The first time I was in the Music Box was 1961 when I saw “A Rasin In The Sun”. As a young person I was never impressed by the Music Box, but remember, this is Chicago which had neighborhood theatres of 5000 seats (The Uptown) and many neighborhood theatres that sat over 3000. I also found its open vertical like the Covent theatre looking rather unfinished.
However since 1961, I’ve been in a lot of mega-plexes and in comparison The Music Box looks great. I re-visited The Music Box about 15 years ago and it looked terrific. Although I’m still not fond of its open vertical and it’s lack of a balcony, I wish I owned it.
In 196l, The Southport area was certainly not prime Chicago real estate but luckily the neighborhood started to become trendy and The Music Box sucessfully re-opened.
Ah! if we could only predict real estate trends we all be wealthy and own prospering theatres.
Until its re-opening, The Music Box was never a first run house. All major releases premiered at downtown theatres (there were a few exceptions like “B” horror films) and then went to 2nd run movie palaces like the Uptown, Century, Gateway, and other 2000+ seat theatres. Along with the “A” film previously released downtown you got to see a “B” film for one admission. Smaller neighborhood independant theatres like the Music Box got films after they played at the large neighborhood houses for one to two weeks.
Although I first discovered the Campus theatre about eight years ago, I just saw the inside of the Campus theatre on April 10, 2004. The marquee has recently been refurbished and to quote the projectionist, “It shines so bright now that you can see the cracks in the mortar of the building across the street.” A lovely theatre with mostly art deco fixtures and a beautiful stainless steel ticket booth. The two staircases which lead up to the two washrooms (one on each side of the projection booth) have beautiful curved walnut wainscotting. The warmth of the rich walnut offsets the sometime cold appearance that art deco motifs can exhibit.
The Steifel family (the previous owners) also owned the Roxy Theatre in Lock Haven until it was sold to the current owners about ten years ago. I also believe they owned other theatres.
The last 200 or so seats have been removed and an elevated platform installed with table and chair seating and the rear portion and sofa seating at the front portion.
Most of the films shown are I.F.C. or as menioned above vintage Hollywood classics. Dr. Faden, a Bucknell University film professor, is the executive director of the non-profit group which now ownes and operates the Campus Theatre.
Thanks Roger and Patrick for solving the mystery theatre for me. I found a picture of this theatre four years ago while looking around in a closed movie palace in Pennsylvania. It had been sent to the theatre owner in PA. but without any notation as to its location. The photo was taken during the time period when the theatre was showing “King Of The Hill” in the evenings and “The Rocky Horror” on Saturdays at midnight. Anyone know if this was a profitable single screen theatre?
I saw this theatre for the first time in February of 2004. It has a nice art deco exterior and was carved up into 3 small screening auditoriums. The theatre doesn’t have a balcony. It’s owned by the same businessman who ownes the multiplex in Geneseo, N.Y.
The space occupied by the theatres is now a nightclub. Sorry can’t remember the name. Very close to the former Skyline hotel (now called the International Plaza) was a six or eight plex which is also closed. The entire space of that multi-plex is now occupied by a very popular Montreal based steak house called Le Bifteck
I had the pleasure of seeing this theatre in the fall of 2000. Luckily, a Christian singer was performing there that evening so the theatre was open. I owe CheerfulHeart or some other Christian promoter many thanks because the singer’s performance was probably the only reason the theatre was open that Saturday. I also owe many thanks to the couple who got married that same day. Their wedding reception gave me access to the wonderful ballroom. We then walked across the street for a visual tour of the State. The State, though not quite as impreessive as the Paramount, is still an impressive theatre. There’s not many cities the size of Anderson that can boast having two open palaces. A trip to Anderson is well worth while.
I saw theatre in 1989 while looking for a different Paramount which quite another lenghty story. Anyway, this theatre had been twined. Sorry, might notes don’t tell me much else except the person who was telling me all about the theatre said, “It’s the only Paramount in Vermont.” I guess he didn’t travel much because I knew of at least one other in Vermont at that time — it being the Paramount in Brattleboro
The listing of 1100 seats is what the theatre seats today. Several rows of seating have been removed to provide more leg room. When I was there in 1988, the seating capacity was 1500. I was informed that even when the seating was at 1500 some seats had already been removed. The official website does show a nice interior shot.
A newer, even bigger multi-plex with all stadium style seating, (located only about a mile and a half away) was the culprit. I believe, but not positive, both complexes were owned by Cineplex-Odeon. The new multi-plex is called the Queensway and is a free standing structure with its own huge parking lot. It was probably built to save the high rent plus percentage of the gross which malls charge their tennants. Despite its $13.50 admission fee and very overpriced confectionaries, the Queensway is usually very busy.
The official website for The Sanderson Centre is: http://www.sandersoncentre.on.ca/album.htm
I passed by the Sanderson Centre in 1999 and because a function was ongoing, I couldn’t get past the foyer. What I saw was very impressive. The website’s many photos have somewhat diluted my dissapointment in not having seen the auditorium.
I attended one of the festival theatres on March l9th, and inquired about the Music Hall. Although not 100% positive an imformed person, employed by the chain, informed me that the theatre’s closing was not because of a lease disagreement (as I would have thought) but over an insurance problem. I was told the theatre needs some major repairs and updating before proper insurance can be issued. I’m not sure if it’s a fire insurance or liability problem or a combination of both. Anyway, until the lessor or lessee or both spend some money the fate of the Music Hall remains in limbo.
The only time I was in the Esquire was in 1966, when I saw “Endless Summer”. Its expansive marquee was quite impressive. The almost stark interior was in sharp contrast to the more opulent Chicago B&K movie palaces like the Granada, Uptown, and Chicago theatres. The chome or stainless steal railings were in sharp contrast to the softer toned wood and brass railings to which I was accustomed.
I believe the Esquire was under the Playboy fold in the 60’s and 70’s. I think it was purchased shortly after Hugh bought the Palmolive building.
I passed by this theatre in 1980 while trying to locate a recording artist who lived in the area in the 1960’s. Although I never found the recording artist, I got to see the amazing exterior of this theatre. Although closed and in disrepair, it was still impressive. Unfortunately, I knew from the neighborhood’s blight that the theatre would never reopen.
I was looking for a recording artist who I included on an album titled, “The Other Kings”. The “other king” may have eluded me but I found his “palace”
The Irving showed movies into the late 50’s and maybe even the early 60’s. It stood empty for a few years and I’m almost positive was not torn down until the mid 1960’s. It’s exterior was either a very light brick or a white terra cotta. It had a nice marquee and an impressive vertical which only spelled “Irving”. My first unofficial date was spent at a Saturday matinee in the Irving in 1958. I believe it was the only time I was in the theatre.
The official website for the Lyric (formally the Capri) is: http://www.kcopera.org/s/about/history.htm
There are a couple of small pictures on the site. The theatre certainly looks like it’s worth a visit.
What a beutiful theatre. Although I’ve never seen the inside of this theatre, I plan to soon. The official web site for the Ritz is: http://www.ritztheatre.org/
Once you’re on the website, you’ll find some great interior photos if you click on “75 Year Celebration”.
Ohio here I come again.
The Star Theatre, designed by architect, Louis Pelton, opened its doors on June 4, 1921. The balcony which is really more of a loge has had its seats removed but otherwise is fully intact. The loge is “U” shaped. The sides of the loge extend a considerable distance along the exterior walls and are almost as close to the proscenium as opera boxes would have been if the theatre were built differently. The rear of the loge has very little depth.
I was in the theatre in 2002 and again on February 29, 2004 to see a movie and refresh my memory about the theatre. It’s more ornate than many village theatre and combines a blend of different architectual accents and motifs. Its art deco wall sconces and its neo classical plaster interior go well together.
The theatre supports a reasonable sized 3-sided marquee and a nice size vertical.
Unfortunately, the screen is rather small but still certainly as large or larger than the older multi-plexes or the older plexed single screen theatres. The proscenium certainly provides room for a considerably larger screen and hopefully, some day the Star will get one.
The Chelten Theatre was showing Spanish language films to packed houses from 1978 into the early 80’s. The numerous lay offs at south side steel mills in the 80’s, however, soom caused rapid declines in attendance. During this time period the theatre was owned by Ricardo & marge Ruiz. According to the Ruiz’s the Moorish-style theatre had seating capacity of 1250.
My most unpleasant memory about the Adelphi was the time when a hugh electrical storm knocked out their power about 15 minutes into the movie. After waiting about 20 more minutes with no power, the management announced appropiately enough, “rain checks” for everyone. I asked for a refund and explained that because I lived in Toronto I didn’t know when or if I I’d be able to use a rain check. I can’t remember if I won the argument or not. I do remember though we all piled into the car and drove to the Riveria to see another movie. The Riviera’s power stayed on but the roof almost didn’t. Buckets of rain poured into the auditorium and several workers placed numerous buckets in the various strategic locations.
While in a closed movie palace in Pennsylvania, I ran across several clippings about movie theatres. One clipping was from the local newspaper with an A.P. article about the Madison. The last film it showed before the closing and “plexing” was “Exit to Eden”. The theatre sat 700 patrons and boasted a hugh 54ft by 26ft screen covered with retractable curtains. Barry Rosenblatt was the owner and the theatre has been in his family since 1976. Sorry, no date was visible on the article
Sorry, I think the semicolon at the end is the problem. I added it to distinguish between the two websites. Try this, I think it’ll work now. View link
I visited the Royal recently after I decided to see “School of Rock” for the second time. The Royal is part of the Festival Theatre chain and one which they own rather than lease. They’ve installed the newer “rocker seating” and done some minor updating inside. Before being bought by Festival, the theatre underwent a name change to the “Golden Dragon” and as the name implies, showed Asian films. The format was unsuccessful and the theatre closed. The city had plans to demolish the theatre and use the space for municipal parking to alleviate some of the neighborhood parking problem. The neighborhood outcry of local residents prompted the city to abandon this plan and Festival stepped in and purchased the building.
Two websites were you can find more information about the Fulton are View link View link
Unfortunately, you’ll find only a small photo of the interior but there is a nice exterior picture at the official site. I’ve been informed that this is an interium website and that soon some interior photos will be diplayed. The town itself is an architectual gem with many impressive buildings in addition to the Fulton.
The State was a beautiful theatre even in the late 1970’s which was the first ime I saw the theatre. Its Gothic or castle like motif was very impressive. I can’t remember who owned the theatre in the late 70’s but even then he was not a young man. I remember we talked about the movie theatre business as well as his theatre. Although I’ve forgotten his name, I’ll always remember a quote of his, “ I know of no other business where the supplier tries so hard to put his customers out of business.” Ithaca has at least two facilities in town that show art or non mainstream films. A worker
from Historic Ithaca Inc. to whom I talked in the fall of 2003 didn’t seem to think there was room for a third. It looks as if the State will be almost strictly a live venue facility.
The first time I was in the Music Box was 1961 when I saw “A Rasin In The Sun”. As a young person I was never impressed by the Music Box, but remember, this is Chicago which had neighborhood theatres of 5000 seats (The Uptown) and many neighborhood theatres that sat over 3000. I also found its open vertical like the Covent theatre looking rather unfinished.
However since 1961, I’ve been in a lot of mega-plexes and in comparison The Music Box looks great. I re-visited The Music Box about 15 years ago and it looked terrific. Although I’m still not fond of its open vertical and it’s lack of a balcony, I wish I owned it.
In 196l, The Southport area was certainly not prime Chicago real estate but luckily the neighborhood started to become trendy and The Music Box sucessfully re-opened.
Ah! if we could only predict real estate trends we all be wealthy and own prospering theatres.
Until its re-opening, The Music Box was never a first run house. All major releases premiered at downtown theatres (there were a few exceptions like “B” horror films) and then went to 2nd run movie palaces like the Uptown, Century, Gateway, and other 2000+ seat theatres. Along with the “A” film previously released downtown you got to see a “B” film for one admission. Smaller neighborhood independant theatres like the Music Box got films after they played at the large neighborhood houses for one to two weeks.
Just in case you want a view of the Hollywood’s exterior, its address is; 39 West Main St., Gowanda, N.Y.
Although I first discovered the Campus theatre about eight years ago, I just saw the inside of the Campus theatre on April 10, 2004. The marquee has recently been refurbished and to quote the projectionist, “It shines so bright now that you can see the cracks in the mortar of the building across the street.” A lovely theatre with mostly art deco fixtures and a beautiful stainless steel ticket booth. The two staircases which lead up to the two washrooms (one on each side of the projection booth) have beautiful curved walnut wainscotting. The warmth of the rich walnut offsets the sometime cold appearance that art deco motifs can exhibit.
The Steifel family (the previous owners) also owned the Roxy Theatre in Lock Haven until it was sold to the current owners about ten years ago. I also believe they owned other theatres.
The last 200 or so seats have been removed and an elevated platform installed with table and chair seating and the rear portion and sofa seating at the front portion.
Most of the films shown are I.F.C. or as menioned above vintage Hollywood classics. Dr. Faden, a Bucknell University film professor, is the executive director of the non-profit group which now ownes and operates the Campus Theatre.
Thanks Roger and Patrick for solving the mystery theatre for me. I found a picture of this theatre four years ago while looking around in a closed movie palace in Pennsylvania. It had been sent to the theatre owner in PA. but without any notation as to its location. The photo was taken during the time period when the theatre was showing “King Of The Hill” in the evenings and “The Rocky Horror” on Saturdays at midnight. Anyone know if this was a profitable single screen theatre?
I saw this theatre for the first time in February of 2004. It has a nice art deco exterior and was carved up into 3 small screening auditoriums. The theatre doesn’t have a balcony. It’s owned by the same businessman who ownes the multiplex in Geneseo, N.Y.
The space occupied by the theatres is now a nightclub. Sorry can’t remember the name. Very close to the former Skyline hotel (now called the International Plaza) was a six or eight plex which is also closed. The entire space of that multi-plex is now occupied by a very popular Montreal based steak house called Le Bifteck
I had the pleasure of seeing this theatre in the fall of 2000. Luckily, a Christian singer was performing there that evening so the theatre was open. I owe CheerfulHeart or some other Christian promoter many thanks because the singer’s performance was probably the only reason the theatre was open that Saturday. I also owe many thanks to the couple who got married that same day. Their wedding reception gave me access to the wonderful ballroom. We then walked across the street for a visual tour of the State. The State, though not quite as impreessive as the Paramount, is still an impressive theatre. There’s not many cities the size of Anderson that can boast having two open palaces. A trip to Anderson is well worth while.
I saw theatre in 1989 while looking for a different Paramount which quite another lenghty story. Anyway, this theatre had been twined. Sorry, might notes don’t tell me much else except the person who was telling me all about the theatre said, “It’s the only Paramount in Vermont.” I guess he didn’t travel much because I knew of at least one other in Vermont at that time — it being the Paramount in Brattleboro
The listing of 1100 seats is what the theatre seats today. Several rows of seating have been removed to provide more leg room. When I was there in 1988, the seating capacity was 1500. I was informed that even when the seating was at 1500 some seats had already been removed. The official website does show a nice interior shot.
A newer, even bigger multi-plex with all stadium style seating, (located only about a mile and a half away) was the culprit. I believe, but not positive, both complexes were owned by Cineplex-Odeon. The new multi-plex is called the Queensway and is a free standing structure with its own huge parking lot. It was probably built to save the high rent plus percentage of the gross which malls charge their tennants. Despite its $13.50 admission fee and very overpriced confectionaries, the Queensway is usually very busy.
The official website for The Sanderson Centre is:
http://www.sandersoncentre.on.ca/album.htm
I passed by the Sanderson Centre in 1999 and because a function was ongoing, I couldn’t get past the foyer. What I saw was very impressive. The website’s many photos have somewhat diluted my dissapointment in not having seen the auditorium.
I attended one of the festival theatres on March l9th, and inquired about the Music Hall. Although not 100% positive an imformed person, employed by the chain, informed me that the theatre’s closing was not because of a lease disagreement (as I would have thought) but over an insurance problem. I was told the theatre needs some major repairs and updating before proper insurance can be issued. I’m not sure if it’s a fire insurance or liability problem or a combination of both. Anyway, until the lessor or lessee or both spend some money the fate of the Music Hall remains in limbo.
The only time I was in the Esquire was in 1966, when I saw “Endless Summer”. Its expansive marquee was quite impressive. The almost stark interior was in sharp contrast to the more opulent Chicago B&K movie palaces like the Granada, Uptown, and Chicago theatres. The chome or stainless steal railings were in sharp contrast to the softer toned wood and brass railings to which I was accustomed.
I believe the Esquire was under the Playboy fold in the 60’s and 70’s. I think it was purchased shortly after Hugh bought the Palmolive building.
I passed by this theatre in 1980 while trying to locate a recording artist who lived in the area in the 1960’s. Although I never found the recording artist, I got to see the amazing exterior of this theatre. Although closed and in disrepair, it was still impressive. Unfortunately, I knew from the neighborhood’s blight that the theatre would never reopen.
I was looking for a recording artist who I included on an album titled, “The Other Kings”. The “other king” may have eluded me but I found his “palace”
The Irving showed movies into the late 50’s and maybe even the early 60’s. It stood empty for a few years and I’m almost positive was not torn down until the mid 1960’s. It’s exterior was either a very light brick or a white terra cotta. It had a nice marquee and an impressive vertical which only spelled “Irving”. My first unofficial date was spent at a Saturday matinee in the Irving in 1958. I believe it was the only time I was in the theatre.
The official website for the Lyric (formally the Capri) is:
http://www.kcopera.org/s/about/history.htm
There are a couple of small pictures on the site. The theatre certainly looks like it’s worth a visit.
What a beutiful theatre. Although I’ve never seen the inside of this theatre, I plan to soon. The official web site for the Ritz is:
http://www.ritztheatre.org/
Once you’re on the website, you’ll find some great interior photos if you click on “75 Year Celebration”.
Ohio here I come again.
The Star Theatre, designed by architect, Louis Pelton, opened its doors on June 4, 1921. The balcony which is really more of a loge has had its seats removed but otherwise is fully intact. The loge is “U” shaped. The sides of the loge extend a considerable distance along the exterior walls and are almost as close to the proscenium as opera boxes would have been if the theatre were built differently. The rear of the loge has very little depth.
I was in the theatre in 2002 and again on February 29, 2004 to see a movie and refresh my memory about the theatre. It’s more ornate than many village theatre and combines a blend of different architectual accents and motifs. Its art deco wall sconces and its neo classical plaster interior go well together.
The theatre supports a reasonable sized 3-sided marquee and a nice size vertical.
Unfortunately, the screen is rather small but still certainly as large or larger than the older multi-plexes or the older plexed single screen theatres. The proscenium certainly provides room for a considerably larger screen and hopefully, some day the Star will get one.
The Chelten Theatre was showing Spanish language films to packed houses from 1978 into the early 80’s. The numerous lay offs at south side steel mills in the 80’s, however, soom caused rapid declines in attendance. During this time period the theatre was owned by Ricardo & marge Ruiz. According to the Ruiz’s the Moorish-style theatre had seating capacity of 1250.
My most unpleasant memory about the Adelphi was the time when a hugh electrical storm knocked out their power about 15 minutes into the movie. After waiting about 20 more minutes with no power, the management announced appropiately enough, “rain checks” for everyone. I asked for a refund and explained that because I lived in Toronto I didn’t know when or if I I’d be able to use a rain check. I can’t remember if I won the argument or not. I do remember though we all piled into the car and drove to the Riveria to see another movie. The Riviera’s power stayed on but the roof almost didn’t. Buckets of rain poured into the auditorium and several workers placed numerous buckets in the various strategic locations.
While in a closed movie palace in Pennsylvania, I ran across several clippings about movie theatres. One clipping was from the local newspaper with an A.P. article about the Madison. The last film it showed before the closing and “plexing” was “Exit to Eden”. The theatre sat 700 patrons and boasted a hugh 54ft by 26ft screen covered with retractable curtains. Barry Rosenblatt was the owner and the theatre has been in his family since 1976. Sorry, no date was visible on the article
Sorry, I think the semicolon at the end is the problem. I added it to distinguish between the two websites. Try this, I think it’ll work now.
View link
I visited the Royal recently after I decided to see “School of Rock” for the second time. The Royal is part of the Festival Theatre chain and one which they own rather than lease. They’ve installed the newer “rocker seating” and done some minor updating inside. Before being bought by Festival, the theatre underwent a name change to the “Golden Dragon” and as the name implies, showed Asian films. The format was unsuccessful and the theatre closed. The city had plans to demolish the theatre and use the space for municipal parking to alleviate some of the neighborhood parking problem. The neighborhood outcry of local residents prompted the city to abandon this plan and Festival stepped in and purchased the building.
Two websites were you can find more information about the Fulton are
View link
View link
Unfortunately, you’ll find only a small photo of the interior but there is a nice exterior picture at the official site. I’ve been informed that this is an interium website and that soon some interior photos will be diplayed. The town itself is an architectual gem with many impressive buildings in addition to the Fulton.
The State was a beautiful theatre even in the late 1970’s which was the first ime I saw the theatre. Its Gothic or castle like motif was very impressive. I can’t remember who owned the theatre in the late 70’s but even then he was not a young man. I remember we talked about the movie theatre business as well as his theatre. Although I’ve forgotten his name, I’ll always remember a quote of his, “ I know of no other business where the supplier tries so hard to put his customers out of business.” Ithaca has at least two facilities in town that show art or non mainstream films. A worker
from Historic Ithaca Inc. to whom I talked in the fall of 2003 didn’t seem to think there was room for a third. It looks as if the State will be almost strictly a live venue facility.