Central Theatre

Another grand opening ad posted, this time from the Hearld-News.

This opened on September 10th, 1941. Grand opening ad in the photo section. clevergems, how about uploading that ticket here.

Seventy years ago, on January 4, 1943, the “Voice that Thrilled Millions” aired the first broadcast of his daily CBS radio show. Only three months earlier, Frank Sinatra had first appeared as a solo artist the week of October 8, 1942 at the Central Theater in Passaic, NJ. He played a return engagement at the Passaic showplace two months later starting the week of December 17, 1942. These are important and represent two significant moments in Frank’s career: On September 8, he made his final appearance with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra, so his first appearance at the Central was only one month into his career as a solo artist.

The December 17 booking is significant because, only two weeks later on December 30, he opened as an “Extra Added Attraction” with Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee at the New York Paramount Theatre. This was the legendary gig with thousands of screaming girls in the audience and Times Square. Sinatra appeared for ten weeks, shattering all records at the 3,664 seat showplace. Billboard noted in their January 9 review, “Boyish appearance and mannerisms all catnip for the ladies.”

While the Paramount engagement is considered his official debut as a solo artist, these two Central Theatre gigs are significant during this transitional point. His life – and career – would never be the same again.

Just found this site. Was an usher in late 50’s with Pete Noto and Andy Abdul. DeBalsio was the manager with Mr.O'Brian and Mr. Gerard. Rodger Nargi replaced one of them.Jane Palko was the popcorn girl.Loved the blue clock in the corner. Hope someone saved it. Sweep up alot of spilled popcorn and saw some good movies.

I along with my sister were in many dance recitals held there. Dotty Locker and Walter Kormin Dance Studios were the two we danced in back in the late 50’s. Like others, too bad I didn’t take more pictures of the place!

On a trip to Passaic to see a show at the Capitol theater in the 1980’s, I went into the McDonald’s and they had framed pictures of the beautiful theater that had been demolished to build the McD’s. I remember thinking how much nicer the torn down theater was than the Capitol, which remained.

Throughout the 1940’s, the Central presented “legit” shows on stage during the summer. That ended in the late 40’s/early 50’s.

I’ve documented every show that played the theater for the first 6 or so years. I had planned to do a tribute website but never got around to it. I suppose I should just post the list here.

I’ve got lots of photos as well. When the theater was being demolished, somebody threw all of the office files into the orchestra pit. My brother and I were in there with boxes saving everything we could. I’ve even got the blueprints for the theater!

thanks bob but i really would like to know the exact month and year in was closed down..does any one know

it was the 70’s..but what year?

Right. The south end of the lot, looking north. That’s what I figured. It is amazing to think that railroad tracks ran straight up the middle of Main Street. Then again, the path of the railroad is still quite visible if you know what you’re looking for. Off topic: The tracks in Passaic were the Main Line of the Erie Railroad, which had two parallel lines, one being the main line, that ran through Passaic, and up through Paterson, Hawthorne and Glen Rock. The other, the Bergen County line, left the main at BJ tower in Rutherford and traveled up through Wallington, Garfield, Fairlawn, and Glen Rock before rejoining the Main at Ridgewood Jct (WJ tower). The Bergen County line is now the busily used New Jersey Transit line. On the old Mainline, the tracks split at BJ Tower (BJ for “Bergen Jct”) in Rutherford and paralleled West Erie Ave, crossing Carton Ave in Rutherford, then crossing the river into Passaic. Up through busy Passaic center, then passing the behind the site of the old Central Theater. The tracks then paralleled Main Ave on a right of way taking it behind factories and businesses and up into Paterson. Most of the original Main line is gone, running from Paterson behind St. Joe’s Hospital to just south Rt 46 in Clifton where you drive under them at a concrete bridge prominently marked ERIE. What NJT refers to today as the “Main Line” from Lyndhurst to Paterson is actually the old Lackawanna Main Line which superseded the Erie’s Main Line through Passaic when the two railroads merged in the 1960’s. That main line from Paterson up to Ridgewood Jct is still the old original Erie section. OK, enough railroad history. Back to the Central!

Passaic Kid: Can you pinpoint the exact location of this picture? I know approximately, but would like to know exactly where the photographer was standing.

hey jeff..you blow my mind..on that corner where that bill board says olds mobile..theres a club there now..sad sight..i’m going to get some pics soon so every one could see

To Bob Furmanek:

My mother’s uncle Lou Preiskel used to manage the Central Theatre in the 40’s. My mother is gone, but her cousin, Marion, the daughter of Lou Preiskel is still living in Pennsylvania.

She may be able to shed some light on the era for you.