9, 2005

    Stooges Return To The Ohio Theatre

    COLUMBUS, OH — The 36th season of the CAPA Summer Movies Series at the magnificent Ohio Theatre, one of central Ohio’s favorite summertime entertainment traditions, features seven weeks of Hollywood’s biggest stars and most treasured films. The series kicks off with the hilarious ‘'Some Like It Hot’ named the all-time funniest movie by the American Film Institute.

    There’s adventure, comedy, suspense, and musicals in store when America’s longest running classic film series continues. Nine films are series debuts including Alfred Hitchcock’s Saboteur, A Hard Day’s Night, Animal Crackers, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Blazing Saddles, and The Killers. This year’s silent movie — Metropolis — is also a series debut.

    Back by popular demand is Saturday Morning Cartoon Capers-and a brand new Saturday morning feature — STOOGE-A-RAMA! June 18th we’re featuring all Warner Brother’s classics and July 9th shows some of the goofy classics you love like Tom & Jerry, Daffy Duck & the Tasmanian Devil!

  • May 6, 2005

    TheCarolinaChannel.com - Empty Theater To Reopen As Top-Of-Line Movie Experience

    This is worth reading….

  • May 3, 2005

    Ceiling Falls On Audience At Capitol Theatre

    CHAMBERSBURG, PA — On last Saturday night, during a live performance about education, an approximately 10 foot wide by 4 foot tall chuck of the plaster ceiling in the center of the auditorium at the Capitol Theatre broke loose and came crashing down on patrons sitting in the audience.

    At least one victim was hospitalized and at least one other required medical attention.

    Supposedly the building had been inspected just a few days before. The area had experienced severe rain all day but first reports claim the problem had nothing to do with roof leaks.

    The theatre plans to make repairs and re-open.

  • April 25, 2005

    Hoosier Theatre Plans Expansion

    WHITING, IN — The Hoosier Theatre continues to fuel community passion for the arts as plans for development emerge…

    Read more in this report from the Northwest Indiana Times.

  • April 20, 2005

    Skokie Theater to Become Concert Venue

    SKOKIE, IL — The Skokie Theater, which was closed in November of 2004, will be renovated for use as a concert hall, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.

    The former movie house, which was built in 1915 and remodeled in Art Moderne style during the 40s, was purchased last week by the Cavalcade of Music Foundation, which is based in the North Shore suburb of Kenilworth. Bob Acri, the foundation’s executive director, says the theater will be used as a showcase for jazz, classical, folk, and other musical styles (except rock).

    The foundation is kicking off a fundraising campaign, and it is expected to cost between $750,000 to $1 million to renovate the Skokie. Work will include repairs to the exterior, upgrades to lighting and sound systems, conversion of the projection area to a conference room, making the building handicap accessable, and reducing seating from 314 to 161. Work could begin in a month and be completed in the fall, according to Acri.

  • April 18, 2005

    Off The Multiplex Path In NYC

    NEW YORK, NY — A recent Daily News article focused on some of NYC’s alternative ‘Cinema Treasures’, including Ocularis in Brooklyn and the Millennium Film Workshop in the East Village.

  • April 14, 2005

    Friends of the Boyd Update

    PHILADELPHIA, PA — The following was sent in by Howard Haas of the Friends of the Boyd:

    “The new owner of the Boyd didn’t waste time. Last Wednesday, I joined architect Gary Martinez, AIA, & National Design Director John M. Ahrens, AIA, in a long awaited Inventory Tour, walking thru the movie palace, pointing out all the historic features we had discovered. I shared copies of much of our research. I had been in the Boyd before with them, but this was an all day discussion that for awhile also included Michael Norris (our Development Chair) and Adrian Fine (Regional Director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation), and a consultation from another organ company.

    I am thrilled to tell you that everybody wants to bring the movie palace back to its original 1928 beauty. Clear Channel wants to do a comprehensive restoration to the original colors of the paint & plaster, light fixtures, and much more! As we have said, in addition to film, organ, exhibits of the theater’s history and public tours, there are also Art Deco features that Friends of the Boyd can help make a difference in ensuring they return, but we are very happy with the company’s expertise and their commitment.

    The Boyd is on its way! I liked the 1970’s Art Deco Revival concession stand in the Lobby, with its light ends that lit up. But, most people thought it a monstrosity incompatible with the original French Art Deco design. It is gone!

  • April 4, 2005

    Majestic Theater Burns - 200 Escape

    CONWAY, NH — A fire broke out at the Majestic Theater during a Friday evening show. 200-250 people were present, all made it out.

    The fire was put out in 10-15 minutes but caused a 300 to 400 foot section of the roof onto the theater seats. We are getting about 4" of rain today and not having a roof could cause some serious issues.

    More details can be found in the Saturday April 2, 2005 issue of the Union Leader. The Union Leader has a website but this story didn’t make the online edition. You can view the print edition online for 50 cents.

    The Majestic’s website is here, but does not mention the fire.