Many thanks Ken. You are a WEALTH of knowledge! Since the Colonia was part of the Fox chain (as mentioned in the first posting), that’s probably where Schine picked it up.
Yes, i’m sure it was a part of the Schine Chain. And to my knowledge the Smalley chain was one of the few that Schine didn’t ever take over. If anyone knows differently, please let me know. It’s hard to keep track of all their acquisitions. I have a great photo in my collection of Hazel Smalley and Sid Kallet (among others) at a 20th Century Fox party. Along with Schine they were all important local chains.
While this is an Eberson original decor, any original scheme has been completely obliterated in the lobby and auditorium. (The facade still shows a lot of it, including the great exterior doors) But if you go to the balcony (which is closed and NOT accessible) you will see much of Eberson’s deco/art moderne work. It was not an atmospheric but one of this “running bands” designs that had color bands running from the stage to the back of the balcony. There were faux side boxes with some rather fancy ornamentation. All of this has been hidden since they put up the false ceiling and ran ductwork for the ventillation all across the balcony area.
Still, the representation of the Colonia in Davis Cone’s book really captures the essence of this cute little deco house.
Thanks Erin. I had the pleasure of visiting the Prytania and Mr. Rene Brunet in mid-October and found him to be charming and gracious (as was everyone i encountered in New Orleans!) and so very proud of his theater. I wish we’d had more time to chat, but we did look at the many vintage photos on the lobby walls and he had a great story for almost every one of them. The theater itself has obviously been severely redecorated (inside and out) since it’s inception, but through the photos Mr. Brunet was able to show me the original design. He’s had such a long and storied role with so many other great New Orleans theaters. True Southern treasures: the Prytania AND Mr. Brunet!
What will be the focus of the theater now? Are films still going to be offered? Local shows? National names such as John Berry?
This theater is one of the great existing Eberson deco theaters, so the interior design is really a valuable asset to the theater. There aren’t too many Eberson decos still in operation so it is hoped that the new owners will retain and maintain Eberson’s original idea for this great house!
Patsy: Later in his life and practice, father and son often joined forces to work on projects. There are quite a few theaters that list both John and Drew as the architects of record.
I have visited it as it was part of the Schine Theater Chain and it really is a lovely little place. It has been quite altered inside due to a couple of floodings and to create more servicable areas to meet the theaters needs. But the facade and marquee are still quite nice and they have started a “Walk of Fame” in front of the theater. Of course Ray Evans is the first and biggest star!
Karen Colizzi Noonan (aka Schine Historian!) will be giving a talk and powerpoint presentation on the history of the Schine Theaters at the Niagara County Historical Society’s Annual Dinner on Thursday October 12. I will be pulling from the archives of the NCHS as well as my personal collection of photos to tell the fascinating story of the Schine Brothers and their chain of independent theaters. Hope to see some of you there!
Oh my goodness, that is too precious! Yes, our children do learn by watching us – even the smallest details.
My love affair with historic theaters started when my daughter was in Kindergarten and she absorbed the jargon and minutia like a little sponge. The day we walked into the Stanley Theater in Utica NY and she said, “Hmmm, looks like a Lamb to me”. I just about burst with pride as the theater management looked on in disbelief.
It was probably just a guess on her part, but she guessed right. I knew that she was getting an education that few children receive as she tagged along with me from town to town looking at theaters and meeting fascinating people!
HEADS UP FANS OF THE TRYLON! Theatre Historical Society’s 3rd quarter issue of Marquee will feature a story and photos on the Trylon Theater written by Michael Perlman. This issue should be mailed to the members by the end of November, early December. Non members can reserve a copy now by contacting THS at www.historictheatres.org or better yet, JOIN! and get your own subscription to Marquee!
Heads up fans of the Holland! Theater Historical Society’s next issue of MARQUEE will feature a story of the Holland theater as well as several rarely seen photos of the interior and historical photos. Members should see their copy by the end of the month. Non members can order a copy by going to www.historictheatres.org or better yet, JOIN! so you can get your own subscription to MARQUEE!
Great lnk Ken. It looks more like a land survey photo than an attempt to document the theater itself. What theater enthusiast worth his salt would take a photo that barely shows the facade and all but cuts off the marquee? But… when adequate photo history of a theater does not exist, we get excited about what little we have, eh? I would like to set up a website with those Rochester Schine photos because they really deserve to be seen.
It may be an old article, but it is interesting to see that a publication like Entertainment Weekly might possibly “get it” – that it’s all about the experience, stupid! Of course, we have known that all along, right gang??
What a pity that the photo attached to this theater’s profile has to feature that horrid, mismatched “vintage” marquee. It is only vintage in that it represents a time in our architectural evolution when no thought or consideration was given to the historic nature of the building and the period, flavor or design that the architect intended. Why would anyone slap such an ill-matched marquee style onto a beautiful period building? It was done all the time – but how sad to look back at what was done to these buildings in the name of “modernization”!
Not to change the subject but…. speaking of the Crown Theatres… the chain is historically linked to the Schine Theater chain of old – Dan Crown being the grandson of Myer Schine. So i would expect superior showmanship and attention to patron needs to be the hallmark of the Crown Theatres as they were of the Schine Theaters.
To each his own, Patsy. I shoot on regular old film and get amazing orbs in some all kinds of theaters both restored and derelict. Debunkers and disbelievers are entitled to their opinions, but I choose to believe that in some cases (not all) orbs are friendly contact from “past residents” who are making their presence and their pleasure known to us. I wouldn’t think their “signs” are intended for those who do not wish to accept them! : )
Wow… did you catch all those orbs in that one photo?? “Someone’s” crying out for help – they want their beautiful theater restored and brought back to life!
Once a truly breathtaking Eberson theater with an “outerspace atmospheric” design as seen on the theater’s page on Cinema Treasures. When i spoke with G. David Schine (son of Myer Schine) in the mid 90s, he remembered this theater vividly and described much of the interior ornamentation precisely from memory. He was quite fond of this unique theater.
Thanks Bill. I sent a note to the theater’s email “contact” address too. Will give you a ring when i get back from the Conclave in Boston!
And to all who are “signing off” to travel to Boston, wishing you a safe trip and great times on the THS Conclave. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
Lessons Learned: “Never post to Cinema Treasures before the second cup of coffee on a Sunday morning!”
Of COURSE i know it’s the Strand – however my brain is not sufficiently caffeinated yet. I am looking at your website right now and trying to figure out if i can work it into my travel plans to Buffalo on July 3. Will let you know!
Many thanks Ken. You are a WEALTH of knowledge! Since the Colonia was part of the Fox chain (as mentioned in the first posting), that’s probably where Schine picked it up.
Yes, i’m sure it was a part of the Schine Chain. And to my knowledge the Smalley chain was one of the few that Schine didn’t ever take over. If anyone knows differently, please let me know. It’s hard to keep track of all their acquisitions. I have a great photo in my collection of Hazel Smalley and Sid Kallet (among others) at a 20th Century Fox party. Along with Schine they were all important local chains.
More info:
While this is an Eberson original decor, any original scheme has been completely obliterated in the lobby and auditorium. (The facade still shows a lot of it, including the great exterior doors) But if you go to the balcony (which is closed and NOT accessible) you will see much of Eberson’s deco/art moderne work. It was not an atmospheric but one of this “running bands” designs that had color bands running from the stage to the back of the balcony. There were faux side boxes with some rather fancy ornamentation. All of this has been hidden since they put up the false ceiling and ran ductwork for the ventillation all across the balcony area.
Still, the representation of the Colonia in Davis Cone’s book really captures the essence of this cute little deco house.
<groan>
: D “That’s the most ridiculous ting i’ve ever hoyd!”
This theater was part of the Schine chain at one point. Just FYI
: )
Thanks Erin. I had the pleasure of visiting the Prytania and Mr. Rene Brunet in mid-October and found him to be charming and gracious (as was everyone i encountered in New Orleans!) and so very proud of his theater. I wish we’d had more time to chat, but we did look at the many vintage photos on the lobby walls and he had a great story for almost every one of them. The theater itself has obviously been severely redecorated (inside and out) since it’s inception, but through the photos Mr. Brunet was able to show me the original design. He’s had such a long and storied role with so many other great New Orleans theaters. True Southern treasures: the Prytania AND Mr. Brunet!
What will be the focus of the theater now? Are films still going to be offered? Local shows? National names such as John Berry?
This theater is one of the great existing Eberson deco theaters, so the interior design is really a valuable asset to the theater. There aren’t too many Eberson decos still in operation so it is hoped that the new owners will retain and maintain Eberson’s original idea for this great house!
Best wishes for success!
Patsy: Later in his life and practice, father and son often joined forces to work on projects. There are quite a few theaters that list both John and Drew as the architects of record.
I have visited it as it was part of the Schine Theater Chain and it really is a lovely little place. It has been quite altered inside due to a couple of floodings and to create more servicable areas to meet the theaters needs. But the facade and marquee are still quite nice and they have started a “Walk of Fame” in front of the theater. Of course Ray Evans is the first and biggest star!
Party pooper! : D
Can anyone comment on the condition of the interior of this theater? The outside appears to be modernized quite a bit. What about the interior?
Karen Colizzi Noonan (aka Schine Historian!) will be giving a talk and powerpoint presentation on the history of the Schine Theaters at the Niagara County Historical Society’s Annual Dinner on Thursday October 12. I will be pulling from the archives of the NCHS as well as my personal collection of photos to tell the fascinating story of the Schine Brothers and their chain of independent theaters. Hope to see some of you there!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZLr3jwjz8Y
A bit from YouTube on the closing of the Esquire.
Oh my goodness, that is too precious! Yes, our children do learn by watching us – even the smallest details.
My love affair with historic theaters started when my daughter was in Kindergarten and she absorbed the jargon and minutia like a little sponge. The day we walked into the Stanley Theater in Utica NY and she said, “Hmmm, looks like a Lamb to me”. I just about burst with pride as the theater management looked on in disbelief.
It was probably just a guess on her part, but she guessed right. I knew that she was getting an education that few children receive as she tagged along with me from town to town looking at theaters and meeting fascinating people!
HEADS UP FANS OF THE TRYLON! Theatre Historical Society’s 3rd quarter issue of Marquee will feature a story and photos on the Trylon Theater written by Michael Perlman. This issue should be mailed to the members by the end of November, early December. Non members can reserve a copy now by contacting THS at www.historictheatres.org or better yet, JOIN! and get your own subscription to Marquee!
Heads up fans of the Holland! Theater Historical Society’s next issue of MARQUEE will feature a story of the Holland theater as well as several rarely seen photos of the interior and historical photos. Members should see their copy by the end of the month. Non members can order a copy by going to www.historictheatres.org or better yet, JOIN! so you can get your own subscription to MARQUEE!
Great lnk Ken. It looks more like a land survey photo than an attempt to document the theater itself. What theater enthusiast worth his salt would take a photo that barely shows the facade and all but cuts off the marquee? But… when adequate photo history of a theater does not exist, we get excited about what little we have, eh? I would like to set up a website with those Rochester Schine photos because they really deserve to be seen.
It may be an old article, but it is interesting to see that a publication like Entertainment Weekly might possibly “get it” – that it’s all about the experience, stupid! Of course, we have known that all along, right gang??
What a pity that the photo attached to this theater’s profile has to feature that horrid, mismatched “vintage” marquee. It is only vintage in that it represents a time in our architectural evolution when no thought or consideration was given to the historic nature of the building and the period, flavor or design that the architect intended. Why would anyone slap such an ill-matched marquee style onto a beautiful period building? It was done all the time – but how sad to look back at what was done to these buildings in the name of “modernization”!
Not to change the subject but…. speaking of the Crown Theatres… the chain is historically linked to the Schine Theater chain of old – Dan Crown being the grandson of Myer Schine. So i would expect superior showmanship and attention to patron needs to be the hallmark of the Crown Theatres as they were of the Schine Theaters.
To each his own, Patsy. I shoot on regular old film and get amazing orbs in some all kinds of theaters both restored and derelict. Debunkers and disbelievers are entitled to their opinions, but I choose to believe that in some cases (not all) orbs are friendly contact from “past residents” who are making their presence and their pleasure known to us. I wouldn’t think their “signs” are intended for those who do not wish to accept them! : )
Wow… did you catch all those orbs in that one photo?? “Someone’s” crying out for help – they want their beautiful theater restored and brought back to life!
Once a truly breathtaking Eberson theater with an “outerspace atmospheric” design as seen on the theater’s page on Cinema Treasures. When i spoke with G. David Schine (son of Myer Schine) in the mid 90s, he remembered this theater vividly and described much of the interior ornamentation precisely from memory. He was quite fond of this unique theater.
Despite its dilapidated condition, the beauty and the stunning decor stil s©hines through – one of Eberson’s more over-the-top designs and one of Schine’s most memorable theaters – truly one of a kind!
Thanks Bill. I sent a note to the theater’s email “contact” address too. Will give you a ring when i get back from the Conclave in Boston!
And to all who are “signing off” to travel to Boston, wishing you a safe trip and great times on the THS Conclave. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
Karen
I think we should all demand our money back. Oh… wait…. never mind….
: )
Lessons Learned: “Never post to Cinema Treasures before the second cup of coffee on a Sunday morning!”
Of COURSE i know it’s the Strand – however my brain is not sufficiently caffeinated yet. I am looking at your website right now and trying to figure out if i can work it into my travel plans to Buffalo on July 3. Will let you know!