The Holiday is a prime example of circa late 1960s cinema architecture and has most of its original features still intact most notably the main auditorium which has not be divided up into several small screening rooms as was the fate of most cinemas of that era. For anyone who was a kid during this period it is like taking a step back in time. Both auditoriums feature screens larger than those used for IMAX presentations in most multiplexes. The cinema is a family run operation. It is very clean, affordable and unique.
This is a beautiful and architecturally significant building but with only two screens it does represent a challenge on how to keep it running as a cinema. Since Orlando does not have dedicated venue for independent and foreign films the Celebration could possibly fill this void.
Slight chance this could make it as a sports complex since the district is still at a lost as to what to do with the RFK Stadium and even less of a go as an entertainment complex (note the rapid demise of the elegant multiplex that neither AMC or an independent operator could find an audience for.
It is really remarkable to find a theatre which has been in continuous operation for 85 years and in such remarkable shape! Even though the auditorium has been reconfigured into a twin it is salvageable in that the original proscenium and backstage area remain intact although entomb behind a massive wall of sheetrock.
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/maincourse/]Maincourse: Theatres[/url]
Some work is underway to revert the auditorium to its original design and purpose by creating a new hybrid called the cinema church. The pulpit is gone, the stage restored and a giant new screen added. It could be quite a showpiece but I don’t hold any faith that there will be any screenings of the works of John Waters at this site for the immediate future.
The shell of the Lester still stand howbeit the interior has been gutted and transformed into office space. The full address should read 301 East Main Street, Cherryville, NC. Here is a 2010 shot of what remains of the theatre: Lester Theatre
Fantastic piece of period architecture. The exterior has been relatively well preserved with some remnants of auditorium (e.g. wall details) still in place. Photos from March 2011: Photo 1, Photo 2
Here is a photo from 2005 of what remains of the theatre. The interior has been completely overhauled and am uncertain as to what modifications were made to the exterior.
Exterior photo from 2010. The interior has been completely gutted and all external indicators (e.g. marquee, poster frames, etc.) long removed leaving nothing but the shell of what must has been a rather spectacular streamline cinema.
The Holiday is a prime example of circa late 1960s cinema architecture and has most of its original features still intact most notably the main auditorium which has not be divided up into several small screening rooms as was the fate of most cinemas of that era. For anyone who was a kid during this period it is like taking a step back in time. Both auditoriums feature screens larger than those used for IMAX presentations in most multiplexes. The cinema is a family run operation. It is very clean, affordable and unique.
A plan to expand to use the existing lobby space as a pawn shop was nixed by the Las Vegas planning commission on January 10, 2012.
This is a beautiful and architecturally significant building but with only two screens it does represent a challenge on how to keep it running as a cinema. Since Orlando does not have dedicated venue for independent and foreign films the Celebration could possibly fill this void.
totally fantastic!
beautiful!
it reopened in april 2011 and remains in operation to date.
Slight chance this could make it as a sports complex since the district is still at a lost as to what to do with the RFK Stadium and even less of a go as an entertainment complex (note the rapid demise of the elegant multiplex that neither AMC or an independent operator could find an audience for.
According to the 1963 City Directory the address is listed as 1130 Main Street. Were there two?
Does anyone know how this theatre was reconfigured from a single screen into six screen? Did it have a balcony?
The theare street address should also be changed to 100 East Main Street. The web address is Strand Theatre
It is really remarkable to find a theatre which has been in continuous operation for 85 years and in such remarkable shape! Even though the auditorium has been reconfigured into a twin it is salvageable in that the original proscenium and backstage area remain intact although entomb behind a massive wall of sheetrock. [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/maincourse/]Maincourse: Theatres[/url]
How are the three auditoriums configured? The one closest to the entrance appears to be fan shaped.
Some work is underway to revert the auditorium to its original design and purpose by creating a new hybrid called the cinema church. The pulpit is gone, the stage restored and a giant new screen added. It could be quite a showpiece but I don’t hold any faith that there will be any screenings of the works of John Waters at this site for the immediate future.
Photo from 2010 of the Maple Arts Theatre. The complex was in quite good condition on my visit and still retained much of its original 70’s décor.
2011 Photo of the Mount Airy Theatre
Photos from April 2011 of the theatre: 1, 2
Was this theatre ever equipped with an organ? Photos from 2011:
Facade, Rear of auditorium, Stage
The total seating capacity was 600 (200 for each auditorium).
2011 photo of the Crighton Theatre.
The shell of the Lester still stand howbeit the interior has been gutted and transformed into office space. The full address should read 301 East Main Street, Cherryville, NC. Here is a 2010 shot of what remains of the theatre: Lester Theatre
Fantastic piece of period architecture. The exterior has been relatively well preserved with some remnants of auditorium (e.g. wall details) still in place. Photos from March 2011: Photo 1, Photo 2
The Tropic is a great little cinema and quite a bargain to boot. Photos from 2011: Facade, Marquee
The theatre opened as a single screen operation in 1963 then added a second auditoria ten years later.
Here is a photo from 2005 of what remains of the theatre. The interior has been completely overhauled and am uncertain as to what modifications were made to the exterior.
Exterior photo from 2010. The interior has been completely gutted and all external indicators (e.g. marquee, poster frames, etc.) long removed leaving nothing but the shell of what must has been a rather spectacular streamline cinema.