About 16 or 17 years ago I was on business in Richmond and got to watch a few movies from the projection booth. That was awesome. They still had two carbon arc projectors and the most amazing electric panel for all the house lights and such. I could swear they still had some knife switches on that panel.
Great picture! I read once that this theatre was more likely used as the basis of the album cover design for Styx Paradise Theatre than the actual Paradise Theatre.
I went and saw the comedy group “The Arrogant Worms” there in about 2002. It was a fantastic theatre and they had one a really nice renovation. I have 4 seats from it, 2 from the balcony and 2 from the main level). I’m sad to hear it has closed. This is what I found from the www.southwesternontario.ca/news website.
The Old Roxy Theatre closes its doors
The Old Roxy Theatre in Mount Forest has closed its doors as a live theatre for the last time. Richard Sharpe, concert promoter, says he regrets the closing and thanks the many fans, businesses and residents who supported this unique hometown venue since its opening in 2002.The Old Roxy has held hundreds of live performances with the best of country, pop, rock and comedy. The intimacy of the small stage and seating was a favorite of the fans and the many Canadian and international artists who performed there, Mr. Sharpe said, adding that the economic impact created by over 100,000 concert visitors to Mount Forest since 2002 will be missed. In 2009 alone the economic spin offs benefited local businesses to the tune of $800,000 according to the Ministry of Tourism’s TREIM model, a staggering $7.2 million since 2002, a press release said. The Old Roxy brand will continue as part of the production company, The Concert Factory. Future performances will be scheduled into other community theatres and venues across Ontario and Canada.
Saw a band last night at the Danforth Music Hall. It was great venue for that. They’ve removed the seats on the main level now, but, there are still seats in the balcony.
I was on a job in Dallas in the summer of ‘98. I went and saw 5 old movies at the lake. I recall there was “The Philidelphia Story”, “The Awful Truth” and a few others. It wasn’t like going to see just a movie, it was like going to an event. They showed old serial movies first and served drinks right at your seat. An announcer would introduce the feature movie. It was great. Don’t know if they still do that.
Three rep cinemas to close by end of June
May 18, 2006. 01:00 AM
Three longtime repertory cinema houses â€" the Revue, the Royal and the Kingsway â€" are slated to close by the end of June.
The theatres â€" part of the Festival Cinemas group â€" were owned by cinema entrepreneur Peter McQuillan, who died in October 2004.
Last night, his son Mark told the Star that he and his two siblings made the decision to close the theatres reluctantly.
“The heart and soul was my father. Since (his death), we have been trying our best to run (the business).
``But we don’t have the time, the energy and the financial wherewithal to keep it going,“ said McQuillan, noting difficult market conditions contributed to their decision.
“I feel bad if they are closing. We might get a few more customers but I don’t know what it says for the industry,” said Carmelo Bordonaro, owner of the Bloor Cinema.
“It’s a labour of love, these cinemas, believe me — a lot of hard work,“ Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro, a one-time partner with Peter McQuillan, said he was a “great guy.”
“He loved film, he loved cinemas and he really supported the film industry in a lot of ways. He was an amazing guy. I miss him all the time,” Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro said the entire movie industry is experiencing dramatic changes, with new films being downloaded from the Internet, DVDs being released in a shorter time period following a new film’s release at major theatres, and DVDs also being sold at big discounts.
All those factors and others are making it increasingly difficult for repertory theatres to compete and survive, he said.
Three rep cinemas to close by end of June
May 18, 2006. 01:00 AM
Three longtime repertory cinema houses â€" the Revue, the Royal and the Kingsway â€" are slated to close by the end of June.
The theatres â€" part of the Festival Cinemas group â€" were owned by cinema entrepreneur Peter McQuillan, who died in October 2004.
Last night, his son Mark told the Star that he and his two siblings made the decision to close the theatres reluctantly.
“The heart and soul was my father. Since (his death), we have been trying our best to run (the business).
``But we don’t have the time, the energy and the financial wherewithal to keep it going,“ said McQuillan, noting difficult market conditions contributed to their decision.
“I feel bad if they are closing. We might get a few more customers but I don’t know what it says for the industry,” said Carmelo Bordonaro, owner of the Bloor Cinema.
“It’s a labour of love, these cinemas, believe me — a lot of hard work,“ Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro, a one-time partner with Peter McQuillan, said he was a “great guy.”
“He loved film, he loved cinemas and he really supported the film industry in a lot of ways. He was an amazing guy. I miss him all the time,” Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro said the entire movie industry is experiencing dramatic changes, with new films being downloaded from the Internet, DVDs being released in a shorter time period following a new film’s release at major theatres, and DVDs also being sold at big discounts.
All those factors and others are making it increasingly difficult for repertory theatres to compete and survive, he said.
Three rep cinemas to close by end of June
May 18, 2006. 01:00 AM
Three longtime repertory cinema houses â€" the Revue, the Royal and the Kingsway â€" are slated to close by the end of June.
The theatres â€" part of the Festival Cinemas group â€" were owned by cinema entrepreneur Peter McQuillan, who died in October 2004.
Last night, his son Mark told the Star that he and his two siblings made the decision to close the theatres reluctantly.
“The heart and soul was my father. Since (his death), we have been trying our best to run (the business).
``But we don’t have the time, the energy and the financial wherewithal to keep it going,“ said McQuillan, noting difficult market conditions contributed to their decision.
“I feel bad if they are closing. We might get a few more customers but I don’t know what it says for the industry,” said Carmelo Bordonaro, owner of the Bloor Cinema.
“It’s a labour of love, these cinemas, believe me — a lot of hard work,“ Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro, a one-time partner with Peter McQuillan, said he was a “great guy.”
“He loved film, he loved cinemas and he really supported the film industry in a lot of ways. He was an amazing guy. I miss him all the time,” Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro said the entire movie industry is experiencing dramatic changes, with new films being downloaded from the Internet, DVDs being released in a shorter time period following a new film’s release at major theatres, and DVDs also being sold at big discounts.
All those factors and others are making it increasingly difficult for repertory theatres to compete and survive, he said.
Saw a lot of movies in that theatre back in the 70’s. There was only 1 screen so you’d have to line up forever waiting for the next show to begin.
Nice colour picture of the theatre from www.shorpy.com.
http://www.shorpy.com/node/23766?size=_original#caption
As of Nov 2017 their website shows then showing current releases. http://www.thecoloniatheatre.com/
I should have checked the other photos first. They have a picture of the panel, worth checking out.
About 16 or 17 years ago I was on business in Richmond and got to watch a few movies from the projection booth. That was awesome. They still had two carbon arc projectors and the most amazing electric panel for all the house lights and such. I could swear they still had some knife switches on that panel.
Was on business in town about 16 or 17 years ago and had the good fortune to catch a movie there (plus a few at The Byrd).
Here’s a link to a photo of the theatre. I recall seeing a film or 2 there back in the 80’s. Link to Marda Theatre
Great bunch of pictures on the current state of the theatre on the After the Final Curtain website. http://afterthefinalcurtain.net/tag/rko-prospect/
Great picture! I read once that this theatre was more likely used as the basis of the album cover design for Styx Paradise Theatre than the actual Paradise Theatre.
There’s a nice picture on Shorpy very similar to the postcard view above.
http://www.shorpy.com/node/18952?size=_original#caption
Looks like they’ve done some work on it. It’s digital now.
http://www.theclaytontheatre.com/
Yes Davidzornig, there was such a ruling due to a fire. Here’s a link in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurier_Palace_Theatre_fire
Great pics Bill, it’s always interesting seeing how the theatres were in their day.
This link shows some of the renovations that had been done:
http://classic-construction.ca/projects-portfolio/renovation-of-roxy-theatre-in-mount-forest-on/
I went and saw the comedy group “The Arrogant Worms” there in about 2002. It was a fantastic theatre and they had one a really nice renovation. I have 4 seats from it, 2 from the balcony and 2 from the main level). I’m sad to hear it has closed. This is what I found from the www.southwesternontario.ca/news website.
The Old Roxy Theatre closes its doors
The Old Roxy Theatre in Mount Forest has closed its doors as a live theatre for the last time. Richard Sharpe, concert promoter, says he regrets the closing and thanks the many fans, businesses and residents who supported this unique hometown venue since its opening in 2002.The Old Roxy has held hundreds of live performances with the best of country, pop, rock and comedy. The intimacy of the small stage and seating was a favorite of the fans and the many Canadian and international artists who performed there, Mr. Sharpe said, adding that the economic impact created by over 100,000 concert visitors to Mount Forest since 2002 will be missed. In 2009 alone the economic spin offs benefited local businesses to the tune of $800,000 according to the Ministry of Tourism’s TREIM model, a staggering $7.2 million since 2002, a press release said. The Old Roxy brand will continue as part of the production company, The Concert Factory. Future performances will be scheduled into other community theatres and venues across Ontario and Canada.
The above link some how got modified because there was an “at” symbol in it. … :–(
The Google Map in the overview is from Toronto, should be west Hill
https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Kingston+Rd/State Theatre.770626,-79.186722,3a,75y,96.7h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1smFcfiXO9S360gsYuZZ9e-A!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x89d4da9a0940a7dd:0x3a50d5e38d59337b?hl=en
Was there a theatre on the site between 1906 and 1948? To say it was continuous would imply there was.
Saw a band last night at the Danforth Music Hall. It was great venue for that. They’ve removed the seats on the main level now, but, there are still seats in the balcony.
Loved this theatre, lined up for many a movie premier during the late 70’s to early 80’s.
Couldn’t connect to the above links.
There is an awesome picture on www.shorpy.com
http://www.shorpy.com/node/11407?size=_original
I was on a job in Dallas in the summer of ‘98. I went and saw 5 old movies at the lake. I recall there was “The Philidelphia Story”, “The Awful Truth” and a few others. It wasn’t like going to see just a movie, it was like going to an event. They showed old serial movies first and served drinks right at your seat. An announcer would introduce the feature movie. It was great. Don’t know if they still do that.
Three rep cinemas to close by end of June
May 18, 2006. 01:00 AM
Three longtime repertory cinema houses â€" the Revue, the Royal and the Kingsway â€" are slated to close by the end of June.
The theatres â€" part of the Festival Cinemas group â€" were owned by cinema entrepreneur Peter McQuillan, who died in October 2004.
Last night, his son Mark told the Star that he and his two siblings made the decision to close the theatres reluctantly.
“The heart and soul was my father. Since (his death), we have been trying our best to run (the business).
``But we don’t have the time, the energy and the financial wherewithal to keep it going,“ said McQuillan, noting difficult market conditions contributed to their decision.
“I feel bad if they are closing. We might get a few more customers but I don’t know what it says for the industry,” said Carmelo Bordonaro, owner of the Bloor Cinema.
“It’s a labour of love, these cinemas, believe me — a lot of hard work,“ Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro, a one-time partner with Peter McQuillan, said he was a “great guy.”
“He loved film, he loved cinemas and he really supported the film industry in a lot of ways. He was an amazing guy. I miss him all the time,” Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro said the entire movie industry is experiencing dramatic changes, with new films being downloaded from the Internet, DVDs being released in a shorter time period following a new film’s release at major theatres, and DVDs also being sold at big discounts.
All those factors and others are making it increasingly difficult for repertory theatres to compete and survive, he said.
Three rep cinemas to close by end of June
May 18, 2006. 01:00 AM
Three longtime repertory cinema houses â€" the Revue, the Royal and the Kingsway â€" are slated to close by the end of June.
The theatres â€" part of the Festival Cinemas group â€" were owned by cinema entrepreneur Peter McQuillan, who died in October 2004.
Last night, his son Mark told the Star that he and his two siblings made the decision to close the theatres reluctantly.
“The heart and soul was my father. Since (his death), we have been trying our best to run (the business).
``But we don’t have the time, the energy and the financial wherewithal to keep it going,“ said McQuillan, noting difficult market conditions contributed to their decision.
“I feel bad if they are closing. We might get a few more customers but I don’t know what it says for the industry,” said Carmelo Bordonaro, owner of the Bloor Cinema.
“It’s a labour of love, these cinemas, believe me — a lot of hard work,“ Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro, a one-time partner with Peter McQuillan, said he was a “great guy.”
“He loved film, he loved cinemas and he really supported the film industry in a lot of ways. He was an amazing guy. I miss him all the time,” Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro said the entire movie industry is experiencing dramatic changes, with new films being downloaded from the Internet, DVDs being released in a shorter time period following a new film’s release at major theatres, and DVDs also being sold at big discounts.
All those factors and others are making it increasingly difficult for repertory theatres to compete and survive, he said.
Three rep cinemas to close by end of June
May 18, 2006. 01:00 AM
Three longtime repertory cinema houses â€" the Revue, the Royal and the Kingsway â€" are slated to close by the end of June.
The theatres â€" part of the Festival Cinemas group â€" were owned by cinema entrepreneur Peter McQuillan, who died in October 2004.
Last night, his son Mark told the Star that he and his two siblings made the decision to close the theatres reluctantly.
“The heart and soul was my father. Since (his death), we have been trying our best to run (the business).
``But we don’t have the time, the energy and the financial wherewithal to keep it going,“ said McQuillan, noting difficult market conditions contributed to their decision.
“I feel bad if they are closing. We might get a few more customers but I don’t know what it says for the industry,” said Carmelo Bordonaro, owner of the Bloor Cinema.
“It’s a labour of love, these cinemas, believe me — a lot of hard work,“ Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro, a one-time partner with Peter McQuillan, said he was a “great guy.”
“He loved film, he loved cinemas and he really supported the film industry in a lot of ways. He was an amazing guy. I miss him all the time,” Bordonaro said.
Bordonaro said the entire movie industry is experiencing dramatic changes, with new films being downloaded from the Internet, DVDs being released in a shorter time period following a new film’s release at major theatres, and DVDs also being sold at big discounts.
All those factors and others are making it increasingly difficult for repertory theatres to compete and survive, he said.