Norwalk Theatre

Hi Schine Historian,
The Norwalk Theatre is still for sale, but still going strong. We are giving it all the love and respect that we can afford to at this time. Wish the Community would understand that giving the theatre love and respect is a two way street. They need to support what we are doing there in order to provide us with the funds to keep giving it love. Wish that for-profit entities could have access to the taxpayers money that non-profits do to be able to help with upkeep of this beautiful theatre. Anyone interested in purchasing the theatre can contact us at (269) 343-5932.

After being closed in June, 1972, the refurbished Norwalk Theatre reopened as the Norwalk Cinema on November 1 that year. The independent operator who reopened the house was Leonard Jefferson, and the opening feature was “Fiddler On the Roof” according to Boxoffice Magazine of November 27.

The August 3, 1935, issue of Boxoffice mentions a Forum Theatre in Norwalk, taken over that year by Schine after having been built the previous year. It’s not listed here yet.

There was lots of old fashioned laughter on Saturday, the 23rd of February as old cartoons and Three Stooges were shown on the large screen at the Norwalk Theatre. Two showings entertained fun lovers of all ages.
The video projection was done in the original 1.34 to 1 aspect ratio (1.34 feet wide to 1 foot high) with a nice bright sharp picture about 20 feet wide and 15 feet high and was from restored Three Stooges 35mm prints. Lots of popcorn and pop, too.

Also gone is the charm and character of the old 1941 Lady of Entertainment. Besides many of the Antiquities being removed the historic Schine has also been used to serve alcohol at a recent concert, word has it.
The Town Crier

no, the organ is actually gone now

If anyone has any questions about the Norwalk Theater feel free to contact me. I do not work at this theater but I do work with the people that own it and am close family friends with them.

Hello Ken,

You are probably correct, but quite a few seats were removed to create the orchestra pit and handicap seating areas.

Geo

The seating capacity for the New Norwalk Theatre is given as 1,100 in the 1950 edition of Film Daily Yearbook.

Anyone know the status of this theatre?

Steve: Glad to see a stevepatrick post! If you still have my email address, send me an update on a possible theatre purchase as I recall you were interested in the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles Illinois.

Chuck: Great photo of a great looking theatre! We all should have one this nice in our hometowns!

Steve: Alas, I find you here on this link! And this possible sale is an Eberson/art deco deal/single screen deal!

Cooki,
Yep. That is indeed me. I figured that’s probably what you must have meant. Most of my responses to that have been with regards to places up here in the New England area, though I would indeed prefer coming back home to Ohio.
Steve