Comments about Empress Theatre in Detroit, MI

Joe Vogel on March 21, 2022 at 7:41 pm

The Empress Theatre was mentioned in the August 29, 1914 issue of Moving Picture World:

“The only five cent moving pictures in the downtown district of Detroit are the Bijou, Park, Garland, Casino, Princess and Monroe. None of them show features. The Empress on Woodward avenue, which up until recently was a five cent house, is now proving very successful with features, most of which are shown after being exhibited for a week at the Liberty”

reva on December 5, 2013 at 8:38 pm

gabby its reva listen my email address is I just found out you were trying to reach me I am also trying to find you please email me as soon as possible thank you gabby

gabby_lil on November 23, 2013 at 12:41 pm

P.S. wilbur01..So very sorry to hear of her passing..

gabby_lil on November 23, 2013 at 12:36 pm

wilbur01//GOT IT ! Sent reply..Now On With The Show ..I will be trying to contact Toledo friend & hope I get some info from her.. Hope this all turns out great for you.

wilbur01 on November 22, 2013 at 2:53 pm

Oh and in case you don’t get my email my address is

wilbur01 on November 22, 2013 at 2:46 pm

Yay! I am excited to talk! I emailed you

wilbur01 on November 19, 2013 at 3:06 pm

Her name was Melba and I hear she went by the name Fancy Deal but hat could be wrong. Also do you know of any archived photos or what happened to the stuff that was in the theater when they tore it down?

wilbur01 on November 19, 2013 at 3:02 pm

Gabby my grandmother worked there too. I would LOVE to know if you knew anything about her. She passed away at a young age

gabby_lil on April 12, 2013 at 12:32 pm

Now that reads a bit weird..lol..I meant to add plus Shiek also rented to male entertainers.Could someone please post info as to how I reach Reva ? I know a woman in Toledo who knew Shiek well. Thanks

gabby_lil on April 11, 2013 at 3:13 pm

reva..I worked there also .Shiek was our stage hand.He controled all the music & curtains.He also rented rooms out to some of the girls & let some room for free when down on their luck.Hope to hear back from you.

reva on October 12, 2012 at 11:36 pm

my mother worked here at the empress and was managed by a person that went by the name of shiek according to ALOT of family members he is my father does anyone have any info to help me on my search I was born in 1960 please if u have any info share thank you

Don Lewis on March 2, 2011 at 9:23 pm

An undated postcard or the Detroit Red Cross on parade along with a partial view of the Empress Theatre.

Empress Theatre

540 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

540 Woodward Avenue,
Detroit, MI 48226