TheatreLinks

New listings compiled by Michael Moran

Summer, 2011

GREETINGS!

Welcome to the Summer 2011 Links. Money is still tight and, once again, it has been an uphill battle for theater preservationists. We lost a couple of venues between the time the links were submitted and when I started putting them all together. For them, the dream is over but, for the rest of us, the war against parking lots rages on.

We are starting a new section for Honorary Theatre Sites. To be included, the subject of the website must have made a significant contribution to theatre history. Our inaugural website is “The Kate Smith Commemorative Society”.

Michael Moran
michaelm6@ca.rr.com

Honorary Theatre Sites

The Kate Smith Commemorative Society
http://www.katesmith.org/
Formed in 1967 as The Kate Smith USA Friends Club, with Kate Smith's blessing and active participation, they continue in her memory, with many longtime members. They extend a hearty welcome for you to join their growing membership. This website is included here because, in 1931, Kate broke the record for longevity at the Palace Theatre.

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE

Silent Movie Locations
http://silentlocations.wordpress.com/
John Bengston’s series of books about Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd are endlessly fascinating to a Hollywood boy like me. Give this a look. You might find your own house in the background of a Harold Lloyd film.

NEW U.S. THEATRE LINKS

Fox Fullerton (Fullerton CA)
http://www.foxfullerton.org/w/
Until its close in 1987, the Fox remained the entertainment center for millions of North Orange County residents. The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation is working to ensure that the theatre will once again be a vital part of the community, bringing prestige, culture, visitors and revenue to the city.

Belasco (Los Angeles CA)
http://www.thebelasco.com/
The Belasco Theatre was mainly used as a playhouse and hosted successful productions. It briefly screened movies, mainly of the exploitation type, accompanied by burlesque, for a two year period between 1948 and 1950. The Belasco Theatre was closed in 1952 and became a church. Almost $10 million has now been spent renovating the Belasco Theatre and it re-opened as a live and events venue on March 19, 2011.This is a nicely done website with an abundance of historic and current photos.

Palace (Los Angeles CA)
http://www.losangelestheatre.com/downtownpalace.html
After a long history as a first run movie theatre, the Palace declined with the decline of Broadway and its once flourishing entertainment district. It continued with second run films and Spanish language films until it closed in the mid nineties. The theatre has continued as a featured location for films and television. The Palace Theatre will reopen as a live performance venue, once again serving all of Los Angeles. Extensive photo gallery and history.

State (Modesto CA)
http://www.thestate.org/
Designed by S. Charles Lee, The State Theatre opened in 1934. It was remodeled during the 1990's and restorations and renovations continued until they were completed in February 2006.With its new facade, sound system, marquee and lobby, The State Theatre now rivals its more modern counterparts in luxury and modern conveniences. The website contains a few historic photos.

Orinda (Orinda CA)
http://www.theorindatheatre.com/
The Orinda was slated for demolition in 1984. It was saved through the efforts of preservationists and reopened in 1989 as the center of the Theater Square Project -- a retail/entertainment redevelopment project. Two extra screens have been constructed within adjoining retail space, leaving the original screen intact. The murals from the Garden Theatre in San Jose survive in the number 2 theatre. Short history and a few nice photos.

Cascade (Redding CA)
http://www.cascadetheatre.org/Index.asp
The Cascade is considered to be one of the finest examples of Art Deco in northern California, complete with gold and silver gilded walls, ornate plasterwork, a grand neon marquee, and intricate decorative painting. In August of 2004, the Cascade was reopened after a restoration project as a multi-use performing arts venue and movie theatre. Extensive history and photo gallery.

Empress (Vallejo CA)
http://www.empresstheatre.org/
The Empress Theatre was a large 1,000 seat theater that has served Vallejo since 1911. Known by several names, including the Republic, Vallejo, Senator and Crest, it was renamed the Empress Theatre in 1978. The Empress Theatre was later restored and reopened with a regular performance schedule. The website contains a comprehensive history of the theatre along with a few historic photos.

Ogden (Denver CO)
http://www.ogdentheatre.net/
The Ogden is a mid size theater that opened in 1917 and is now a successful concert venue. The website is packed with performance photos and information, but nothing that shows what it actually looks like.

World Café Live at the Queen (Wilmington DE)
http://queen.worldcafelive.com/
As built, its auditorium and balcony seated 2,000 people and was designed to offer a completely unobstructed view of the screen and stage. The lobby walls were decorated in Alaskan marble, the only such use of that material in the country. Above the large stage was a mural representing 'Science' and on either side of the walls above the balcony were six different paintings representing themes such as 'Music', 'Sculpture', and 'Beauty'. A Japanese garden formed the backdrop for the stage". It re-opened as a live performance venue on April 1, 2011. Large photo gallery.

Preserve The Historic Paramount (Palm Beach FL)
http://www.preservetheparamount.com/
Now converted to offices, this Mediterranean Revival style theater was designed as a complete cultural center that included theater, residences, restaurant, shops, and offices. Opened in 1926, the Paramount Theatre was a center of live entertainment as well as films during the 30s and 40s. Although parts of the website are under construction, it’s a well done effort worthy of attention.

Patio (Chicago IL)
http://patiotheater.net/
The 1927 Patio Theatre was one of just a few classic moderately-sized single-screen neighborhood movie houses in Chicago not to have been carved up into multiple screens. The auditorium had a great Atmospheric style effect with twinkling "stars" and drifting "clouds" in a night "sky". The theater has remained unused since it closed in 2001. Restoration work began in the summer of 2010 and a grand opening announced for June, 2011. No photos.

Art (Champaign IL)
http://www.thecuart.com
“Sanford Hess took over operations at the Art Theatre in 2010. Pledging to carry on the tradition of great films, he has kept the Art's focus while adding new features such as alcohol, healthier concessions options, and Late Night Films.The loyal and devoted patrons of the Art Theatre depend on it to fill a niche the large chain theatres do not fill.”

Wildey (Edwardsville IL)
http://www.wildeytheatre.com/?nav=home
The Wildey opened in 1909 as an opera house and meeting hall for the International Order of Odd Fellows (on the second floor). After sitting vacant for many years, the Wildey Theatre renovations began in 2009. It will be used as a multipurpose venue, including performing arts, theatre, and perhaps a restaurant or banquet hall. Extensive photo gallery.

O.R.P.H (New Bedford MA)
http://www.orphinc.org
O.R.P.H. Inc, or Orpheum Rising Project Helpers is a non-profit organization that is focused on securing and rehabilitating the Orpheum Theatre and French Sharpshooters Hall to its original grandeur, our effort is to make it a community theatre and multi-cultural center for the residents of New Bedford. Much work and funding will be needed to accomplish this. Extensive photo gallery.

Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts (Muskegon MI)
http://www.frauenthal.info/index.htm
The architectural styling of the former Michigan Theatre is Moorish, or Spanish Renaissance, and it gleams with gold accents, cherubs and griffins. The ceiling and walls are adorned with ornamental light fixtures. The Community Foundation for Muskegon County remains committed to the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts and its future development. Short history and a few photos.

Wealthy (Grand Rapids MI)
http://www.grcmc.org/theatre/
The theater received a significant renovation in 1934, beginning 39 years of business before it was closed in 1973. The theatre fell into disrepair and the City of Grand Rapids slated the Wealthy for demolition. A group of concerned citizens mobilized to save the theatre. After ten years of struggle and hard work on the part of volunteers, the theatre received her grand re-opening in September of 1999.

Grand Opera House (Meridian MS)
http://www.meridianms.org/2000project.htm
“Meridian's envisioned arts education center will be developed in a core downtown block that includes two, historic retail buildings and a rare, second-story Grand Opera House. These properties will be restored and the interior spaces designed to provide arts opportunities for young people from kindergarten through college. Spaces will include classrooms, rehearsal halls, artists' studios and a restored opera house for stage presentations.” The restoration of the Grand Opera House is a work in progress. The website contains numerous historic photos.

Newton (Newton NJ)
http://www.thenewtontheatre.com/
Built for the small town of Newton, this theatre showed films from 1924 until October of 2007. Renovations were carried out and the Newton Theatre was reopened in 2008, then closed again in 2010. Purchased by new owners in 2011, plans are under-way to restore the Newton Theatre back to its single screen configuration, and re-open in mid-July 2011 as a performing arts centre.

Sampson (Penn Yan NY)
http://www.pennyanfbc.com/sampson.html
The Sampson was the first building in the area constructed solely for the purpose of presenting theatre productions. The original seating capacity was 923; 413 on the orchestra level, 210 in the balcony and 300 in the cheap seats in the second balcony. There were 12 box seats on the side walls. The theatre had eight dressing rooms and could handle any large New York stage production of the time. A work in progress, the vision is to create a theater/conference facility which will become one of the area’s foremost venues.

Morgan Opera House (Aurora NY)
http://www.morganoperahouse.org/MOH.htm
The intimately-sized Morgan Opera House is a restored Victorian gem featuring an original raked stage with pressed tin proscenium, leaded glass windows, original seating, splendidly crafted woodwork and superb acoustics. Located on the second floor of a Tudor style building, the theater is operated by a dedicated group of community volunteers. Performances are selected to appeal to a wide range of audience tastes and are priced with families in mind.

Hollywood (Gowanda NY)
http://www.gowandahollywoodtheater.com.
The Hollywood Theater is recognized as an architectural treasure in need of restoration. Several steps have been taken to ensure protection from the weather, including a new roof, however the damage is already done. Adequate heating is needed to prevent further deterioration of the ornate plaster work, detailed murals and fine wood finishing. The Hollywood Theatre is under the first of many renovations needed for occupancy and will not be operational until additional funding and skilled volunteer help is acquired.

Beacon Theater (Beacon NY)
http://thebeacontheatre.org/Home.html
The Beacon is a work in progress. Walls are being framed and sprinklers are being installed. While work continues on the main stage theater, a performance space is being set up in the lobby for fund raising events. The site includes a video demolition tour of the theatre.

The Picture House (Pelham NY)
http://www.thepicturehouse.org/
The historic Pelham Picture House, which had been continuously operating as a movie theater since 1921, was set to be demolished to become a retail bank. A group of citizens established the nonprofit organization, Pelham Picture House Preservation, to purchase and preserve the theater. After a long history of setbacks and complications, The Picture House opened its doors early in 2011 to a renovated and restored theatre. Includes two renovation videos.

Landmark (Syracuse NY)
http://www.landmarktheatre.org/
After eleven months and $1.4 million dollars, Loew’s State Theater opened on February 18, 1926. Patrons who ascended the grand staircase reached the promenade lobby, where they delighted in finding a fishpond with a Japanese pagoda fountain. In 1976, the U.S. Dept. of the Interior listed the theatre on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently the theatre is in the middle of a capital campaign to raise funds to expand the stage area. The photo gallery should be online soon.

Grand 15 Theaters (Bismark ND)
http://www.grandtheatres.com
Not to be confused with the Grand Theatre that was torn down prior to 1927, this megaplex started out in the 70’s with four screens. While the website is devoted to what’s playing, and has no photos or information about the theatre, it does contain a video that shows off the nifty Egyptian decor.

Mayer (Hebron ND)
http://www.mayertheatre.com
This small town theatre built in 1949 is a community run operation. Staff from the Grand 15 Theatre in Bismark did most of the cleaning and equipment installation. A photo gallery in the “Tour” section contains several photos of this little gem.

Holly Theater Restoration Project (Medford OR)
http://www.hollytheatre.org/
The Holly Theatre was constructed in Medford in 1930. It brought families downtown to see the latest films and served as a catalyst for business activity. Like many movie palaces of its era, the Holly was bigger than life -- replete with ornate woodworking, a highly decorated interior, a grand neon sign and marquee, and lavish draperies and furnishings. The 1200 seat Holly operated until 1986, when changes in the motion picture industry caused many downtown, single-screen movie houses to close. The goal of the Holly Theater Restoration Project is to reopen the Holly Theatre, creating a live performance venue that honors the heritage of the building while having the functionality of a modern facility.

Tower (Bend OR)
http://www.towertheatre.org/default.aspx
The 1940 Art Moderne Tower, which closed as a movie house in 1994, underwent a renovation in 2002 and was reopened in January 2004. Today operating as a performing arts venue, the Tower is known as "Central Oregon's Center Stage".

Hiway (Jenkintown PA)
http://www.hiwaytheatre.org/
This theatre, located on Old York Road in the center of Jenkintown, was built in 1913 and was known as the Jenkintown Auditorium. Since then, it has been through a number of name changes including The Embassy Theatre, The York Road Theatre and The Merlin. In 2003, it was incorporated as a non-profit organization and began operating under the name recalled affectionately by many Montgomery County and Philadelphia residents - The Hiway Theatre.

Colonial Theater (Phoenixville PA)
http://www.thecolonialtheatre.com
The Colonial opened as a legitimate and vaudeville house in 1903. It was featured in the 1958 sci-fi low budget classic "The Blob. Since then, The Colonial Theatre has been restored and renovated. It now shows art house, independent, and classic films as well as hosting live entertainment and special events. The annual "Blobfest" festival honors the film that made the theatre famous. The installation of a Wurlitzer pipe organ was completed in 2010.

Paramount Center for the Arts (Bristol TN)
http://www.theparamountcenter.com/index.html
Built in 1931 and restored in 1991, The Paramount is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The theatre is an excellent example of the art deco motion picture palaces built in the late 1920's and early 30's. The restoration retained the Paramount's opulent, richly embellished interior. The original Venetian-styled murals and the art deco ambience were faithfully recreated. The website contains some nice photos scattered throughout.

Franklin (Franklin TN)
http://www.franklintheatre.com/
An indie that screened first run flicks at a fraction of megaplex admission prices. No stadium seating, but plush seats with plenty of legroom and tables you could park your boots and bear on. The Franklin Cinema was a favorite haunt of local celebrities, including one or all of the Judds, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Michael McDonald. It closed in 2007 but, after years of work and restoration, re-opened in June of 2011. Look for the link to the Flickr photo stream in the “Our Story” section.

NEW INTERNATIONAL THEATRE LINKS

NEW THEATRE-RELATED SITE LINKS

Baker Road Seating and Restoration (Belding MI)
http://www.brseatingrestoration.com
Minority-owned Baker Road Seating and Restoration Company restores all types of auditorium, theatre and sanctuary seating and can do either a partial or complete chair restoration project.

Landmark Theaters
http://www.landmarktheatres.com
Landmark Theatres is America's largest theatre circuit dedicated to independent film, foreign language cinema, restored classics and documentaries. They control a large number of historic theatre venues.

Silent Movie Shows (Hudson MA)
http://www.silentmovieshows.com/
For the past ten years, Richard Hughes has compiled many silent movie scores taken from authentic ‘Mood Music’ that was played during the 1920’s. He travels around Massachusetts doing hundreds of movie shows a year at corporate events, schools, community centers, libraries, historical societies, senior centers, women’s clubs and retirement communities.

Historic Painted Curtains Project (Burlington VT)
http://www.curtainswithoutborders.org
Curtains Without Borders is a conservation project to preserve historic painted scenery. Their combined knowledge and skills provide a multi-disciplinary approach to the issues and techniques of cleaning and repairing this type of historic artifact.

Teqniqal Systems
http://www.teqniqal.com/
Teqniqal Systemsprovides professional consultation and design services to clients that are upgrading, renovating, or planning production spaces. They can provide you with facilities and systems designs that are based upon the most appropriate technology available.

NEW THEATRE BLOGS, ETC.

Theatre Safety Blog
http://www.theatresafetyblog.blogspot.com
This blog provides a discussion of safety in the Performing Arts for professionals, students, teachers, and administrators. It’s a sometimes terrifying look at some surprising conditions, what you might do about them; and how to plan for better safety in your facility, teaching program, and career.

Leonard Maltin’s Movie Crazy
http://blogs.indiewire.com/leonardmaltin/
This is a great place for people who love movies. It has hundreds of reviews, interviews and all things movie related.

After The Final Curtain
http://www.afterthefinalcurtain.net/
Matt Lambros is a photographer based in New York City. His blog, “After The Final Curtain”, is a photographic documentation of the effects of years of neglect and decay in some of America’s greatest theatres. Heartbreaking as it is beautiful.

Silent Movie Locations
http://silentlocations.wordpress.com/
John Bengston is the author of a series of books about Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd. They examine the historical settings preserved in the background of their classic films, and the changes wrought by the ensuing decades.This blog supplements his books with tours, videos, and PowerPoint lectures. Look for discoveries concerning Harry Langdon, Charley Chase, and other silent stars as well.Step back in time to explore silent-era Hollywood as seen through the eyes of its greatest comedians.

Rivest’s Ultimate List of Movie Theaters
http://movie-theatre.org/
An extensive listing of thousands of movie theaters in the United States and Canada. It includes opening and closing dates, operators and photos.

NEW THEATRE PHOTO ALBUMS/SCRAPBOOKS AND OTHER PHOTO SITES

Jbb23927’s Photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40433497@N05/
This is a link to a Flickr photostream of historic D.C./Virginia/Baltimore theaters.

Buzzfeed
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/75-abandoned-theaters-from-around-the-usa
A collection of 75 photos of abandoned theatres.

The Stalls Project
http://www.younggalleryphoto.com/photography/belinchon/belinchon.html
On The Stalls Project,. Photographer Raul Belinchon says “I believe that while theatres are created with the purpose of theatrical representation they also embody different stages of history. It is not important whether the theatres are old or contemporary, whether they are different shapes or styles; they are part of our history. They are alive and active and should be documented as historical monuments brought together in a global panorama. Seats, carpets, lights, interior designs and the essence of human presence distinguish each theatre’s appearance. Theatres, without spectators, without actors or actresses, are stages within stages.”

The Standing Dead
http://thebolditalic.com/Actavier42/stories/745-the-standing-dead
Sam Harnett and Gudmundur Vigfusson decided to collaborate and see if they could explore the theaters of San Francisco in person. Together, they set off a brightly-colored Volkswagen Bug, rehearsing pitches to convince developers and real estate agents to let them shine some light onto the long forgotten interiors of San Francisco’s standing dead.

CHANGES/UPDATES

Content or web addresses may have changed for the following sites.
If you have personal bookmarks, you may need to update them.

State (Portland ME)
http://www.statetheatreportland.com/
The State Theatre was designed in a semi-Atmospheric/Spanish style with a seating capacity of 2300. In 1989, the theatre was closed and fell into disrepair. The theatre was saved and restored in the mid 90s as performing arts and concerts venue. Closed again in early-2007, it was the last of the movie palaces left in the city of Portland, Maine. It re-opened in October 2010 as a live performance venue.

Additions and corrections to the listings are most welcome! Please send information to the TheatreLinks editor, Michael Moran, at michaelm6@ca.rr.com. Any technical problems or questions concerning this site or the links should be addressed to the Webmaster.

We invite any interested websites -- particularly those of individual theatres -- to link to this site. If you do so, please let us know.

Please note that the descriptive comments are written at the time each site is first reviewed and that subsequent changes to a site's content are often made. The comments are the personal opinion(s) of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Theatre Historical Society of America.

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