I think that this article refers to the Orpheum in Sioux Falls, SD rather than the Orpheum in Sioux City, IA. The paper linked is from Sioux Falls. This would seem to reconcile the problem with the dates.
Norm, Thanks for the inforamtion on the current status of the Retlaw. Its encouraging that there is a move to restore the theatre for the community, hopefully it will come to pass.
One question for anyone who may know…does/did the Retlaw have a balcony? The Sanborn maps that I’ve seen seem to indicate that it did not.
There is one small b&w photo of the Paramount’s auditorium in the Fourth Quarter 2006 issue of the Theatre Historical Society’s Marquee along with photos of other Boston theatres. You can order a copy of it online at the THS website.
The original auditorium was a unique variation of the Art Deco scheme found in a number of Paramount theatres during the early thirties. To get a general idea look at the auditoriums of the Paramounts in Aurora, IL and Denver.
Since the Bravo Productions site does not appear to work, what is the current status of the former Retlaw? Has there been any movement towards restoration?
Thanks for the clarification. There seem to have been a uncommon number of conflicting reports on what is going on here.
I had some hope after those relatively recent interior photos were posted a while back showing that some of the original interior had survived. Also after speaking to some of the members of the Theatre Historical Society who toured Boston theatres several years ago and were told that the interior was going to be restored.
If the motivation (and money) had been there, I suspect that at least some of the orignal design could have been retained. I realize that Emerson needed a different type of space but a more creative design solution that respected one of the city’s few Art Deco interiors could have been found.
Looks like the interior has been gutted. Do we know if the renderings in Ron Newman’s link are for the Paramount’s auditorium space or for the adjoining building? There seem to be conflicting reports about what is going on…“restoration,” “rejuvination,” etc. After seeing those renderings, I’m a little worried they are not doing a restoration on this but building a new completely interior behind the restored facade. Hope that is incorrect as it would be a shame.
The following is a link to a couple of photos from the Lane Public Library. The first one notes that the Paramount opened in 1931. There are more on the library’s site if you dig around a bit.
The Keith-Albee Palace Theatre was designed by Rapp and Rapp.
According to the December 21, 1929 issue of Exhibitors Herald-World, the West Bend Theatre was designed by A.S. Graven, Inc.
I think that this article refers to the Orpheum in Sioux Falls, SD rather than the Orpheum in Sioux City, IA. The paper linked is from Sioux Falls. This would seem to reconcile the problem with the dates.
Norm, Thanks for the inforamtion on the current status of the Retlaw. Its encouraging that there is a move to restore the theatre for the community, hopefully it will come to pass.
One question for anyone who may know…does/did the Retlaw have a balcony? The Sanborn maps that I’ve seen seem to indicate that it did not.
Patsy- Yes, it is that one…2006 Conclave Issue: Boston – Massachusetts – Rhode Island.
The Paramount is profiled on p.11
Correction: The Marquee issue is the Fourth Quarter 2005. Sorry for the typo.
There is one small b&w photo of the Paramount’s auditorium in the Fourth Quarter 2006 issue of the Theatre Historical Society’s Marquee along with photos of other Boston theatres. You can order a copy of it online at the THS website.
The original auditorium was a unique variation of the Art Deco scheme found in a number of Paramount theatres during the early thirties. To get a general idea look at the auditoriums of the Paramounts in Aurora, IL and Denver.
Since the Bravo Productions site does not appear to work, what is the current status of the former Retlaw? Has there been any movement towards restoration?
Thanks for the clarification. There seem to have been a uncommon number of conflicting reports on what is going on here.
I had some hope after those relatively recent interior photos were posted a while back showing that some of the original interior had survived. Also after speaking to some of the members of the Theatre Historical Society who toured Boston theatres several years ago and were told that the interior was going to be restored.
If the motivation (and money) had been there, I suspect that at least some of the orignal design could have been retained. I realize that Emerson needed a different type of space but a more creative design solution that respected one of the city’s few Art Deco interiors could have been found.
Looks like the interior has been gutted. Do we know if the renderings in Ron Newman’s link are for the Paramount’s auditorium space or for the adjoining building? There seem to be conflicting reports about what is going on…“restoration,” “rejuvination,” etc. After seeing those renderings, I’m a little worried they are not doing a restoration on this but building a new completely interior behind the restored facade. Hope that is incorrect as it would be a shame.
The Denver Theatre was designed by the firm of Rapp & Rapp.
The following is a link to a couple of photos from the Lane Public Library. The first one notes that the Paramount opened in 1931. There are more on the library’s site if you dig around a bit.
http://lanepl.org/CMR_25/IMG0021.jpg
http://lanepl.org/CMR_16/IMG0039.jpg
http://lanepl.org/CMR_16/IMG0043.jpg