Comments from irvl

Showing 126 - 150 of 152 comments

irvl
irvl commented about Palace Theatre on Mar 16, 2007 at 6:35 pm

I was in the Palace today. It is being remodeled to be a dance studio, and the floor has been leveled. The stage is being kept, and the owner is doing a beautiful job of restoration, including the installation of period light fixtures.

irvl
irvl commented about Eastman Theatre on Jan 25, 2007 at 8:58 am

If you’re curious about how a symphony orchestra or wind ensemble sounds in the Eastman Theatre, look for a Mercury CD featuring either the Eastman-Rochester Orchestra or the Eastman Wind Ensemble. These recordings are brilliant. Howard Hanson conducted most of the American music orchestral recordings, and Frederick Fennell conducted the wind ensemble ones.

irvl
irvl commented about Ballantyne Village 5 on Dec 21, 2006 at 7:08 am

I certainly hope they have Ballantyne projectors in the booth!

irvl
irvl commented about Gem Theatre on Dec 3, 2006 at 6:36 pm

The Gem has been divided into two separate rental properties, Patsy. One one side is West Orange Photo and Digital Services. The other half is a private residence. The former theatre is easy to spot since the art deco marquee still is installed, and probably will be there forever since it’s built of concrete.

irvl
irvl commented about Garden Theatre on Nov 1, 2006 at 7:43 pm

The organ donated is a large Conn electronic theatre organ. While we do love pipe organs, we really don’t have room for the installation of one, and the upkeep on a genuine piper would be more than we could possibly afford. So, having an electronic organ is an excellent alternative.

irvl
irvl commented about Garden Theatre on Oct 22, 2006 at 6:24 pm

Thanks for your nice comment, Patsy. However, Cypress Gardens is in Winter Haven—about 50 miles or so south of us. Winter Garden is 14 miles west of Orlando, and is an up and coming city, growing rapidly. We still need to raise approximately $600,000 to complete the Garden Theatre’s renovation. I’m sure we will.

irvl
irvl commented about Rex Theatre on Sep 9, 2006 at 10:09 am

While visiting Caliente several years ago, I noted that the theatre was being prepared for hosting a “Halloween Spook Night.”

irvl
irvl commented about Garden Theatre interior plan revealed on Aug 16, 2006 at 5:24 am

I submitted the interior plan to CT but they chose not to use it. If you will send me your email address, I will send one to you.

irvl
irvl commented about Garden Theatre interior plan revealed on Aug 15, 2006 at 4:59 pm

Winter Garden is 14 miles west of Orlando, Fla.

irvl
irvl commented about Ritz Theatre on Aug 2, 2006 at 6:39 pm

This theatre was actually a secondary theatre to the Martin, Bainbridge’s main movie house. Ritz Theatre is still painted on the back of the building that housed that theatre. The Martin Theatre was demolished in the 1970s. The Martin’s site is where the bank building is currently located.

irvl
irvl commented about Detroit & Flint Theaters -- anyone remember these? on Jul 27, 2006 at 6:56 pm

The Paradise Theatre was actually Orchestra Hall, after the Detroit Symphony Orchestra deserted it. A Roman Catholic church rented it for a long period of time after the theatre closed. The DSO made recordings for Mercury in the building during the 1950s and 1960s. Today it has been beautifully restored and is Orchestra Hall once again. The orchestra members had much to do with fundraising to save the hall.

irvl
irvl commented about Brentwood Theatre on Jul 20, 2006 at 6:46 pm

The Brentwood closed in 1959 or 1960. It was operated by Florida State Theatres. An inspection of the inside of the building today will reveal the projection booth (with the port holes filled in) and the manager’s office. The marquee and poster frames are remnants of the old theatre.

irvl
irvl commented about Fairfax Theatre on Jul 19, 2006 at 4:14 pm

This theatre was home to the “Fairfax Players” for many years after it closed as a movie house.

irvl
irvl commented about Casino Theatre on Jun 17, 2006 at 6:11 pm

My parents grew up in Jacksonville during the teens and 20s of the 1900s. They thought of the Casino as being a lower class theatre, and said it had the nickname of “The Fishhouse.” I remember the house being open, and noted that it always seemed to play third or fourth run double bills. I also saw the theatre’s facade a number of times. From the looks of the neighborhood and the theatre itself, I thought I would be a bit afraid to attend a performance there.

irvl
irvl commented about Walker Theatre on May 20, 2006 at 6:20 am

This theatre is actually in Fort Gaines, Georgia. There is no Fort Gaines, Florida.

irvl
irvl commented about Rialto Theatre on Mar 23, 2006 at 6:51 pm

The website listed by Ken MC doesn’t come up when I click on the URL. I’d surely like to see if the pic he references is of Orlando’s Rialto Theatre.

irvl
irvl commented about Fox Theatre Seeks Partner(s) on Jan 18, 2006 at 6:36 pm

Thank you, Patsy. We appreciate your support!

irvl
irvl commented about Fox Theatre Seeks Partner(s) on Jan 18, 2006 at 7:15 am

Good luck in restoring the Fox. I’m involved in the restoration of the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Florida. We Florida folks should stick together on theatre restoration issues.

irvl
irvl commented about Garden Theatre on Dec 1, 2005 at 7:08 am

Applications are currently being solicited for general manager of the Garden Theatre. See www.wghf.org for details.

irvl
irvl commented about Campus Theatre on Nov 30, 2005 at 7:23 am

Milledgeville was Oliver Hardy’s hometown. In fact, his attempt to save his brother from drowning in a river there failed, and his whole life was affected by this incident. Wouldn’t it be great if a tribute to Ollie could be accomplished in connection with restoring this theatre!

irvl
irvl commented about Welcome back! on Nov 28, 2005 at 11:11 am

The site seems to be wonderfully improved. Response is much faster. I enjoy the fine work you do so much. I have learned a lot by researching theatres on this site. Thank you.

irvl
irvl commented about Garden Theatre on Nov 28, 2005 at 6:54 am

Construction has begun on the renovation of this theatre.

irvl
irvl commented about Cameo Theatre on Nov 28, 2005 at 6:49 am

Per a recent article in the ORLANDO SENTINEL, the Cameo opened on Christmas day, 1940. The opening feature was FOUR MOTHERS.

irvl
irvl commented about Renovation Begun at Garden Theatre on Oct 13, 2005 at 6:43 pm

I erred when I reported the Garden had been a warehouse for over 60 years. It was over 40 years. This atmospheric theatre was gutted after closing in 1963, so practically the whole theatre will have to be recreated. Only the balcony, projection booth and manager’s office remain from the old days. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has raised extensive funds to accomplish the project. An additional building will be constructed to the rear of the stage to house dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, restrooms, etc. for the performers. Winter Garden’s downtown is experiencing a renaissance, and the Garden Theatre will become the crown jewel in this redevelopment.

irvl
irvl commented about Tropic Theatre on Oct 5, 2005 at 4:42 pm

Is this theatre open yet?