Okay I went to the Topeka Public Library today, and I got some new and more accurate info. The Dickinson, from the time of closing in 1988, seated 660. Also it had a rather large renovation in 1973, where the stage and proscenium was removed, and a larger screen was set on the wall where the stage used to be. Plus plush reclining seats were added into the balcony.
And as a final comment, the Dickinson started showing second-run dollar movies in 1987. It was also the place where the exorcist ran in Topeka, and got its premiere there. Its longest showing feature was American Graffiti.
The interior is basically as follows. There is about a 5 foot deep pit in front of the stage, which is connected to stairs to the upper level. There is a circular bar on the left corner, and band merchandise is on the right. The floor of the upper floor level is slanted slightly.
As the description above said, there WAS a balcony. It is more like a small platform now, with restrooms on the right. I would say its like 10 wide and 30 feet long. The concessions on the lower level is now a bar. There is still some decor by the old exits, but thats about it. It is still a good place for shows.
They will take you on tours of the Jayhawk if you ask. Their phone number is listed on jayhawktheatre.com. You dont necessarily need to be in a group either. There are usually people available through the week from 1 to 3 pm.
I am going on a tour wednesday Feb 15th, and I am gonna pop the big question as to whether or not the Jayhawk could bring back the midnight movie circuit long abandoned from when the Dickinson closed in the 80’s. Topeka needs a place to show Rocky Horror Again.
Actually I have been to concerts at the uptown a couple of times. The acoustics and scenery of the Uptown are perfect. However up from under the balcony to the stage there are no seats. There is a bar/club attached to the entrance (I think it was finished 2 years ago or so), and it is a very comfortable place. I have seen Fear Factory and Megadeth there, along with a bunch of other artists.
Here is a photo of the outside and marquee of the Grand, taken from cjonline.com. Seeing as it is advertising and decorated for the showing of King Kong, Im assuming this pic is from 1933 or so.
Okay I went to the Topeka Public Library today, and I got some new and more accurate info. The Dickinson, from the time of closing in 1988, seated 660. Also it had a rather large renovation in 1973, where the stage and proscenium was removed, and a larger screen was set on the wall where the stage used to be. Plus plush reclining seats were added into the balcony.
And as a final comment, the Dickinson started showing second-run dollar movies in 1987. It was also the place where the exorcist ran in Topeka, and got its premiere there. Its longest showing feature was American Graffiti.
The interior is basically as follows. There is about a 5 foot deep pit in front of the stage, which is connected to stairs to the upper level. There is a circular bar on the left corner, and band merchandise is on the right. The floor of the upper floor level is slanted slightly.
As the description above said, there WAS a balcony. It is more like a small platform now, with restrooms on the right. I would say its like 10 wide and 30 feet long. The concessions on the lower level is now a bar. There is still some decor by the old exits, but thats about it. It is still a good place for shows.
They will take you on tours of the Jayhawk if you ask. Their phone number is listed on jayhawktheatre.com. You dont necessarily need to be in a group either. There are usually people available through the week from 1 to 3 pm.
I am going on a tour wednesday Feb 15th, and I am gonna pop the big question as to whether or not the Jayhawk could bring back the midnight movie circuit long abandoned from when the Dickinson closed in the 80’s. Topeka needs a place to show Rocky Horror Again.
Actually I have been to concerts at the uptown a couple of times. The acoustics and scenery of the Uptown are perfect. However up from under the balcony to the stage there are no seats. There is a bar/club attached to the entrance (I think it was finished 2 years ago or so), and it is a very comfortable place. I have seen Fear Factory and Megadeth there, along with a bunch of other artists.
Here is a photo of the outside and marquee of the Grand, taken from cjonline.com. Seeing as it is advertising and decorated for the showing of King Kong, Im assuming this pic is from 1933 or so.
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Here is an old pic of the outside of the Dickinson, its entrance and famous “crest” is on the upper lefthand corner
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