Forum Theatre Arts Center
314 Main Street,
Metuchen,
NJ
08840
314 Main Street,
Metuchen,
NJ
08840
4 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 52 comments
markp, thought I’d add a link to an article from the local paper, I hope this comes to pass.
https://centraljersey.com/2020/10/26/extensive-community-outreach-has-begun-on-the-metuchen-forum-theater/
Status should be closed. Possible renovations in the near future.
The town of Metuchen has reportedly purchased the building and is hoping to bring live shows and movies back to this theatre after doing renovations.
If you were there in the late 70’s thru the time they sold it in 1983 then you remember I was the projectionist there. And your family also owned the State in Woodbridge where my father was the projectionist, along with me at the Forum.
My Aunt Bee owned that theatre and my grandmother ran it. I remember many, many evenings spent there helping out wherever I could. I remember the popcorn machine and the candy machines. Such a shame it’s vacant. I really do hope someone buys it and brings it back to it’s former glory and appreciate it for what it worth.
One option could be to put a dividing wall across the front of the balcony. Make it a twin cinema and then he can again show movies. With 2 screens even if one movie is doing poorly the other one might be ok. And you would have a larger cinema downstairs and a smaller one upstairs. I floated this idea around back in the late 70’s/early 80’s when both my father and I were the projectionists here. The owners at that time were getting ready to retire and did not want to put that kind of money into the place.
Dear Peter….Perhaps, you are kind enough to remember a few short conversations that we engaged in a few years ago? In any case, driving by The Forum Theater earlier today I was unnerved to see the billboard on the side of the building. Following this up, I had the opportunity to have a brief and nice dialogue with long-time merchant who owns a boutique right down the store. Okay, to the point. I will try to contact you directly and get your status on the subject of bringing back to life a true art and cultural landmark of not only Metuchen….New Jersey. Hope all is well with your family. Andy L. Jr.
When I visited the area, in September 2015, owner Peter Loewy happened to drive by as a friend and I were taking photos of the exterior. He stopped, we had a chat and he invited us back a few days later, when we were able to have a good look round. This is a very well maintained neighbourhood cinema, and it’s a pity it can’t run full-time on films. During our visit Peter and his colleagues were starting to set up a ‘Haunted Theatre’ attraction for Halloween, but I have since heard that these have been cancelled. This is such a shame. I wish Peter all the very best as he tries to find a niche for his splendid cinema.
So sad to hear. I was a projectionist here from 1980 till 1983.
It appears this theatre is no longer open in the traditional sense. They have no movies or live shows scheduled. The website states it is available for long or short term rentals.
Thank you Peter. And Im glad to see you still running movies. I do miss it a little. You don’t do a job for almost 38 years and not miss it. Are you going to convert to digital? It is my understanding that some companies already have stopped releasing movies on film. I miss the days of changeovers. Although I have been told to accept progress, I don’t see why theatres (especially independents) had to switch over. There was nothing wrong with film, other than the fact that most theatres used teenagers instead of professionals like me. But that’s all in the past. I hope you can keep film going.
My apologies! Great to hear about your eyesight
My my a we bit touchy are we. I said recently, as in about a month ago. I don’t go into town much, and haven’t been in the theatre since I stopped working there in 1983. Good luck with your shows and movies. Im no longer a projectionist since digital put me out of work. Im a stagehand now working at the Newark arena and really don’t miss movies or theatres that much anymore. Oh and I just turned 55 and still have 20/20 vision and I don’t need glasses. Just sayin.
Well you must been either drunk or blind and a blind man shouldn’t be driving a car. Currently we’re presenting a live stage show for kids and presenting 12 Years A Slave on our screen. We will be presenting live performances as well as films throughout the year. See an optometrist asap! That is if you can read this.
Drove by here recently. Looks pretty dead.
That means they don’t want a theater .
Thats an expensive lease. Such a shame. I, along with my father worked as projectionists here in the late 70’s/early80’s.
THEATER FOR LEASE $12,000 PER MONTHS/ DAYS MUST BE NUMBERED.
Here is a link to the online version of the Star-Ledger story.
An article in todays Star Ledger talks about this theatre and shows a picture of a 23 year old with the projector. They have 6000 foot reels and looks like a newer model simplex and xenon. I guess the old E-7 and Peerless have been put to rest. Also, the kid is holdind his cell phone while threading the projector. Its no wonder I’m out of a job after 36 years.
Thanks for the compliment. If you go to www.forumtheatrearts.org and click on rentals at top of page there are interior shots
FT
Went to see eat pray love last night. forgot my camera – I wanted to take some interior shots. can’t find any online. nice gold fabric walls, good lobby and concession stand. overall a nice place. hope they make it.
Anyone interested in a long term lease or purchase (depending on the offer should contact me at
Photos on the website www.forumtheatrearts.org You can also leave a message at 732.548.5600
The Forum has begun to play relatively current movies. If I remember, they played “The Hurt Locker” a few weeks back. Here’s the theater’s Web site: http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/index.html
I’m interested to know who is doing your film projection? Not many of us left who know your equipment, if it is the same equipment that was there in 1983.