Astor Theatre
730-42 Penn Street,
Reading,
PA
19602
730-42 Penn Street,
Reading,
PA
19602
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Jay Emanuel Theaters, Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp.
Architects: William Harold Lee
Styles: Art Deco
Nearby Theaters
Built on the site of the Arcadia Theater, the Astor Theatre opened October 3, 1928 with Janet Gaynor in “Street Angel”. It was designed by architect William H. Lee, and seating 2,478. The Art Deco style theatre, located on Penn Street, operated until 1975. Unfortunately, the Astor Theatre was razed in 1998 to clear the way for the Sovereign Center arena. Some architectural details were salvaged from the Astor Theatre and recycled in the Sovereign Center.
Contributed by
Bryan
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Recent comments (view all 31 comments)
two glass doors from the Astor are for sale on Reading craigslist
Hey I was hoping you could tell me what Year the Greatful Dead played the the Astor I think 1968 and how could I find any photo’s of the Band….not sure if the played as The Warlock’s or the Greatful Dead any info would be nice..would love to know the setlist and how many shows Jerry or the band played. Reading PA
Maybe September 20, 1976, but the information is scant.
http://tinyurl.com/3p2caup
Don’t think so. This has all their shows as far as I know.
http://www.dead.net/shows/
The Grateful Dead never played here but the Jerry Garcia Band performed here on 9/20/76.
There were early and lates shows… Early setlist They Love Each Other Russian Lullaby After Midnight Stir It Up How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Who Was John Friend Of The Devil Midnight Moonlight
Late setlist The Way You Do The Things You Do Catfish John Sugaree Knockin' On Heaven’s Door Mystery Train Tore Up Over You Mission In The Rain > My Sisters And Brothers Ride Mighty High
Elvis Presley’s drummer, Ron Tutt, was the Garcia Band’s drummer also, in the same time frame.
Our description says the Astor opened in 1938. This must be a typo. It opened in 1928. The September 11 issue of the Reading Times said that the projected opening date was September 21.
October 3rd, 1928 grand opening ad can be found in the photo section.
Just came across this 1987 article from Allentown’s Morning Call newspaper. Fairly lengthy piece that gives some history on the theatre and the (then current) fight to save it. http://articles.mcall.com/1987-09-06/entertainment/2586721_1_tiles-art-deco-reading
Facebook Page for the Astor https://www.facebook.com/groups/801514174135826