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The latest movie theater news and updates
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February 21, 2007
Mecca Bingo closures
Mecca have announced that they are to close nine of their bingo clubs, eight of which occupy former cinemas, in advance of the UK smoking ban which comes into effect in July.
They own the freehold of five of the clubs and those will be offered for sale, obviously with redevelopment as a strong possability. There is no likelihood that any of the buildings will make a return to cinema use.
The former cinemas are believed to be:-
Fulham – Gaumont Walham Green
Islington – Carlton
Hull – Carlton (or possibly the Cecil)
Liverpool – Regal, Norris Green
Swansea – Albert Hall
Welling – Odeon
Wolverhampton – Odeon
Sheffield – one of three clubs to close, most likely the former Odeon Flat Street.A club in Reading is also to close but this not thought to be a former cinema
To read more, go to Investegate.
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City of Pittsburgh to take possession of Garden Theater
PITTSBURGH, PA — After years of legal battles the former venue for adult films, the Garden Theater, has been sold to the city. Following some cleanup, the Urban Redevelopment Authority will start showing it to developers so it can be the centerpiece of a revived neighborhood.
With 10 years of legal battle now behind them, the Urban Redevelopment Authority expects to take possession of the X-rated Garden Theatre as soon as Wednesday.
URA building manager Marino Marangoni said this morning he expects at least three months of cleaning and clearing out debris will be needed before developers can be shown the space.
Owner George Androtsakis inked a $1.1 million agreement yesterday to turn over the venue that the city first tried to take by eminent domain during Mayor Tom Murphy’s administration.
To read more on this, go to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
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Theater operational questions
I have some concerns about the operations of a theater and was wondering if anyone had some input.
Has anyone had any experience in adding ‘dancing lights’ to the exterior of their theater or to their marquee? If so, what equipment is required? I’m assuming there’s a main ‘brain’ to control the lights, or are they just a special type of bulb?
What is the biggest holdup in a concession line when trying to get the line through? Is it the bagging of popcorn or pouring of fountain drinks? Lack of decision makers in the line up? Would it be a good idea to turn the soda fountain machine around to allow customers to pour their own drinks once they ‘buy’ their cup from you?
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February 20, 2007
Less than $5K left to save the Senator!
BALTIMORE, MD — With just less than a day left the Senator Theatre is just under $5K short of its $109K goal. Tomorrow at 1:30PM EST, if the theater has not raised the full $109K, it will be in danger of going up for auction.
Donate at the Senator Website and save the Senator!
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“Reel Texas” single screen theater montage
After six years, my wife and I have just completed a montage poster identifying 142 of the best theater marquees in Texas. This poster is a tribute to the old “single silver screens” in our hometowns throughout Texas.
Please go to Reel Texas Theaters for a pre-sale preview (sale begins March 2, 2007) of this beautiful poster. If you are a fan of the old time theater palaces, you will want a copy of this print!!
Reel Texas
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Original Loew’s Grand Theater brick for sale on eBay
Just listed on 2-18-2007, is an original Loew’s Grand Theater brick, with the original Certificate of Authenticity. Photos included. The Item number: 330090136430 7 day auction!
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Southtown facade restoration
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Restoration has begun on the Southtown Theatre!
Although slow due the cold weather, the top of the facade is finished. The marquee is in the process of being dismantled and removed to the sign shop for new sheet metal, wiring and neon. This should be complete by late spring of ‘07.
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February 19, 2007
DuPage Theatre Key to Downtown Lombard’s Revival
LOMBARD, IL — Village officials in Lombard have listed the DuPage Theatre as its top priority in a ranking of 41 projects related to the future of the downtown area. Trustee Greg Gron said a new theatre would be a “strong draw” and pointed out the impact that the arts have made in other communities including Chicago, Aurora, Elgin, and Joliet. Gron went on to say, “It’s a big puzzle. It’s going to take a lot of pieces to put together.”
The largest piece of that puzzle would be the construction of a new building with condominiums, retail and a community theatre on the site of the partly-demolished DuPage Theatre.
Other projects include possible additions to/new construction at the Helen Plum Library, expanding the Praga restaurant, and a directory kiosk downtown. Village President William Mueller noted, “We can’t just depend on people from other communities to come in, we have to support our downtown.”
For more details, see the article in the Daily Herald.
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Less than 2 days to decide Senator’s fate
BALTIMORE, MD — Under 2 days to go and the Senator Theatre is just $16.5K short of its $109K goal.
Donate at the Senator Website and save the Senator!
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Theater stuff for sale
We have a variety of theater seats for sale. Different sizes and colors avaliable. 500+ including rocker backs. Not so many end caps. No reasonable offer refused.
Most were taken fron Cinema 5 theater in Wellington, Kansas. We also have theater speakers, amps. A screen or two, projectors, platters and trees. We also have a theater popcorn machine and tons of popcorn bags if anyone is interested.
I welcome emails with questions and can take more photos if requested. Am sending a photo of some of the seats.
Thank You – Amy