Comments from Alto

Showing 101 - 125 of 160 comments

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Nov 22, 2006 at 9:23 am

Last night on the American Music Awards, Gwen Stefani premiered her latest single “Wind It Up”, and guess what? The song sampled, note-for-note, large portions of “The Lonely Goatherd” song from “The Sound of Music”! Talk about a musical’s staying power!

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Nov 20, 2006 at 8:48 pm

I’ve just seen the December titles for the “Holidays at the Loew’s Jersey” Film Festival…do my eyes deceive me, or are they actually showing “The Sound of Music” here?!?

That was the FIRST movie that I can ever recall seeing in a movie theater! It was the late 1960s and I must have been four- or five-years-old, and I remember it as a big old single-screen movie theater, perhaps the Elmwood or Eagle (I lived in Elmhurst, Queens until I was six). I remember walking up Broadway from Grandview Towers apartments towards Jackson Heights, so it was probably the Eagle. What powerful memories – it almost brings me to tears. If I recall correctly, I saw it about five times – it fostered my love of music as a child, and was probably my all-time favorite cinematic experience!

I will try to bring my three 8-year-old nieces along, so they can experience it just as I did as a child.

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Nov 14, 2006 at 4:51 am

A theater’s programming is an integral part of its operation (and therefore its history), so I think that discussions about specific film presentations (and their quality) are legit, provided they are not overblown and are kept brief.

True, there are some people who come here mainly to experience the theater itself, but there are others (like myself) who view both as inseparable and equally important. If we don’t believe that the quality of the film (or performance) matches that of the venue, we should let them know and say so! After all, a theater’s survival greatly depends on the quality and popularity of its programming.

I know that Marcus Loew said “I sell tickets to theaters, not movies”, but I would feel silly if I took him literally at his word!

Alto
Alto commented about Kerasotes behavior classes on Nov 14, 2006 at 4:01 am

I wonder how long it will be before some brazen (or civic-minded, depending on your outlook) teen decides to file a lawsuit against the theater for “age discrimination” claiming their policy is exclusionary and constitutes harassment and “selective attention” of a particular group in a public facility. If a movie is rated PG or PG-13, for example, a teen should be allowed to attend it unimpeded and without restriction (as they would in any other theater).

The argument would be that disruptive behavior is a legitimate reason for a theater to ban customers – not age – and that adults also can behave just as badly (if not worse). Therefore, adults should also have to register their personal information and obtain a “code of conduct” card (in effect entering into a contract) and if they violate the [same] rules should be banned as well.

Also, if you “card” or ID customers for the purpose of determining age, you should also have to do so for EVERY person that enters the theater (not just those that look like minors). To do otherwise would be considered “profiling”.

On this basis (and in this litigious society), it is just a matter of time before someone contests the policy’s enforceability.

Alto
Alto commented about 'Death of a President' struggles to find exhibitor support on Oct 30, 2006 at 2:22 pm

You have got to be kidding (twice)…

Matt Daniels – who are you…and what planet are you writing us from?

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Oct 30, 2006 at 2:07 pm

Attention sci-fi fans: the November 2006 movie schedule has just been confirmed â€" coming soon…

“Classic Sci-Fi Weekend”

Fri. the 17th
7:30 p.m. â€" “The Day the Earth Stood Still”

Sat. the 18th
2:30 p.m. â€" “E.T.”
7:00 p.m. â€" “2001: A Space Odyssey”

There will be special live appearances by film stars Patricia Neal (after “The Day The Earth Stood Still”) & Keir Dullea (before “2001”) â€" while at the theater, they will be “hosting” fundraising receptions (to benefit Friends of the Loew’s). A ticket to each reception costs $25 â€" this includes admission to the respective movie show.

It’s great to see that FOL is recognizing the inherent potential of film programming as a development opportunity and utilizing “star power” as part of their fundraising efforts â€" value-added events such as these comprise a “win-win” situation, where patrons can contribute and at the same time immediately realize and enjoy the results of their benevolence. Most programs and events have this potential – it should be exploited whenever possible.

Alto
Alto commented about Movie theater tosses texting teens on Oct 8, 2006 at 12:56 pm

Throw them out, period – no need to give reasons – “no” means NO. You need to word rules in broad, absolute terms – if you don’t, and you start making exceptions, you will have anarchy. “No mobile devices – except for text messaging” will start out innocently enough with text messaging – then it will lead to “testing the waters” with an occasional short phone call – and if nobody gets caught, it will eventually evolve into full-blown “talk-fests”.

I work in a public facility [where quiet conduct is mandatory] – we get our share of miscreants, troublemakers and misfits, and I can tell you that these patrons will creatively abuse, manipulate and challenge every policy that they can in order to find “loopholes” and ways around rules to suit their own selfish purposes.

“If you give them an inch, they will take a mile.”

As for those individuals who, because of their age, think that a behavior is acceptable because THEY know better (despite others protesting that it obviously isn’t):
– You are the ones who need to “get a grip” – you give many “younger” people an undeservedly bad rep.
– You conveniently characterize anyone that objects to your annoying conduct as “older adults” – but guess what? – your parents are part of that age group too! – and I’ll bet that they “couldn’t be bothered” with recognizing or instilling in you polite social behavior, and are probably just as inconsiderate and arrogant as you are, if not more so – rudeness has no age limits.

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Sep 8, 2006 at 10:41 pm

Apparently, there must be no Jewish people on the board of trustees or staff of Loew’s Jersey Theater, but that is no excuse for scheduling the first movies of their new film season during one of the holiest Holidays on the Jewish calendar: Rosh Hashanah (and not just on one but BOTH nights) â€" a MAJOR blunder on FOL’s part that demonstrates insensitivity to their patrons and a lack of PR savvy. I realize that their calendar is busy (and that’s a GOOD thing), but if they REALLY needed to show the Hitchcock movies in September, couldn’t they have scheduled them a week earlier?

Did they forget that their theater is located in a metropolitan area that includes the largest Jewish population in the United States? A large commercial chain of theaters might be forgiven for such a decision, but this is just one theatre, run by a small, publicly supported non-profit organization.

I come from a Jewish background, but I am NOT religious (in fact, I’m COMPLETELY non-observant). However, that doesn’t in any way lessen my surprise and disappointment in FOL’s judgement – it is insulting and exclusionary to those who DO feel the need to stand by their religious beliefs.

Alto
Alto commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Aug 4, 2006 at 8:52 am

A Ziegfeld event makes the news again â€" this time, last night’s private premier of Oliver Stone’s “World Trade Center”. Despite the oppressive heat wave and the looming possibility of power outages, the show went on as scheduled and crowds gathered outside of the theater – attendees included dignitaries such as former mayor Rudolph Giuliani, as well as film cast members along with police officers and firefighters depicted in the movie and their families.

Of course, everyone seemed to have an opinion about whether or it was too soon to show such a film, but many of those in attendance felt that, like any other event in history, it had a story that should be told.

Alto
Alto commented about St. George Theatre on Jul 28, 2006 at 1:30 am

WNEW-FM (“Mix 102.7”) and its popular on-air personality, “Brooklyn’s own Joe Causi”, will be hosting “Disco Divas” starring Maxine Nightingale & France Joli on Saturday night July 29th â€" this is sure to be a big show, as this radio station enjoys a large and loyal following of listeners (myself included)!

The St. George seems to have been quite successful at booking a continuous and comprehensive line-up of events, straight through the end of this year – many big names, particularly jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, who recently appeared on his own PBS-TV special, performing with such notables as Sting, Gladys Knight and Burt Bacharach (he has also performed nationally at major concert halls, including Long Island’s Tilles Center).

Impressive indeed, especially for a Staten Island venue!

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Paradise Theatre on Jul 18, 2006 at 10:14 pm

No shows scheduled until September 30th (a soul music concert)? I am very surprised at the lack of bookings – theater management will have to do better than this if they want to recoup their investment and cover operating expenses – I doubt that their food-beverage services and rented retail spaces generate enough income to support such a large space. So unless they are renting it out every week for private parties, corporate functions or catered events, I can’t see how they manage to survive.

Let’s hope this “dry spell” is temporary.

At least they are making capital improvements with the funds that they have. Those high-efficiency light bulbs will pay for themselves in energy savings and relamping costs, as they will last up to 10 times (about 9000 hours) longer than old-fashioned incandescent “Edison lamps” and require less-frequent replacement. Only problem is: can they be dimmed? (I assume they are compact fluorescent and/or LED lamps – these require special ballasts and circuits for dimming – this equipment, along with installation costs, is very expensive).

Also, don’t they hire union electricians for this type of work? Their labor rates can be outrageous.

Finally, a good point was made regarding movie presentations – didn’t they remove projection capabilities (rooms and equipment) when they modified the theater for live performances?

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Jul 17, 2006 at 7:25 pm

Apparently, it is presentable enough for a celebrity photo shoot…

From the “It’s Old News But So What” department:

A friend of mine, a Jersey City resident, just informed me that singer Tony Bennett was recently photographed here, seated at a Yamaha grand piano on the grand dame’s stage. According to him, the images are to appear in the August 2006 issue of Vanity Fair magazine – fabulous!

A May 20th message posted on vanityfair.com’s “V.F. Dish forum”
(at View link) supports this story -
it refers to a news item published in The Jersey Journal on May 19th (I didn’t read it though – access to their older articles online is fee-based).

Now, how about Tony Bennett LIVE IN CONCERT on the Loew’s Jersey stage?

A legendary theatre deserves a legendary performer â€" perhaps Mr. Bennett has already considered this.

One can only hope and dream…

Alto
Alto commented about New Book on South New Jersey Theaters on Jun 29, 2006 at 5:32 pm

“South Jersey Movie Houses”, part of Arcadia’s popular “Images of America” series (featuring many fine local history books), is available for purchase through some major national booksellers. Here is a sampling…

At Amazon:

View link

At Barnes & Noble:

View link

This would make a nice addition for public library local history collections in the Southern New Jersey region. Well done!

Alto
Alto commented about Fair Theatre on Jun 21, 2006 at 12:02 am

It is a ridiculously long walk from Roosevelt Ave. all the way up to Astoria Blvd. It takes me almost 10 minutes just to drive that distance, so imagine the time it would take on foot. It is eight VERY LONG blocks – I do not consider this walking distance!

I STRONGLY advise against walking that route at night â€" you will be passing through parts of Corona and Jackson Heights that have little activity and are questionable in safety. I have occasionally seen some “shady” characters roaming about, and it is eerily quiet late at night, which means if something happens to you, chances are that nobody will hear or see anything. It can be rather intimidating, and I for one would not do it.

I knew someone who used to walk home at night from work at a restaurant on Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst, all the way up to and past Roosevelt Avenue to 37th Ave. in Jackson Heights (he did not want to spend his wages on a taxi ). It was about the same distance. On one occasion he was followed but was far enough along to finish the trip; another time he was attacked and slashed in the face by a knife-wielding mugger (he fought and escaped).

The #19B runs to and from the Roosevelt Ave.-74th St. bus terminal and subway station in Jackson Heights/Elmhurst – it stops directly in front of the theater. For the return trip, it stops one short block east by the Burger King restaurant on 92nd St. (a schedule is posted in the theater lobby for customer convenience).

The #72 runs up along Junction Blvd. from Queens Blvd. in Rego Park â€" it stops at 94th St. and Astoria Blvd.

The #19 bus runs the length of Astoria Blvd. – it does not, however, stop near the theater, and runs only during daytime hours.

At least two of these buses are convenient â€" use them! The trip is worth the $2 fare.

Whenever I visit there, I always try to get a parking space in front of [or next to] the theater, since I sometimes leave late and do not like walking around the corner alone.

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Exhibition at the Museum Of The Moving Image on Jun 20, 2006 at 12:14 pm

Here is a link to information on the museum’s current exhibits – it includes gallery hours:
View link

Once there, scroll down to the Loew’s exhibit title (another link) and click on it for a full description.

Alto
Alto commented about Jackson Heights Airdrome on Jun 20, 2006 at 11:59 am

I love the comment by “Bway”. This is just getting TOO funny!

If I may DARE to add my two cents regarding the previous “Jackson Heights vs. Elmhurst” debate…

I was born and lived in Elmhurst until I was six years old.
I continue to visit Jackson Heights frequently as an adult (as I have for the last 13 years).

I know of a bar (“Music Box”) located just off the SOUTHwest corner of Roosevelt Ave. and Broadway. It uses Jackson Heights as its location in all of its advertising. If you “search engine” it online, you will find websites listing it in both locations. If you search official NYS corporation records under its former name (“Montana Saloon”), it will be listed as Elmhurst. To save time: here is the link to that entry:
View link

Unless the official boundaries have changed, it could perhaps be argued that Broadway is the dividing line.

However, located just three blocks away (south-east direction) on the NORTH side of Broadway is Elmhurst General Hospital.

Also, a now-defunct nightclub that used to be located a few steps SOUTH of Roosevelt Ave. and four blocks NORTH of Broadway at 82-20 Baxter Ave. (“Llamarada” – now a laundromat) can be found by Internet search engine listed as either a Jackson Heights or Elmhurst location (incidentally, this address is located immediately east of 82nd St.).

Bottom line: many businesses south of Roosevelt Ave. (along or adjacent to) collectively use Jackson Heights because it is a popular, well-known shopping & business district. This is especially true of the bars, nightclubs and restaurants, which comprise the majority of businesses there. For many customers, Jackson Heights is considered a “destination” – Elmhurst is not.

The debate continues…

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Paradise Theatre on Jun 18, 2006 at 5:44 pm

I am watching the MTV2 concert event as I write this – great opening shots of the crowds and the theater’s interior statuary and ornamentation – what fun! And what a gorgeous performance space!

I have limited understanding of what the Spanish lyrics are saying (much of it is slang) – everyone in the crowd is smiling and nobody on stage looks too angry, although I did notice that one of the songs is entitled “Machete”.

Long live the Paradise!

Marcus Loew must be turning over in his grave.

Alto
Alto commented about Kings Theatre on Jun 18, 2006 at 4:58 pm

I am glad to see that the “Wonder Theatre” segments on A&E Television’s “Breakfast with the Arts” program placed extra emphasis on the Kings and Jersey Theatres, since these two are in the most “need” of public awareness and support (and the ability to get an “insider’s” look at the Kings was a rare treat – there is no reason why it couldn’t live on, serving Brooklyn as a performing arts center). Borough President Marty Markowitz’s presence and comments were particularly encouraging (although I’m not expecting him to perform any miracles).

Thank you, Orlando Lopes (American Theater Historical Society) for advocating public awareness and support of saving, preserving, “respecting” and “fighting for” our classic theaters, especially during the segment on the Kings.

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Jun 18, 2006 at 4:29 pm

I forget to mention Theater Historical Society of America in previous post – thank you too!

Orlando – I LOVE the way you made a point of advocating public awareness and support for saving, preserving, “respecting” and “fighting for” our classic theaters, especially during the segment on the Kings!

Alto
Alto commented about A&E Television To Air Documentary on Loew's "Wonder Theatres" on Jun 18, 2006 at 4:14 pm

I am glad to see that they placed extra emphasis on the Kings and Jersey Theatres, since these two are in the most “need” of public awareness and support (and the ability to get an “insider’s” look at the Kings was a rare treat – there is no reason why it couldn’t live on, serving Brooklyn as a performing arts center). Borough President Marty Markowitz’s presence and comments were particularly encouraging (although I’m not expecting him to perform any miracles).

I was surprised that no interior footage of Loew’s 175th was shot â€" that place is supposed to be in immaculate condition, and I thought “Rev. Ike” welcomed film crews and public access.

The documentary was well-researched and very comprehensive, with many of our Cinema Treasures “regulars” (such as Ross Melnick, Orlando Lopes, Bruce Friedman, Warren Harris…) contributing with interviews and stories. Also nice to see the Museum of the Moving Image, Theater Historical Society of America and Friends of the Loew’s involved and credited. You were all great!

However, one very interesting point was left out that might leave viewers “wondering”: why did every borough of NYC have a “Wonder Theatre” except Staten Island, and why was it decided to locate the fifth theater in Jersey City instead?

With regards to Staten island, my understanding is: (1) its population at the time was comparatively too sparse (it was considered “rural”) and (2) there were already enough theaters serving the area; therefore, the “market area” was considered “saturated” and unable to support such a large theater, making it economically unfeasible.

Was Jersey City chosen for population density? Or access to rail transportation?
(The Journal Square location seems particularly odd, considering that the much larger Stanley Theater opened just the year before across the street.)

Poor Staten Island…treated like the forgotten stepchild and always getting “shortchanged”. Passed over for… New Jersey (of all places)!

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Jun 18, 2006 at 3:58 pm

I am glad to see that they placed extra emphasis on the Kings and Jersey Theatres, since these two are in the most “need” of public awareness and support (and the ability to get an “insider’s” look at the Kings was a rare treat – there is no reason why it couldn’t live on, serving Brooklyn as a performing arts center).

I was surprised that no interior footage of Loew’s 175th was shot â€" that place is supposed to be in immaculate condition, and I thought “Reverend Ike” welcomed film crews and public access.

The documentary was well-researched and very comprehensive, with many of our Cinema Treasures “regulars” (such as Ross Melnick, Orlando Lopes, Bruce Friedman, Warren Harris…) contributing with interviews and stories. Also nice to see the Museum of the Moving Image and Friends of the Loew’s involved and credited. You were all great!

However, one very interesting point was left out that might leave viewers “wondering”: why did every borough of NYC have a “Wonder Theatre” except Staten Island, and why was it decided to locate the fifth theater in Jersey City instead?

With regards to Staten island, my understanding is: (1) its population at the time was comparatively too sparse (it was considered “rural”) and (2) there were already enough theaters serving the area; therefore, the “market area” was considered “saturated” and unable to support such a large theater, making it economically unfeasible.

Was Jersey City chosen for population density? Or access to rail transportation?
(The Journal Square location seems particularly odd, considering that the much larger Stanley Theater opened just the year before across the street.)

Poor Staten Island…treated like the forgotten stepchild and always getting “shortchanged”. Passed over for… New Jersey (of all places)!

Alto
Alto commented about Fair Theatre on Jun 17, 2006 at 12:03 am

They haven’t allowed drag queens inside for well over a year (they were “peddling their wares” inside, and as a result the place was eventually raided by undercover cops). Signs went up everywhere saying “prostitution and public lewdness prohibited”. They used to stomp about like mastodons in heels looking for “business”.

If they needed the money that badly, the manager could have banished them to the roof and paid them to walk around like the human scarecrows that they were, because they would have been just as good at scaring away pidgeons as they did customers!

Alto
Alto commented about Kings Theatre on Jun 16, 2006 at 11:20 pm

The aerial view of the theater and its surrounding environs is quite revealing. Consider:

The theater is uniquely and prominently situated on a corner facing a main thoroughfare.

Mass transit is nearby and bus routes run adjacent to the theater.

For those wary of taking public transport, it is easily accessible by private car, as the theater is blessed with proximity to a large car park located directly across the street – one that could be readily used to accommodate the large crowds it could potentially attract.

It is located in an area that is certainly no worse than Bronx’s Paradise (and that theater has been playing to “sell-out” crowds) â€" and not too far away are “more desirable” and “not so bad” neighborhoods (such as Midwood, Ditmas Park, Albemarle-Kenmore Terrace, Kensington, Borough Park, Windsor Terrace and Park Slope-Prospect Park South/West) that could have a positive influence on redevelopment and as well provide an audience for cultural events that could occur at this venue. The demographic mix of these places could attract a variety of shows (look at the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth, NJ).

Its huge interior and seating capacity make it a perfect candidate for large-scale productions and live performances.

So what’s the delay (besides the cost of reopening)? Isn’t there someone out there who can come up with the funding to restore and operate it â€" how about corporate sponsorship? (It would be great for public relations, image and name/brand awareness â€" several major/national retailers already have stores serving in this area.) â€" a big name on a big theater could mean big business!

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Paradise Theatre on Jun 13, 2006 at 10:05 am

Attention Paradise Theatre aficionados:

A RARE opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of this magnificent theatre TWICE in ONE DAY!

On Sunday, June 18th, TWO television shows will be featuring this theatre in all of its glory…

8:00 a.m. EDT
A&E Television â€" “Breakfast with the Arts” series presents…
“WONDER THEATRES” (documentary)

8:00 p.m. EDT
MTV2 â€" “$2 Bill Concert Series” presents…
“DADDY YANKEE AND FRIENDS” (June 5th show at the Paradise Theatre)

Enjoy!

Alto
Alto commented about Loew's Paradise Theatre on Jun 11, 2006 at 12:47 pm

I’m glad that the theatre is “intact” and experienced no major problems (I did not see anything reported in the local news media, so I suppose that “no news is good news”). I’m even more pleased to hear that the theatre is capable of attracting a diverse crowd despite its particular location in the Bronx â€" it sounds like it has a broad appeal that goes beyond just the ”locals”, and its convenient proximity to mass transit is a definite “selling point” and key to its success (especially for MTV2 and its audience alike, and appropriate considering this particular concert series’ theme).

Given all of this and the extra security measures in place, the Paradise should be a “safe bet” as a major destination for many more enthusiastic concertgoers. I’ll be looking forward to seeing more events like this scheduled there. Congratulations and best wishes to Paradise Theatre management â€" a very smart programming decision!

I would have actually liked to see this show live, but couldn’t since I already had a prior obligation (a college class) â€" a Monday night seems like a strange time to schedule a concert event (they probably figured that they would get a huge crowd regardless of day and time). I’ll just have to catch it on TV.