Ace Company must have a optimistic view of the economy to intend on filling the seats of the King’s for 200 shows in a year. I wish them all the luck. They must be planning on making quite a return on all the money they will be spending in the next three years. I only hope in years down the road their company doesn’t go into receivership and once again NY gets the King’s for back taxes! If they are successful beyond their dreams, I have another palace right here in Chicago for them to get involved in, our own beautiful Rapp & Rapp Uptown Theatre. We need their help!!!!!!!!
Scott, excellent thought. I’ll have to go to the Uptown page and see what you wrote. That could be the twist. Buy it so nobody else will.
Hard to believe it has been three years. Well they certaintly aren’t running it into the ground. They are making necessary repairs and for security. I guess the Riv must be doing good busuness. It has been alive & well for a very long time. Sure wish we were talking about our beautiful Paradise booking live shows. Of course one would be taking their life into their hands to attend one of these shows even if the place was around today. I am hearing scary stories on the economy and I think entertainment could be very much affected or the way people get it. Who would ever believe property values so very much down and the price of gasoline very much up!
Scott,the ecomony might be the salvation for the Uptown and other movie palaces. They are having trouble filling those mega shows except for really big acts. That is why the Chicago will be used more
often. eg. Willie Nelson lately, Janet Jackson. Glen Beck etc. The 4000 seat house is more managable and being located in major downtown locations is a big plus. I hope it doesn’t compete with a newly re-opened Uptown. Then I ask myself. why would Jam buy it if not to use it?
Scott, this was a 4 day event that the fox organ club has yearly. Monday was the last and final day with a farewll lunch and everybody goes home. I don’t think it was opened to the public because members could tinkle the keys after the concert. With the snow down there, I don’t think I am too sad. I did join the Coronado organ group that has monthly shows for $10 and includes great coffee and rolls before it begins and the theater is beautiful……… I love it….
I am under the impression Loews Corporation has nothing to do with movie theaters. They spun them off years ago along with the studios in Hollywood. Marcus Loew started it all. Will they call the King’s Loew’s Kings? I would think that would be a copyright issue. I read on the RKO Keiths in Flushing site that the Loew’s Kings re-hab has begun and all systems are a GO…….
LuisV, I wasn’t aware that the Loew’s Kings project had begun. Good for them. 200 events are sure alot. I don’t even think our Chicago theater which was just recently bought by Radio City is doing that many, though I see it being used more in the last couple of months. Certain shows would do well but would also compete with the Chicago. It has the L stops and some parking, but the real problem is the questionable safety if you are going to attract mainstream groups. It is not in a pretty place.
Scott, The city is holding back the permit fot the Patio to re-open.
Is ready-to-go I hear execpt for the permit to open the front door. Must be back taxes owed. If that small theatre is having a problem, the grand ole Marbro would have even more issues don’t you think.
I never made it to St. Louis this week-end to the Fox organfest. I looked at Amtrak and it was 5 ½ hours. With the price of gas at $4
a gallon, I didn’t want to drive. Besides the show Mon is at 9am- 11am. Not the afternoon show like I thought. So I’ll have to be content with my new discovery, the Coronado.
Scrabble, it was a Sunday afternoon. Good for you. I was at(you guessed it) the Marbro when my father pulled his car under the marquee and we all got in when he told us what happened and it was on the car radio. It was frightning to say the least. You just didn’t hear things like that. As we got home we had the radio on during dinner. I could see my father was worried about his kids and we were told from then on to watch out for each other in the theaters and elsewhere…… As for smelling food in a theater, have you been to a concert at the Allsate complex in Rosement lately? I was there last year for the circus and it was like a foodfest. People in front of me were eating nachos with cheese and something that smelled like salami & peppers and everything in-between..
Scott, Now that you mentioned it, many times we would walk into the middle of the picture or the many cartons and would sit there until it started again and we would leave when we remembered where we came it. I forgot all about that. I can remember my Mom & Dad checking the Trib to see what time the Marbro doors opened more so then when the film started. I guess they felt very safe if we were “dumped” in front of the Marbro, we would be ok. Of course in those days, you didn’t hear much about children being kidnapped except for the Grimes sisters or those three boys that were found dead. My parents trusted the ushers at the Marbro & Paradise to keep an “eye” on us even though we kept an “eye” on them! My parents felt we were safe at a B&K house. There was a fortune telling business near Burny Bros. bakery on Cicero near Adams st. They had drapes covering all the windows. We were instructed NOT to walk in front of the store for they would snatch us and sell us. Pretty heavy stuff for a tot to conceive!
I think Scott would remember Vito’s. Saturday was almost a Marbro day for thousands of west side kids. The car lot you mention I believe was Milo Brook Ford. Anyone remember that? There was also a pontiac dealership nearby. I know I said it before, there was everything you could want to do along Madison St. Who would ever think it would all be gone in a few short years?
I can not believe I never went back after 1959. I could have. I sure wished I had. I guess I always thought it would be there I guess. I settled down up north and went to the Gateway alot, but of course it was no Marbro. But I guess I was so interested in my new school and new friends that I never gave much attention to the Marbro. Oh, if one could only turn back the clock!!
I do believe the Uptown will play rock shows like the Riv. The mainstream shows I believe are not in the future. I would be very causious attending a night performance with the parking and the neighborhood as they are today. You are right Scott, this is not Times Square and never will be. I wish them (Jam) all the luck in the world. There was no community involvement about the Paradise closing. After all, the attendence was sparse at best. As far as the Marbro, my relatives that still lived there thought it would close eventually due to the crime and the dowward trend of Madison/Pulaski area. I do think you are 100% correct. If it wasn’t closed and torn down, the fires would have got her. I never thought it would ever close. Of couse I am a dreamer!!!!!
Wow, I had no idea of the damage in the auditorium. I think you are right. It has reached “the point of no return” What a shame!!!!!!
It looks like a bomb went off inside……
Scott, there was no outcry from any public offical that I can recall. I was a couple of years on you and all I thought my entertainment choices were being scaled back and besides I loved the wonder of the Paradise. But I guess I wasn’t that too upset because I always had my Marbro. The people that were “upset” with the passing of the Paradise were mostly the older crowd and my dad of course. People that took their first date there etc. Many people in that area never saw anything like it! Which is to really say something since most of them thought it until their last breath. Might be good news for the Uptown………. Last Sunday the Chicago Tribune & Sun-times had pictures of the Uptown saying Mayor-elect Rahm is interested in community arts & music venues. The Uptown was mentioned and I believe this will be the closest it will come in years to be fullfilled. With tax breaks etc. and grants we might get to see it all come to be. Get a copy of the Chicago Tribune Sunday.
Thanks all. I thought I heard the RKO name involved in something. I knew the studio was sold to Lucille Ball & Desi in the 50"s but the theaters remained. Like I mentioned before, I toured the Albee Theater in Cinn and it had all that wonderful zig zag white bulb chasers on the marquee as well as the large vertical. It was something to see at night! And that was 1980.
On my next flight over Flushing, which will be very soon, I will look out the window for the water tower of the Keith’s. Is there still an RKO company? And where are they located?
I went to the Dec 19th photo. I think the theater I see is not the Keith’s arriving at LGA. Is there another theater building around there? We pass right over it as we land. I know for years there was a rather large marquee and a vertical that has been since stripped. I can’t imagine there are two remaing large empty theaters in one area. Maybe I am thinking of the roof sign on the Keith’s. I would love to attend Loews Paradise in the Bronx, but nothing on the menu interests me.
I have to agree with Jeffery1955. I still get a “chill” when I come to NY and we fly over NYC on a clear day. When I fly to LGA, the plane always passes over the Keith’s. I have been doing this for 40 years. When did they take down the signage? Wasn’t there a large vertical or perhaps I am thnking of a roof sign. This building is easy to spot in Flushing for a theater lover!
I guess it would be a conversational piece in the dentist office. I agree with Jeffrey1955, patients have to rinse and spit somewhere. Why not the fountain of the Keith’s? Better than what they would do in it if it was still in the theater!
Ace Company must have a optimistic view of the economy to intend on filling the seats of the King’s for 200 shows in a year. I wish them all the luck. They must be planning on making quite a return on all the money they will be spending in the next three years. I only hope in years down the road their company doesn’t go into receivership and once again NY gets the King’s for back taxes! If they are successful beyond their dreams, I have another palace right here in Chicago for them to get involved in, our own beautiful Rapp & Rapp Uptown Theatre. We need their help!!!!!!!!
Scott, excellent thought. I’ll have to go to the Uptown page and see what you wrote. That could be the twist. Buy it so nobody else will.
Hard to believe it has been three years. Well they certaintly aren’t running it into the ground. They are making necessary repairs and for security. I guess the Riv must be doing good busuness. It has been alive & well for a very long time. Sure wish we were talking about our beautiful Paradise booking live shows. Of course one would be taking their life into their hands to attend one of these shows even if the place was around today. I am hearing scary stories on the economy and I think entertainment could be very much affected or the way people get it. Who would ever believe property values so very much down and the price of gasoline very much up!
Scott,the ecomony might be the salvation for the Uptown and other movie palaces. They are having trouble filling those mega shows except for really big acts. That is why the Chicago will be used more
often. eg. Willie Nelson lately, Janet Jackson. Glen Beck etc. The 4000 seat house is more managable and being located in major downtown locations is a big plus. I hope it doesn’t compete with a newly re-opened Uptown. Then I ask myself. why would Jam buy it if not to use it?
Scott, this was a 4 day event that the fox organ club has yearly. Monday was the last and final day with a farewll lunch and everybody goes home. I don’t think it was opened to the public because members could tinkle the keys after the concert. With the snow down there, I don’t think I am too sad. I did join the Coronado organ group that has monthly shows for $10 and includes great coffee and rolls before it begins and the theater is beautiful……… I love it….
I am under the impression Loews Corporation has nothing to do with movie theaters. They spun them off years ago along with the studios in Hollywood. Marcus Loew started it all. Will they call the King’s Loew’s Kings? I would think that would be a copyright issue. I read on the RKO Keiths in Flushing site that the Loew’s Kings re-hab has begun and all systems are a GO…….
LuisV, I wasn’t aware that the Loew’s Kings project had begun. Good for them. 200 events are sure alot. I don’t even think our Chicago theater which was just recently bought by Radio City is doing that many, though I see it being used more in the last couple of months. Certain shows would do well but would also compete with the Chicago. It has the L stops and some parking, but the real problem is the questionable safety if you are going to attract mainstream groups. It is not in a pretty place.
Scott, The city is holding back the permit fot the Patio to re-open.
Is ready-to-go I hear execpt for the permit to open the front door. Must be back taxes owed. If that small theatre is having a problem, the grand ole Marbro would have even more issues don’t you think.
I never made it to St. Louis this week-end to the Fox organfest. I looked at Amtrak and it was 5 ½ hours. With the price of gas at $4
a gallon, I didn’t want to drive. Besides the show Mon is at 9am- 11am. Not the afternoon show like I thought. So I’ll have to be content with my new discovery, the Coronado.
Remember the ole saying “Money Talks” !!!!!!!!!!!!
Scrabble, it was a Sunday afternoon. Good for you. I was at(you guessed it) the Marbro when my father pulled his car under the marquee and we all got in when he told us what happened and it was on the car radio. It was frightning to say the least. You just didn’t hear things like that. As we got home we had the radio on during dinner. I could see my father was worried about his kids and we were told from then on to watch out for each other in the theaters and elsewhere…… As for smelling food in a theater, have you been to a concert at the Allsate complex in Rosement lately? I was there last year for the circus and it was like a foodfest. People in front of me were eating nachos with cheese and something that smelled like salami & peppers and everything in-between..
Scott, Now that you mentioned it, many times we would walk into the middle of the picture or the many cartons and would sit there until it started again and we would leave when we remembered where we came it. I forgot all about that. I can remember my Mom & Dad checking the Trib to see what time the Marbro doors opened more so then when the film started. I guess they felt very safe if we were “dumped” in front of the Marbro, we would be ok. Of course in those days, you didn’t hear much about children being kidnapped except for the Grimes sisters or those three boys that were found dead. My parents trusted the ushers at the Marbro & Paradise to keep an “eye” on us even though we kept an “eye” on them! My parents felt we were safe at a B&K house. There was a fortune telling business near Burny Bros. bakery on Cicero near Adams st. They had drapes covering all the windows. We were instructed NOT to walk in front of the store for they would snatch us and sell us. Pretty heavy stuff for a tot to conceive!
I think Scott would remember Vito’s. Saturday was almost a Marbro day for thousands of west side kids. The car lot you mention I believe was Milo Brook Ford. Anyone remember that? There was also a pontiac dealership nearby. I know I said it before, there was everything you could want to do along Madison St. Who would ever think it would all be gone in a few short years?
I wonder how the Leow’s Kings is doing without any known parking in the area. And they are talking millions for restoration aren’t they?
Wasn’t that the most beautiful marquee? Especially at night with all those white chasers and flashers with the Balaban & Katz logo?
Never saw rats at the Marbro! But had quite a few at the Alex. If the Marbro did have rats, they must have been dressed in their finery to be sure!!
I can not believe I never went back after 1959. I could have. I sure wished I had. I guess I always thought it would be there I guess. I settled down up north and went to the Gateway alot, but of course it was no Marbro. But I guess I was so interested in my new school and new friends that I never gave much attention to the Marbro. Oh, if one could only turn back the clock!!
I do believe the Uptown will play rock shows like the Riv. The mainstream shows I believe are not in the future. I would be very causious attending a night performance with the parking and the neighborhood as they are today. You are right Scott, this is not Times Square and never will be. I wish them (Jam) all the luck in the world. There was no community involvement about the Paradise closing. After all, the attendence was sparse at best. As far as the Marbro, my relatives that still lived there thought it would close eventually due to the crime and the dowward trend of Madison/Pulaski area. I do think you are 100% correct. If it wasn’t closed and torn down, the fires would have got her. I never thought it would ever close. Of couse I am a dreamer!!!!!
Wow, I had no idea of the damage in the auditorium. I think you are right. It has reached “the point of no return” What a shame!!!!!!
It looks like a bomb went off inside……
Thanks so much….You cleared alot of questions.
Scott, there was no outcry from any public offical that I can recall. I was a couple of years on you and all I thought my entertainment choices were being scaled back and besides I loved the wonder of the Paradise. But I guess I wasn’t that too upset because I always had my Marbro. The people that were “upset” with the passing of the Paradise were mostly the older crowd and my dad of course. People that took their first date there etc. Many people in that area never saw anything like it! Which is to really say something since most of them thought it until their last breath. Might be good news for the Uptown………. Last Sunday the Chicago Tribune & Sun-times had pictures of the Uptown saying Mayor-elect Rahm is interested in community arts & music venues. The Uptown was mentioned and I believe this will be the closest it will come in years to be fullfilled. With tax breaks etc. and grants we might get to see it all come to be. Get a copy of the Chicago Tribune Sunday.
Thanks all. I thought I heard the RKO name involved in something. I knew the studio was sold to Lucille Ball & Desi in the 50"s but the theaters remained. Like I mentioned before, I toured the Albee Theater in Cinn and it had all that wonderful zig zag white bulb chasers on the marquee as well as the large vertical. It was something to see at night! And that was 1980.
On my next flight over Flushing, which will be very soon, I will look out the window for the water tower of the Keith’s. Is there still an RKO company? And where are they located?
I went to the Dec 19th photo. I think the theater I see is not the Keith’s arriving at LGA. Is there another theater building around there? We pass right over it as we land. I know for years there was a rather large marquee and a vertical that has been since stripped. I can’t imagine there are two remaing large empty theaters in one area. Maybe I am thinking of the roof sign on the Keith’s. I would love to attend Loews Paradise in the Bronx, but nothing on the menu interests me.
I have to agree with Jeffery1955. I still get a “chill” when I come to NY and we fly over NYC on a clear day. When I fly to LGA, the plane always passes over the Keith’s. I have been doing this for 40 years. When did they take down the signage? Wasn’t there a large vertical or perhaps I am thnking of a roof sign. This building is easy to spot in Flushing for a theater lover!
You guys are hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess it would be a conversational piece in the dentist office. I agree with Jeffrey1955, patients have to rinse and spit somewhere. Why not the fountain of the Keith’s? Better than what they would do in it if it was still in the theater!