Fantastic News!
Tickets are still on sale for the VIP reception at the Loews Paradise before the concert. I received mine in the mail earlier today.
It should be wonderful. Naturally I will be there with family and friends for both events.
I also found this website that has photographs of some the restoration work done in the auditorium.
The Gala opening of the Loews Paradise is set for October 29th Featuring singing sensation Giberto Santa Rosa.
I will be there naturally!
Valet parking is available for $10.00 and tickets which can be purchased at the new theatre box office on Grand Concourse (a recent installment which is absolutely lovely) or ticketmaster. Tickets for the event will run from $40.00 to $75.00. It should be wonderful.
I hope to see everyone there!
The reception on Saturday was absolutely divine. My parents and I arrived late and forgot our tickets but got free admission since my friends were at the door. I stood in the false balconies to the left of the proscenium arch and recited my favorite lines from Sunset Blvd. I wandered the halls in a trance and distanced myself from the people I knew in the crowds so that I could have a private moment with my beloved theatre. There were many good friends and neighbors in the crowd. I was the one wearing a grey jacket with text and an enlarged section of a paisley print on the right breast with the black sunglasses. Since you were there, Did we meet Chris? Rabbit? The emergency door was open so I had a chance to wander on the roof deck where the playground was, and admire the view. The fishpool will not be returning, however the statuary is still there thank goodness. There were indeed fish in the early days. There were even live canaries in the balcony opening night in 1929 as well as stuffed pigeons that were painted white suspended from the ceiling in mid flight. For the reception on saturday, an artist friend of mine brought her parrot into the theatre. After that I went to the “Paradise After Party” at Michael’s house. Since I got in late and woke up early on sunday for NYC Culture Fest where I volunteered as a representative of the New york Botanical Garden and mingled for five hours. So many cultural institutions and such little time! After that I went dancing until the wee hours of the morning. I had to reserve monday for rest, relaxation and pampering, which is why I posted so late.
However there is a fabulous exhibition on photographs of the magnificent Greta Garbo at Scandinavia House that I simply must see before it closes in November.
“In the five boroughs, the Roxy, RCMH, Capitol, Brooklyn Fox, and Brooklyn Paramount were all larger than the Paradise, and that’s just from memory. There might have been others. I’ll have to check the list compiled by Theatre Historical Society of America if I can find it.”
GRAND CONCOURSE WALKING TOURS
Starting at the Bronx Museum
Led by Evelyn Gonzalez and Sam Goodman, the tours will emphasize the avenue’s social as well as architectural history. The tour includes conversations with Concourse residents.
5:00 â€" 7:00 pm
CLOSING RECEPTION
Loew’s Paradise Theater
2417 Grand Concourse bet. 187th St. and 188th St.
This 4000-seat movie palace, only smaller in size to Radio City Music Hall, became a mythical symbol of an era to Bronx residents. Divided up and then closed, the theater is scheduled to re-open in fall 2005. Enjoy light refreshments while previewing its newly restored splendor.
Co-sponsored by Historic Districts Council.
Admission: $15 at the door. Free for attendees of public forums. (Pick up your closing-reception pass at any of the forum events.)
rivjr, Thirty years ago no part of this city was safe, and it was the “south bronx” that was crime ridden. At that time, much of the northern Grand Concourse and Fordham Road were very beautiful and safe. If a person didn’t belong on the Concourse, they were asked to leave by a policeman. I do agree that it isn’t looking as good as herald square, but do you remember what that looked like some years ago. However I did pass by the Paradise this evening and it looks far from “trashy”. The marquee was brightly lit and the Pilasters were illuminated with bright light shining from the four art deco sconces that were recently removed and restored. At least we still have our beloved movie palace as a sight for sore eyes.
Attached is a website that has images of several Loew’s movie palaces. The bum uncle tale above could be true since it appears that there were in fact swords mounted above the fireplace in the lovely mens lounge. It is probably because of the uncles act of vandalism and unruly behavior that the pieces were removed. Scroll towards the bottom of the page and you can see a photo of the projection room and the mens lounge. Enjoy!
The shops are not occupied yet because the owner is asking for more than $75.00 per square foot and he would prefer more tasteful buisnesses to occupy the spaces. There was until recently a cheap gift shop in the attached taxpayer but it has since moved to the building to the left of the theatre.
I don’t have to sneak in .I am currently part of a group that meets at the Bronx Museum of the Arts that is active in the restoration of the Grand Concourse. After the last meeting, the director of the museum invited the urban planner of The Bronx, a few community leaders and myself to see it. We were escorted around by a very lovely man named Gerald who is the owner of the theatre. The tour lasted about half an hour and then it was time for lunch. We all had such a lovely time.
“At any rate, if the Paradise still stood, it would be in a very bad neighborhood. There would be no economic base to support it, and people would not come in from other areas of the city to patronize it.”
People had the same attitude when a small institution was built in a swampy area of new york near some shacks on a hillside, that was considered a slum at the time. That instution is know known as the American Museum of Natural History and it sits on Central Park West which is now some of the most expensive real estate in the nation.
Have you ever heard of a theater called the Loews Jersey? It sits across the Hudson River from NYC and I have met a great of people who travel from great distances to visit this gem. The theatre itself is contributing to the revitalization of the area by getting community members involved with restoration work, providing quality programing and the visual appeal of such a glorious edifice. If people are genuinely interested in a place, they will venture out to see it for themselves.
I have yet again had the opportunity to enter the paradise and see all of the progress that has taken place since my last visit. There is a lovely new wood paneled concession on the promenade in the uppper lobby that blends in very well with the surroundings. The flooring is of a solid composite that shimmers when the light hits it. This will be more durable and easy to clean up as I was told. The bathrooms are absolutely divine with new marble floors and countertops that have been installed.
I have yet again had the opportunity to enter the paradise and see all of the progress that has taken place since my last visit. There is a lovely new wood paneled concession on the promenade in the uppper lobby that blends in very well with the surroundings. The flooring is of a solid composite that shimmers when the light hits it. This will be more durable and easy to clean up as I was told. The bathrooms are absolutely divine with new marble floors and countertops that have been installed.
Hello all,
Fantastic News!
Tickets are still on sale for the VIP reception at the Loews Paradise before the concert. I received mine in the mail earlier today.
It should be wonderful. Naturally I will be there with family and friends for both events.
I also found this website that has photographs of some the restoration work done in the auditorium.
Enjoy!
Fantastic News Everyone!
The Gala opening of the Loews Paradise is set for October 29th Featuring singing sensation Giberto Santa Rosa.
I will be there naturally!
Valet parking is available for $10.00 and tickets which can be purchased at the new theatre box office on Grand Concourse (a recent installment which is absolutely lovely) or ticketmaster. Tickets for the event will run from $40.00 to $75.00. It should be wonderful.
I hope to see everyone there!
There were ash tray’s on the backs of some seats in the balcony at The Loew’s Paradise.
Hello All,
The reception on Saturday was absolutely divine. My parents and I arrived late and forgot our tickets but got free admission since my friends were at the door. I stood in the false balconies to the left of the proscenium arch and recited my favorite lines from Sunset Blvd. I wandered the halls in a trance and distanced myself from the people I knew in the crowds so that I could have a private moment with my beloved theatre. There were many good friends and neighbors in the crowd. I was the one wearing a grey jacket with text and an enlarged section of a paisley print on the right breast with the black sunglasses. Since you were there, Did we meet Chris? Rabbit? The emergency door was open so I had a chance to wander on the roof deck where the playground was, and admire the view. The fishpool will not be returning, however the statuary is still there thank goodness. There were indeed fish in the early days. There were even live canaries in the balcony opening night in 1929 as well as stuffed pigeons that were painted white suspended from the ceiling in mid flight. For the reception on saturday, an artist friend of mine brought her parrot into the theatre. After that I went to the “Paradise After Party” at Michael’s house. Since I got in late and woke up early on sunday for NYC Culture Fest where I volunteered as a representative of the New york Botanical Garden and mingled for five hours. So many cultural institutions and such little time! After that I went dancing until the wee hours of the morning. I had to reserve monday for rest, relaxation and pampering, which is why I posted so late.
However there is a fabulous exhibition on photographs of the magnificent Greta Garbo at Scandinavia House that I simply must see before it closes in November.
“In the five boroughs, the Roxy, RCMH, Capitol, Brooklyn Fox, and Brooklyn Paramount were all larger than the Paradise, and that’s just from memory. There might have been others. I’ll have to check the list compiled by Theatre Historical Society of America if I can find it.”
“WERE” Thats the word! They WERE!
Hello Ziggy,
Will you be coming down?
Warren,
Perhaps you should attend the closing reception after the walking tours in the Paradise to see the work yourself:
Saturday, September 24
1:00 â€" 2:30 & 3:30 â€" 5:00 pm
GRAND CONCOURSE WALKING TOURS
Starting at the Bronx Museum
Led by Evelyn Gonzalez and Sam Goodman, the tours will emphasize the avenue’s social as well as architectural history. The tour includes conversations with Concourse residents.
Limited space, please RSVP: 718-681-6000, ext. 120.
5:00 â€" 7:00 pm
CLOSING RECEPTION
Loew’s Paradise Theater
2417 Grand Concourse bet. 187th St. and 188th St.
This 4000-seat movie palace, only smaller in size to Radio City Music Hall, became a mythical symbol of an era to Bronx residents. Divided up and then closed, the theater is scheduled to re-open in fall 2005. Enjoy light refreshments while previewing its newly restored splendor.
Co-sponsored by Historic Districts Council.
Admission: $15 at the door. Free for attendees of public forums. (Pick up your closing-reception pass at any of the forum events.)
This link will again provide all of the information:
http://www.bronxmuseum.org/gc.htm
It shall be a fantastic event. I hope everyone can make it!
The auditorium has been restored to its original 4000 seat splendor.
See if you notice a numerical error in the text.
Great News Everyone!
Tours of the Grand Concourse, as well as the Loew’s Paradise Theatre will be held this month. Click on the link and read all about it!
http://www.bronxmuseum.org/gc.htm
The Valencia closed almost two decades before the Paradise. The Paradise was obviously more successful at remaining open for a longer period of time.
What is of this theatre now that the city has been devestated?
When did the Valencia close?
The page is still under construction but the images are simply divine.
Hello everyone,
The Loew’s Paradise finally has a website: http://theparadisetheater.com/
Enjoy all!
Perhaps this should now be placed at the top of the page.
rivjr, Thirty years ago no part of this city was safe, and it was the “south bronx” that was crime ridden. At that time, much of the northern Grand Concourse and Fordham Road were very beautiful and safe. If a person didn’t belong on the Concourse, they were asked to leave by a policeman. I do agree that it isn’t looking as good as herald square, but do you remember what that looked like some years ago. However I did pass by the Paradise this evening and it looks far from “trashy”. The marquee was brightly lit and the Pilasters were illuminated with bright light shining from the four art deco sconces that were recently removed and restored. At least we still have our beloved movie palace as a sight for sore eyes.
Hello Everyone,
Attached is a website that has images of several Loew’s movie palaces. The bum uncle tale above could be true since it appears that there were in fact swords mounted above the fireplace in the lovely mens lounge. It is probably because of the uncles act of vandalism and unruly behavior that the pieces were removed. Scroll towards the bottom of the page and you can see a photo of the projection room and the mens lounge. Enjoy!
link
The shops are not occupied yet because the owner is asking for more than $75.00 per square foot and he would prefer more tasteful buisnesses to occupy the spaces. There was until recently a cheap gift shop in the attached taxpayer but it has since moved to the building to the left of the theatre.
I wish I had!
Thanks for that link Lostmemory! I had a wonderful time flipping through the rest of the album.
Ziggy,
I don’t have to sneak in .I am currently part of a group that meets at the Bronx Museum of the Arts that is active in the restoration of the Grand Concourse. After the last meeting, the director of the museum invited the urban planner of The Bronx, a few community leaders and myself to see it. We were escorted around by a very lovely man named Gerald who is the owner of the theatre. The tour lasted about half an hour and then it was time for lunch. We all had such a lovely time.
Scott,
“At any rate, if the Paradise still stood, it would be in a very bad neighborhood. There would be no economic base to support it, and people would not come in from other areas of the city to patronize it.”
People had the same attitude when a small institution was built in a swampy area of new york near some shacks on a hillside, that was considered a slum at the time. That instution is know known as the American Museum of Natural History and it sits on Central Park West which is now some of the most expensive real estate in the nation.
Have you ever heard of a theater called the Loews Jersey? It sits across the Hudson River from NYC and I have met a great of people who travel from great distances to visit this gem. The theatre itself is contributing to the revitalization of the area by getting community members involved with restoration work, providing quality programing and the visual appeal of such a glorious edifice. If people are genuinely interested in a place, they will venture out to see it for themselves.
Hello All,
I have yet again had the opportunity to enter the paradise and see all of the progress that has taken place since my last visit. There is a lovely new wood paneled concession on the promenade in the uppper lobby that blends in very well with the surroundings. The flooring is of a solid composite that shimmers when the light hits it. This will be more durable and easy to clean up as I was told. The bathrooms are absolutely divine with new marble floors and countertops that have been installed.
Hello All,
I have yet again had the opportunity to enter the paradise and see all of the progress that has taken place since my last visit. There is a lovely new wood paneled concession on the promenade in the uppper lobby that blends in very well with the surroundings. The flooring is of a solid composite that shimmers when the light hits it. This will be more durable and easy to clean up as I was told. The bathrooms are absolutely divine with new marble floors and countertops that have been installed.
The stars were actually a series of twinkling light bulbs.
Was it attractive?
I love the echo. It reminds one of the scale of this cavernous movie palace.