Newport Music Hall
1722 N. High Street,
Columbus,
OH
43201
1722 N. High Street,
Columbus,
OH
43201
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: J. Real Neth Theaters Co.
Functions: Concerts
Previous Names: State Theatre, Neth's State Theatre, Agora
Nearby Theaters
The former State Theatre was located on N. High Street, across from Ohio State University. It was opened on December 22, 1921 with Will Rogers in “A Poor Relation”. It was equipped with a Moller organ. I never saw a movie there as it was the Agora Nightclub in the 1970’s when I attended OSU, but I remember a lot of Greek columns and thought what a neat theatre it once was. Most of the original décor is intact but painted over the last time I was there (years ago). There was a balcony that was closed off. It was still operating as a movie theatre in late-1969.
Following closure it became a rock music venue named Agora. Later by 1987 it was in use as the Newport Music Hall and nightclub.
Contributed by
Dave
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Recent comments (view all 27 comments)
The production was deemed illegal as it was not sanctioned by who ever owned the rights to it. Apparently money was to be paid to use the name. My memory of this is very sketchy and is why I am looking for any input.I just remember we were shut down before completing all scheduled performances. And, it was a blast doing it, my memory is at least clear on that. Thanks everyone for comments so far.
Working security for Agora Productions was fun for five years, indoors and when we had summertime rock concerts in towns like Steubbenville or the Aquapark near Dayton. Being on stage and walking through the crowd subjected me to billowing “walls” of marijuana…couldn’t help but “catch a buzz” just being in the area…and I didn’t smoke!!
I worked in the club starting fall of 1975. I remember Quality Crews would work the national acts. Around 1978 the place changed hands. Factory Productions started providing the PA.
Website: http://www.promowestlive.com/concert_venues/newport-music-hall-columbus-ohio
It would be nice if someone posted details and pictures from the opening and early years of the theater. I have the original Moller theater organ console from the state installed in 1921 opes 3160. Maybe someone knows what happened to the pipe work from this instrument.
Androy – I worked a Super Trooper spotlight during the opening night of JC Superstar at the Agora – the whole crew were speeding our little brains out as I recall, lack of sleep. Jimmy Lynch (Tristram Shandy)joined their band and toured with them for a while, I believe. Movietime – the organ pipes were there in ‘71, I climbed around in the pipe chambers.
buckeyebanger – could you tell me what year this Agora photo is from? Hall and Oates played there in 72 or 73…but they were billed as “whole oats” at that time. Thanks!
Wasn’t this theater still in operation (as a movie theater) in early 1974? I could swear I passed them and they were showing Marco Ferreri’s wonderfully scandalous “The Grand Bouffe” at the time. As a high school sophomore taking a “walking tour” of Ohio State with the Latin Club, I was sooooo impressed.
GRAND BOUFFE played at the World Theatre,further north on High Street from State/Agora/Newport Music Hall in March of 1974. Earl Wilson called it the “most revolting, stomach-turning picture I’ve ever seen. It stars Marcello Mastroianni in an eating orgy with four men determined to glutton themselves to death.”
Cyclopsga, Apparently I was asleep back when you posted about being on the spotlight during the opening night of Superstar at the Agora. This was only 5 years ago, so sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Can you post any details as to the date the show opened? Do you remember how many nights we ran, before it was shut down? Do you by chance have any literature from the pre- production advertising? I’d pay for anything you might have to be sent to me, unless you want to just scan and email. I’m open to anything you might be willing to do. Thanks in advance,
Roy