I love the combination of Art Deco and Spanish Colonial on the facade of this theater. It’s truly a very unique and beautiful design. Does anyone know if there any other examples of this mix in styles in the US? What a shame that there do not appear to be any existing interior photographs of ths theater when it was operating as a cinema. I would have loved to have seen what they did to carry this design to the auditorium.
Bravo!!! to the the city of Mayaguez for the amazing renovation of this grand theater. The exterior and it’s details are spectacular. I didn’t think that I would be able to get a peek inside, but as luck would have it, they were about to have a spanish guitar competition and the lovely woman at the front door said it would be fine for me to go inside and have a quick look.
The auditorium and its chandelier are lovely and the horeshoe shaped balcony is classic. Again, the interior renvovations are top notch as well. Kudos to the city government of Mayaguez for a job well done! What a shame that San Juan was not able to save even one of their grand theaters in this manner.
Hi JSA, Alas I did not see the Metropolitan. I thought that I would get back to the area later but I did not.
How is your memory of Ponce theaters? I posted on the Fox Delicias page for lack of a better space, but when I was in Ponce (which is such a beautiful town) I passed an abandoned theater on my way to the central plaza. It was about 2-3 blocks directly West of the Cathedral and the name of it was The Victoria. The marquee (with broken glass) was still there and it looked like it had been abandoned for years. It really stood out as so much of Ponce has been restored in the last 10 years.
Do you have any information on this theater? It’s size? It’s design style? The current state of the interior? While Ponce does have the spectacular La Perla theater, it does not have a restored movie theater. I do not count the Fox Delicias which, while the facade is spectacular, the interior was totally gutted.
Now I’m going to post on the The Yaguez’s page about my visit there. A beautiful restoration!
Well, I am back from my wonderful Christmas vacation to Puerto Rico and I am sad to report that as I was driving down Ponce De Leon Avenue on my way to the the Amazing Puerto Rico Museum of Art I saw a truck carrying out debris from the front of the Paramount theater. At first, I thought “Excellent! the renovations have started!” But as i passed directly in front of the theater, my heart sank. The only thing remaining of the Paramount is the facade (which is quite handsome). Where the theater had been is a vast rubble strewn lot. Some renovation indeed.
I can only hope that if the government’s intent is to build a brand new theater behind the old facade, then I would hope that they build one that will be considered a classic in its own way 50 years from now. I can hope! If anyone has any additional information I would be eager to hear about it.
I’m not sure where else to post this so i am using the Fox page. I just returned from a wonderful trip to Puerto Rico and visited the beautiful city of Ponce. While I was driving around heading towrds the central Plaza I came across the “ruins” of a movie theater called The Victoria. Alas, I do not have the street names and was not able to get a closer look. Once again, I assumed that the theater would already be on this site and I was mistaken.
The theater was about 2-3 blocks west of the main plaza and was on the northeast corner of the intersection. It had a prominent marquee and looks as though it had been closed for many years.
Ponce has restored so many of its fantastical buildings over the last few years and it does not have a working single screen cinema though I assume that would not work economically in Ponce. It appears that virtually all of the movie theaters in Puerto Rico are multiplexes housed in shopping centers and operated by Caribbean Cinemas.
I hope to return to Puerto Rico within the next year and if I do I will stop back and take photos and get the address. Does anyone else have any additional information? I’m most curious about whether any of the original ornamentation survives and how large the theater was.
Warren, as always, great work. Thanks for posting this phot. I never knew that the Lefferts had such a prominent Blade! I always thought that the Lefferts best feature was its distinctive marquee with the quick blinking yellow letters lit in cursive script. I thought it was beautiful. I wonder when the blade was removed.
Of all of the discos that have come and gone, gay and straight, none has truly compared to The Saint. The combination of a faded movie palace with a planetarium dome over the dance floor that literally allowed you to “dance under the stars” has never been equaled and probably never will. I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience it.
Thanks Warren for that fantastic link to the Keiths in its prime. The caption says that the parking in the rear was sold to build an A&P. I have no recollection of that ever having been built. I thought there was still parking behind the building though I could be wrong.
Good Point EC Rocker! I too have been very disappointed in the lack of progress at the Kings. I believe that, arguably, this is the most beautiful of the Wonder theaters and that there is so much potential in a well planned and thoughtful renovation. Brooklyn is a city of almost 2.6MM with only BAM and the Brooklyn PAC as real performing arts centers. Surely, there is room for more. To get it done, the city should commit $’s which they are prepared to do. Alas, we don’t see what goes on behind the scenes and now with the economy in a tailspin, it is likely the theater will remain dark for many more years. It’s very sad all around.
What a beautiful theater! Thanks Howard Bass for the photos.
I researching the other Phoenix theaters listed on CT it appears that this one is the only one still standing. The demolition of the Phoenix Fox is an incredible crime.
Nonetheless, it’s astounding to me that a city the size of Phoenix, one of the 10 largest in the USA, has a single remaining movie palace.
Sad to say, and Howard Bass, will back me up……It is still ahead of Philadelphia where the Boyd remains, but its future and its renovation not yet settled.
If no one has an answer to that question, you should submit it to the New York Times reporter who has the weekly column in the real estate section called “Streetscapes” (I think). People are always asking about the history of certain builidngs an streets and this is would be a great question. When was the fountain removed, where did it go and are there plans for a restoration.
Wow Louis! Thanks so much for the history lesson. I love that kind of stuff. I would have to agre with you that I cannot imagine any other town in the country the size of Waterbury that would have supported this level of theater density. I still can’t get over that one of the theaters was over 3,000 seats.
I didn’t mean a slight to Waterbury when I said it was in the middle of “nowhere” but I simply meant that it was astounding to have that level of theater density and seating for a town that size. I did some separate research though and found that Waterbury was also a big town for Broadway productions before they came to New York as was New Haven.
Another power town of the past was Paterson, New Jersey, but that city has sunk to a depressing low. It’s big Theater, The Fabian, is in ruins as is Poli’s Majestic in Bridgeport, yet another faded industrial powerhouse city from the past.
Do you know if there is any hope at all for Bridgeport’s theater?
No offense to anyone, but I just looked up where Waterbury was in Connecticut and it’s practically in the middle of nowhere! It truly is incredible that a theater of this size was built in this town. I wonder if this theater holds the record for the largest theater ever built relative to the size of the surrounding area. I don’t know if anyone would know that kind of statistic.
Again, I don’t mean to insult anyone, but this is a big theater! :–)
Second, in response to Greg Wright’s earlier post from 2004 about “forgetting Broadway” now that the Palace has reopened, I just want to say that the enthusiasm for this theater is wonderful, but nothing will ever replace Broadway. On Broadway, you have a choice of what to see and a huge variety of spectacular theaters to see them in. You also see a Broadway caliber cast and not the “touring” companies which tend to be a lesser quality than the NY stage and of course, the bustle of the city and the incredible choice of dining options all add to the appeal. Yes, it is expensive. I do not deny it. But, it you can afford it, there is absolutely no substitution for the Broadway stage in New York!
I wish nothing but the best for the future of the Palace in Waterbury!
Vito, please don’t leave. I don’t know anything at all about the behind the scenes activity at theaters and, I must admit, am totally lost by some of the technical language that you use. Nonetheless, it is incredibly important information and we can’t lose it.
It’s a shame that the blatant abuse that is present on the Ridgewood page is possibly ruining it for everyone, but the answer isn’t withrawing your valuable contribution to this site.
The Ridgewood Theatre page is the only one that I have had to remove from notifications of postings. It was infuriating to be constantly interrupted by neighborhood nonsense. That said, Ridgewood is the only theater, I think, that suffers from that level of abuse.
If there are going to be censors, they should start at the page where the problem truly exists. The problem is not at The Ziegfeld.
I agree that it is, indeed difficult to draw the line. While I persoanlly don’t mind reading posts about movies or comments related to other theaters on a theater page, I am annoyed when people start talking the guy who used to own the dry cleaner around the corner form the building and “Did you know Mrs. Krabapple who ran the sode fountain downt the street, etc….. That kind of conversation should be done privately and not clutter up this page.
Now, about the issue of the Curtains not being used consistently at The Ziegfeld……..How complicated could it possibly be? I want the curtains used at every single performance. It is the one experience that truly harkens back to the old era. I really get a warm feeling inside every time I attend a performance that does it.
The old marquee on Symphony Hall should be restored. The current marquee is just hideous and emblematic of the surrounding area which also looks forlorn.
The Radio City Christmas Show should be seen by everyone at least once in their lifetime! Especially, those that are fans of Cinema Treasures. Though movies are rarely shown anymore, it is the only theater that produces its own stage shows and provides a glimpse of America’s theater history. Fans in Detroit and other cities get to see slimmed down versions of this show, but to see the original in its original theater is a must.
Yes, it is expensive, but the show frequently appears on the TKTS booth in Times Square where tickets are available at 50% off. Treat yourself! Your Great Aunt will smile.
I just looked at Warren’s photos anew and, yes, what a spectacular theater! And a big mystery. What is still behind the facade? How much is left? As the area continues to gentrify and the Financial District directly to the south continues to develop as a high end residential area, can this theater be returned to an entertainment use? How much of the original detail is left? What condition is it in? I could be wrong but I believe the retail store that operated where the entrance was is no longer in business so there is no one to ask. I think this is New York’s biggest movie palace mystery and, potentially, its biggest hidden gem waiting to be polished!
Saw Quantum of Solace yesterday afternoon and I thought it was great! Craig has done another amazing job as Bond. I agree with Bill that the editing in the action sequences was so fast and furious that is was difficult to know what was going on, but…..I thought it was a great film nonetheless. I would say there were about 75-100 people for the 2:00 PM showing, which is probably not bad.
No Curtains! :–(
But helpful and polite staff as always. This theater is always a joy to attend.
Just passed by this theater on the train yesterday and saw that the sign is still on the marquee saying that it is for sale or lease.
Also, what is happening on the big parking lot that is directly in front of the theater? Looks like it could be a big building which, unfortunately, will block the view of the theater from the Staten Island Railway.
I just attended the Tina Turner concert at The Prudential Center. I took the PATH from Manhattan to Newark Penn Station and walked to the arena which was about a 7 minute walk. Newark is showing a much better face though there is still so much more to do. Just past the arena on Market Street I could see the Marquee of the old Paramount sticking out of a forlorn stretch of this boulevard. I was thinking……..Just as people come to The Rock to attend events, they could just as easily come to a renovated Paramount. That is, if there is enough there to renovate. At under 2,000 seats, the Paramount could cater to shows too small for either the Rock or NJPAC and it would be boost to Market Street which I couldn’t make out (since it was dark) but looked like it was in need of a lot of help! A Lot!
I love the combination of Art Deco and Spanish Colonial on the facade of this theater. It’s truly a very unique and beautiful design. Does anyone know if there any other examples of this mix in styles in the US? What a shame that there do not appear to be any existing interior photographs of ths theater when it was operating as a cinema. I would have loved to have seen what they did to carry this design to the auditorium.
Bravo!!! to the the city of Mayaguez for the amazing renovation of this grand theater. The exterior and it’s details are spectacular. I didn’t think that I would be able to get a peek inside, but as luck would have it, they were about to have a spanish guitar competition and the lovely woman at the front door said it would be fine for me to go inside and have a quick look.
The auditorium and its chandelier are lovely and the horeshoe shaped balcony is classic. Again, the interior renvovations are top notch as well. Kudos to the city government of Mayaguez for a job well done! What a shame that San Juan was not able to save even one of their grand theaters in this manner.
Hi JSA, Alas I did not see the Metropolitan. I thought that I would get back to the area later but I did not.
How is your memory of Ponce theaters? I posted on the Fox Delicias page for lack of a better space, but when I was in Ponce (which is such a beautiful town) I passed an abandoned theater on my way to the central plaza. It was about 2-3 blocks directly West of the Cathedral and the name of it was The Victoria. The marquee (with broken glass) was still there and it looked like it had been abandoned for years. It really stood out as so much of Ponce has been restored in the last 10 years.
Do you have any information on this theater? It’s size? It’s design style? The current state of the interior? While Ponce does have the spectacular La Perla theater, it does not have a restored movie theater. I do not count the Fox Delicias which, while the facade is spectacular, the interior was totally gutted.
Now I’m going to post on the The Yaguez’s page about my visit there. A beautiful restoration!
Well, I am back from my wonderful Christmas vacation to Puerto Rico and I am sad to report that as I was driving down Ponce De Leon Avenue on my way to the the Amazing Puerto Rico Museum of Art I saw a truck carrying out debris from the front of the Paramount theater. At first, I thought “Excellent! the renovations have started!” But as i passed directly in front of the theater, my heart sank. The only thing remaining of the Paramount is the facade (which is quite handsome). Where the theater had been is a vast rubble strewn lot. Some renovation indeed.
I can only hope that if the government’s intent is to build a brand new theater behind the old facade, then I would hope that they build one that will be considered a classic in its own way 50 years from now. I can hope! If anyone has any additional information I would be eager to hear about it.
I’m not sure where else to post this so i am using the Fox page. I just returned from a wonderful trip to Puerto Rico and visited the beautiful city of Ponce. While I was driving around heading towrds the central Plaza I came across the “ruins” of a movie theater called The Victoria. Alas, I do not have the street names and was not able to get a closer look. Once again, I assumed that the theater would already be on this site and I was mistaken.
The theater was about 2-3 blocks west of the main plaza and was on the northeast corner of the intersection. It had a prominent marquee and looks as though it had been closed for many years.
Ponce has restored so many of its fantastical buildings over the last few years and it does not have a working single screen cinema though I assume that would not work economically in Ponce. It appears that virtually all of the movie theaters in Puerto Rico are multiplexes housed in shopping centers and operated by Caribbean Cinemas.
I hope to return to Puerto Rico within the next year and if I do I will stop back and take photos and get the address. Does anyone else have any additional information? I’m most curious about whether any of the original ornamentation survives and how large the theater was.
Warren, as always, great work. Thanks for posting this phot. I never knew that the Lefferts had such a prominent Blade! I always thought that the Lefferts best feature was its distinctive marquee with the quick blinking yellow letters lit in cursive script. I thought it was beautiful. I wonder when the blade was removed.
Ah, the Canal. I still think that theater is still in cocooned behind the boraded up facade on Canal Street.
Of all of the discos that have come and gone, gay and straight, none has truly compared to The Saint. The combination of a faded movie palace with a planetarium dome over the dance floor that literally allowed you to “dance under the stars” has never been equaled and probably never will. I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience it.
Thanks Warren for that fantastic link to the Keiths in its prime. The caption says that the parking in the rear was sold to build an A&P. I have no recollection of that ever having been built. I thought there was still parking behind the building though I could be wrong.
Good Point EC Rocker! I too have been very disappointed in the lack of progress at the Kings. I believe that, arguably, this is the most beautiful of the Wonder theaters and that there is so much potential in a well planned and thoughtful renovation. Brooklyn is a city of almost 2.6MM with only BAM and the Brooklyn PAC as real performing arts centers. Surely, there is room for more. To get it done, the city should commit $’s which they are prepared to do. Alas, we don’t see what goes on behind the scenes and now with the economy in a tailspin, it is likely the theater will remain dark for many more years. It’s very sad all around.
What a beautiful theater! Thanks Howard Bass for the photos.
I researching the other Phoenix theaters listed on CT it appears that this one is the only one still standing. The demolition of the Phoenix Fox is an incredible crime.
Nonetheless, it’s astounding to me that a city the size of Phoenix, one of the 10 largest in the USA, has a single remaining movie palace.
Sad to say, and Howard Bass, will back me up……It is still ahead of Philadelphia where the Boyd remains, but its future and its renovation not yet settled.
What a beautiful photo of the lobby! I wonder what its current condition is.
Anyone know what happened at the hearing referenced in the above article?
The facade of this theater is spectacular. The citizens of this town would be out of their mind to let a theater like this slip through their fingers.
If no one has an answer to that question, you should submit it to the New York Times reporter who has the weekly column in the real estate section called “Streetscapes” (I think). People are always asking about the history of certain builidngs an streets and this is would be a great question. When was the fountain removed, where did it go and are there plans for a restoration.
Wow Louis! Thanks so much for the history lesson. I love that kind of stuff. I would have to agre with you that I cannot imagine any other town in the country the size of Waterbury that would have supported this level of theater density. I still can’t get over that one of the theaters was over 3,000 seats.
I didn’t mean a slight to Waterbury when I said it was in the middle of “nowhere” but I simply meant that it was astounding to have that level of theater density and seating for a town that size. I did some separate research though and found that Waterbury was also a big town for Broadway productions before they came to New York as was New Haven.
Another power town of the past was Paterson, New Jersey, but that city has sunk to a depressing low. It’s big Theater, The Fabian, is in ruins as is Poli’s Majestic in Bridgeport, yet another faded industrial powerhouse city from the past.
Do you know if there is any hope at all for Bridgeport’s theater?
No offense to anyone, but I just looked up where Waterbury was in Connecticut and it’s practically in the middle of nowhere! It truly is incredible that a theater of this size was built in this town. I wonder if this theater holds the record for the largest theater ever built relative to the size of the surrounding area. I don’t know if anyone would know that kind of statistic.
Again, I don’t mean to insult anyone, but this is a big theater! :–)
Second, in response to Greg Wright’s earlier post from 2004 about “forgetting Broadway” now that the Palace has reopened, I just want to say that the enthusiasm for this theater is wonderful, but nothing will ever replace Broadway. On Broadway, you have a choice of what to see and a huge variety of spectacular theaters to see them in. You also see a Broadway caliber cast and not the “touring” companies which tend to be a lesser quality than the NY stage and of course, the bustle of the city and the incredible choice of dining options all add to the appeal. Yes, it is expensive. I do not deny it. But, it you can afford it, there is absolutely no substitution for the Broadway stage in New York!
I wish nothing but the best for the future of the Palace in Waterbury!
Vito, please don’t leave. I don’t know anything at all about the behind the scenes activity at theaters and, I must admit, am totally lost by some of the technical language that you use. Nonetheless, it is incredibly important information and we can’t lose it.
It’s a shame that the blatant abuse that is present on the Ridgewood page is possibly ruining it for everyone, but the answer isn’t withrawing your valuable contribution to this site.
The Ridgewood Theatre page is the only one that I have had to remove from notifications of postings. It was infuriating to be constantly interrupted by neighborhood nonsense. That said, Ridgewood is the only theater, I think, that suffers from that level of abuse.
If there are going to be censors, they should start at the page where the problem truly exists. The problem is not at The Ziegfeld.
I agree that it is, indeed difficult to draw the line. While I persoanlly don’t mind reading posts about movies or comments related to other theaters on a theater page, I am annoyed when people start talking the guy who used to own the dry cleaner around the corner form the building and “Did you know Mrs. Krabapple who ran the sode fountain downt the street, etc….. That kind of conversation should be done privately and not clutter up this page.
Now, about the issue of the Curtains not being used consistently at The Ziegfeld……..How complicated could it possibly be? I want the curtains used at every single performance. It is the one experience that truly harkens back to the old era. I really get a warm feeling inside every time I attend a performance that does it.
The old marquee on Symphony Hall should be restored. The current marquee is just hideous and emblematic of the surrounding area which also looks forlorn.
The Radio City Christmas Show should be seen by everyone at least once in their lifetime! Especially, those that are fans of Cinema Treasures. Though movies are rarely shown anymore, it is the only theater that produces its own stage shows and provides a glimpse of America’s theater history. Fans in Detroit and other cities get to see slimmed down versions of this show, but to see the original in its original theater is a must.
Yes, it is expensive, but the show frequently appears on the TKTS booth in Times Square where tickets are available at 50% off. Treat yourself! Your Great Aunt will smile.
I just looked at Warren’s photos anew and, yes, what a spectacular theater! And a big mystery. What is still behind the facade? How much is left? As the area continues to gentrify and the Financial District directly to the south continues to develop as a high end residential area, can this theater be returned to an entertainment use? How much of the original detail is left? What condition is it in? I could be wrong but I believe the retail store that operated where the entrance was is no longer in business so there is no one to ask. I think this is New York’s biggest movie palace mystery and, potentially, its biggest hidden gem waiting to be polished!
Saw Quantum of Solace yesterday afternoon and I thought it was great! Craig has done another amazing job as Bond. I agree with Bill that the editing in the action sequences was so fast and furious that is was difficult to know what was going on, but…..I thought it was a great film nonetheless. I would say there were about 75-100 people for the 2:00 PM showing, which is probably not bad.
No Curtains! :–(
But helpful and polite staff as always. This theater is always a joy to attend.
Just passed by this theater on the train yesterday and saw that the sign is still on the marquee saying that it is for sale or lease.
Also, what is happening on the big parking lot that is directly in front of the theater? Looks like it could be a big building which, unfortunately, will block the view of the theater from the Staten Island Railway.
I just attended the Tina Turner concert at The Prudential Center. I took the PATH from Manhattan to Newark Penn Station and walked to the arena which was about a 7 minute walk. Newark is showing a much better face though there is still so much more to do. Just past the arena on Market Street I could see the Marquee of the old Paramount sticking out of a forlorn stretch of this boulevard. I was thinking……..Just as people come to The Rock to attend events, they could just as easily come to a renovated Paramount. That is, if there is enough there to renovate. At under 2,000 seats, the Paramount could cater to shows too small for either the Rock or NJPAC and it would be boost to Market Street which I couldn’t make out (since it was dark) but looked like it was in need of a lot of help! A Lot!